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Automotive Paint Prepper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Diehl CDJR of Grove City

Paint Prepper

Grove City, PA · On-site

Automotive Paint Prep Technician - Diehl Collision of Grove City Diehl Automotive Group is hiring an experienced Automotive Paint Prep Technician (Paint Prepper) for Diehl Collision of Grove City. If ...

Diehl CDJR of Grove City

Paint Prepper

Grove City, PA · On-site

Automotive Paint Prep Technician - Diehl Collision of Grove City Diehl Automotive Group is hiring an experienced Automotive Paint Prep Technician (Paint Prepper) for Diehl Collision of Grove City. If ...

Classic Collision

Automotive Paint Prepper

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Automotive Paint Prepper $16 - $20 Per Hour Classic Collision is now hiring an Autobody Paint Prepper. Classic Collision was established in 1983 in Atlanta, Georgia with one single goal: To offer ...

Classic Collision

Automotive Paint Prepper

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Automotive Paint Prepper $18.00 - $24.00 Per Hour, DOE Classic Collision is now hiring an Autobody Paint Prepper. Classic Collision was established in 1983 in Atlanta, Georgia with one single goal:

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Automotive Paint Prepper information

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How much do automotive paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive paint prepper in the United States is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive paint prepper do?

An Automotive Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing vehicles for the painting process in auto body shops or collision repair centers. Their tasks include cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming vehicle surfaces to ensure paint adheres properly and the final finish looks professional. They also inspect surfaces for imperfections, repair minor dents or scratches, and ensure safety standards are followed. Paint Preppers play a vital role in achieving high-quality paint jobs and maintaining vehicle appearance.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an automotive paint prepper?

To thrive as an Automotive Paint Prepper, you need a strong understanding of surface preparation techniques, knowledge of automotive painting processes, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sanding equipment, masking tools, spray booths, and sometimes certifications in automotive refinishing are important. Attention to detail, time management, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure vehicles are properly prepared for painting, resulting in high-quality finishes and efficient workflow in the body shop.

What does a typical day look like for an automotive paint prepper?

A typical day for an Automotive Paint Prepper involves tasks such as sanding, masking, cleaning, and priming vehicle surfaces to ensure they're ready for painting. Preppers work closely with painters, body technicians, and sometimes estimators to ensure each vehicle meets quality standards and deadlines. Clear communication and teamwork are essential, as Preppers must coordinate with painters to manage workflow and address any surface issues before painting begins. This collaborative environment helps maintain efficiency and delivers a high-quality finish for every job.

What is the difference between Automotive Paint Prepper vs Automotive Painter?

AspectAutomotive Paint PrepperAutomotive Painter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, vocational training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentPreparation area, spray booths, repair shopsPaint booths, repair shops, body shops
Job FocusSurface preparation, sanding, maskingApplying paint, finishing coats, color matching

Automotive Paint Prepper primarily focuses on preparing vehicle surfaces for painting, including sanding and masking, while Automotive Painter applies the paint and finishes. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but their core responsibilities differ, with prepper ensuring surfaces are ready for painting and painter executing the actual paint application.

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What states have the most Automotive Paint Prepper jobs?

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Automotive Paint Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Paint Prepper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,281 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Automotive Paint Prepper

Lafayette, IN • On-site

Bob Rohrman Collision Repair
See more jobs at Bob Rohrman Collision Repairexternal

$2.0K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Apprentice Technician
We are looking for a detail-oriented Automotive Paint Prepper to join our collision repair team and help prepare customer vehicles for high-quality paint refinishing. Whether you're an experienced paint prepper or looking to grow your career in the collision repair industry, Rohrman Auto offers modern equipment, a steady flow of work, manufacturer support, and a team-oriented environment where craftsmanship and attention to detail are valued.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare vehicles and vehicle components for paint by washing, sanding, masking, priming, and cleaning surfaces.
  • Remove trim, moldings, lights, and other components as necessary to prepare vehicles for refinishing.
  • Mix primers and prepare surfaces to ensure proper paint adhesion and a high-quality finish.
  • Inspect repaired panels for imperfections and perform final surface preparation before painting.
  • Work closely with Auto Body Technicians and Painters to ensure vehicles are properly prepared and repairs are completed on schedule.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in compliance with shop procedures and OSHA standards.
  • Properly handle and dispose of paint materials, masking supplies, and other shop products.
  • Participate in ongoing manufacturer and in-house training to stay current with refinishing procedures and industry best practices.

Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED required; Previous experience as an Automotive Paint Prepper, Paint Assistant, or Collision Repair Technician preferred.
  • Experience with sanding, masking, priming, and vehicle surface preparation.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced collision repair environment.
  • Knowledge of collision repair processes and paint preparation techniques preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to lift, bend, stand, and work in a physically active shop environment.

Benefits
  • Affordable Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
  • Competitive 401(k): Build your future with our retirement savings plan.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes paid holidays and vacation after 90 days of full-time employment.
  • Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave: Support for new mothers and fathers.
  • Paylocity "Pay On Demand": Access your earnings before payday (up to $2,000).
  • Employee Discounts: Discounts on vehicle servicing and new car purchases.
  • Continuous Training & Mentorship: Grow professionally and advance your career within our group.
  • Employee Tenure & Recognition Program: We celebrate milestones and contributions.
  • Fun Company Events: Awesome experiences for employees and their families!

About Rohrman Automotive Group
Rohrman Automotive Group is one of the Midwest's most respected dealership groups, with locations across Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin representing a wide range of top automotive brands. We are a family-rooted organization built on a culture of accountability, performance, and people.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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