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Automotive Prepper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calvin Wayne Cox

Automotive Prepper

Exeter, CA · On-site

$22/hr

As an Automotive Prepper, you will be responsible for prepping vehicles surfaces for painting by sanding, masking, priming, and ensuring a smooth finish. They work closely with painters to achieve ...

Calvin Wayne Cox

Automotive Prepper

Exeter, CA

$22/hr

As an Automotive Prepper, you will be responsible for prepping vehicles surfaces for painting by sanding, masking, priming, and ensuring a smooth finish. They work closely with painters to achieve ...

Calvin Wayne Cox

Automotive Prepper

Exeter, CA · On-site

$22/hr

As an Automotive Prepper, you will be responsible for prepping vehicles surfaces for painting by sanding, masking, priming, and ensuring a smooth finish. They work closely with painters to achieve ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper- 2nd Shift

Mount Laurel, NJ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

We're looking for Autobody Preppers with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive bodywork ... Mid-Level Prepper (min 3-5 years professional experience): perform bodywork on multiple panels ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper- 2nd Shift

Camden, NJ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

We're looking for Autobody Preppers with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive bodywork ... Mid-Level Prepper (min 3-5 years professional experience): perform bodywork on multiple panels ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper- 2nd Shift

Delanco, NJ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

We're looking for Autobody Preppers with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive bodywork ... Mid-Level Prepper (min 3-5 years professional experience): perform bodywork on multiple panels ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper- 2nd Shift

Delanco, NJ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

We're looking for Autobody Preppers with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive bodywork ... Mid-Level Prepper (min 3-5 years professional experience): perform bodywork on multiple panels ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper- 2nd Shift

Camden, NJ

$19 - $22/hr

We're looking for Autobody Preppers with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive bodywork ... Mid-Level Prepper (min 3-5 years professional experience): perform bodywork on multiple panels ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper

Manville, NJ · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We're looking for Autobody Preppers with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive bodywork experience to join us at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history and ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper- 2nd Shift

Mount Laurel, NJ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

We're looking for Autobody Preppers with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive bodywork ... Mid-Level Prepper (min 3-5 years professional experience): perform bodywork on multiple panels ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper - 2nd Shift

Camden, NJ · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

We're looking for Auto Body Preppers with a minimum of 6 months of professional automotive prepping ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

Calvin Wayne Cox

Automotive Prepper/Painter

Exeter, CA · On-site

$18 - $32/hr

As an Automotive Technician, you will be responsible for diagnosing and repairing vehicles. You must be comfortable using the dealership's computer software and have extensive knowledge of vehicle ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper - 2nd Shift

Delanco, NJ · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We're looking for Auto Painters with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive painting ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper - 2nd Shift

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We're looking for Auto Painters with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive painting ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper - 2nd Shift

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We're looking for Auto Painters with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive painting ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper - 2nd Shift

Delanco, NJ · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We're looking for Auto Painters with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive painting ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper - 2nd Shift

Mount Laurel, NJ · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

We're looking for Auto Body Preppers with a minimum of 6 months of professional automotive prepping ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper - 2nd Shift

Delanco, NJ · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

We're looking for Auto Body Preppers with a minimum of 6 months of professional automotive prepping ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

Carvana

Automotive Prepper - 2nd Shift

Delanco, NJ · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

We're looking for Auto Body Preppers with a minimum of 6 months of professional automotive prepping ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

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Automotive Prepper information

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$12

$24

$37

How much do automotive prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive prepper in the United States is $24.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automotive prepper?

An Automotive Prepper is a professional responsible for preparing vehicles for painting. Their duties typically include sanding, masking, cleaning, and applying primers to vehicle surfaces to ensure the paint adheres properly and produces a high-quality finish. They also inspect vehicles for imperfections, repair minor damage, and ensure all surfaces are smooth and free of contaminants before the painting process begins. Automotive Preppers often work closely with auto body technicians and painters in collision repair shops or automotive service centers.

What are some common challenges automotive preppers face during the vehicle refinishing process?

Automotive Preppers often encounter challenges such as ensuring surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and properly masked to prevent paint contamination or overspray. Managing time efficiently while maintaining high attention to detail is crucial, as prepping errors can lead to costly rework. Additionally, working in fast-paced environments means Preppers must coordinate closely with painters and body technicians to keep projects on schedule. Staying up-to-date with safety procedures and handling various chemicals and equipment safely is also an important aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive prepper, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Prepper, you need a good understanding of vehicle surface preparation, sanding, masking techniques, and attention to detail, often supported by experience in auto body repair or a related field. Familiarity with tools like sanders, spray guns, and masking systems, as well as knowledge of safety protocols and sometimes an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, is valuable. Strong time management, teamwork, and a commitment to quality help set top candidates apart. These skills are critical to ensuring vehicles are properly prepared for painting, resulting in high-quality finishes and efficient workflow in auto body shops.

What is the difference between Automotive Prepper vs Auto Detailer?

AspectAutomotive PrepperAuto Detailer
CertificationsNone required, but certifications in auto body or prep may helpNone required, some may have certifications in detailing
Work EnvironmentAuto shops, collision centers, prep stationsCar dealerships, detailing shops, auto salons
Job FocusPreparing vehicles for painting or repair, masking, sandingCleaning, polishing, and cosmetic enhancement of vehicles

Automotive Preppers focus on preparing vehicles for painting or repairs, involving masking and surface prep, while Auto Detailers concentrate on cleaning and beautifying vehicles. Both roles require attention to detail but differ in their primary tasks and work environments.

What cities are hiring for Automotive Prepper jobs?

Cities with the most Automotive Prepper job openings:

What states have the most Automotive Prepper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Automotive Prepper jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Prepper jobs?

For Automotive Prepper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Automotive Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive 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 $50,309 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Automotive Prepper

Exeter, CA • On-site

Calvin Wayne Cox
See more jobs at Calvin Wayne Coxexternal

$22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Benefits/Perks
  • Careers Advancement Opportunities 
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Benefits package
 Job Summary
We are looking for an Automotive Prepper to join our successful dealership service center. 

As an Automotive Prepper, you will be responsible for prepping vehicles surfaces for painting by sanding, masking, priming, and ensuring a smooth finish. They work closely with painters to achieve high-quality results

If you have a “never give up” attitude and are willing to problem-solve until you find the best solution for the customer, we want to hear from you. 

Responsibilities:
  • Surface Preparation: Sanding, masking, and priming vehicle surfaces to ensure a smooth and flawless paint application. 
  • Inspection: Identifying imperfections, scratches, or dents that require repair before painting.
  • Paint Mixing & Application Support: Assisting in mixing and applying primers or undercoats to prepare surfaces for painting.
  • Masking & Protection: Using masking tape and other materials to protect areas that should not be painted.
  • Cleaning & Maintenance: Keeping workspaces clean and organized while adhering to safety protocols.
  • Collaboration: Working closely with painters to ensure proper color matching and application techniques.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED is required
  • Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is often required. 
  • Experience: Previous experience in auto body preparation or a related field is highly valued. Five or more years of experience.
  • Technical Skills: Ability to operate tools such as sanders, buffers, and spray-painting equipment.
  • Training: Some employers provide on-the-job training, but attending a trade school for auto body painting or repair can be beneficial.
  • Attention to Detail: Strong ability to identify imperfections and ensure surfaces are properly prepped for painting.
  • Safety Knowledge: Understanding of workplace safety protocols and handling of hazardous materials

Compensation is negotiable depending on experience.