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Automotive Prepper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

Automotive Prepper/ Painters are responsible for preparing vehicles for primer and paint application and providing quality paint finishes on customers' and clients' vehicles. Responsibilities:

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Maintain clean and organized work area, blowing out daily, and returning any unused inventory to storage Automotive Prepper/Sander Roles and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Sand ...

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

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

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

Be Seen First

Maintain clean and organized work area, blowing out daily, and returning any unused inventory to storage Automotive Prepper/Sander Roles and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Sand ...

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

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

At Ed Voyles Hyundai Collision Center, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch automotive repair ... Prepper. The ideal candidate will be passionate about automotive repair, eager to learn, and ...

At Ed Voyles Hyundai Collision Center, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch automotive repair ... Prepper. The ideal candidate will be passionate about automotive repair, eager to learn, and ...

At Ed Voyles Hyundai Collision Center, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch automotive repair ... Prepper. The ideal candidate will be passionate about automotive repair, eager to learn, and ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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:

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 - 2nd Shift

Delanco, NJ • On-site

Carvana
Automobile Dealers • 5 - 10K employees

$20 - $23/hr

Part-time, Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Carvana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We're looking for Auto Painters with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive painting experience to join us at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history and one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500.
As a Painter, you'll be expected to prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted, along with buffing, touch-up, paint mixing, and airbrush.
At Carvana, you'll receive a competitive wage and amazing perks – including a 401(k) with Carvana match and even a vehicle purchase discount – all while using state of the art tools in one of our high-tech Inspection Centers (click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your skills and pay progress along with the company.

Hourly Pay: $20-23 


Other perks of the Job

  • 100% company-paid healthcare premiums
  • Generous paid-time off and your birthday is a holiday!
  • ASE and tool reimbursement programs
  • Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment

Schedule: 

We do everything we can to deliver an exceptional customer experience, and that includes delivering great vehicles when expected. If we're in a pinch, mandatory overtime is one way in which we can follow-through on this commitment to our customers. We're looking for team players who are all in on our mission and are able to work mandatory overtime based on our business needs. 


How To Get Started
Join the Carvana team by applying on this page, or call one of our recruiters by phone at (888) 690-7853, Monday through Friday, between 6 AM and 4 PM PT (9AM to 7PM ET).


Not a match for this role?
We have a variety of paint roles available, depending on your experience - look below to see other roles available to help us get our low-mileage, late-model cars ready for our customers:

  • Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing
  • Entry-Level Painter (min 1 year professional experience): prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted, along with buffing, touch-up, paint mixing, and airbrush.
  • Mid-Level Painter (min 3 years professional experience):  match/mix paint color and use water-based paint to paint the vehicle inside our paint booths
  • Experienced Painter (min 5 years professional experience): painting (base coats, tri-coats, solid, metallic, and clear coats), blending adjacent panels, and paint correcting vehicles.

We also have a variety of other automotive roles available in one of our 18 locations across the country – take a look at our Careers site to apply for one of the following roles:

  • Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) roles
  • Auto Technician/Mechanic roles: Lube and Oil, Inspection, Brake and Tire, Mechanical Repair / Build, and Master Technician roles
  • Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate, Inspection, and Coordinator/Administrator roles

General qualifications and requirements

  • Ability to physically operate vehicle equipment and tools - must be able to lift up to 60 pounds independently
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Some positions may be subject to an Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check
  • An ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment while sometimes being exposed to excessive weather conditions (heat/cold)
  • Use of safety equipment that may include but not limited to face shield or goggles, non-slip shoes, gloves, mask, and other protective garments and equipment

About Carvana
At Carvana, we sell cars but we aren't car salesmen. Our promise is simple: we won't sell a car to a customer that we wouldn't sell to our own Mom. Period.
To make sure our cars are in first-rate condition, we've built multiple vehicle Reconditioning Centers around the country, where our cars are inspected, perfected, and photographed before reaching the Carvana website.
Think you've got what it takes to join our team? Apply today!
Carvana is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Carvana also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.


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About Carvana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Carvana, we sell cars, but we're not salespeople. Since 2013, we've been making it our mission to change the way people buy cars. We saw a huge problem with how much it can suck to buy a car the traditional way, so we committed ourselves to tackling one of the largest, yet-to-be-disrupted markets in the world - the $1T per year U.S. car market (yes, that's $Trillion with a "T").

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tempe, AZ, US

Year founded

2011