1

Aviation Painting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

787 Aircraft Painter

Wichita, KS · On-site

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

Aerospace or aviation painting experience strongly preferred * Knowledge of OSHA, BAC, and customer-specific requirements * Experience handling hazardous materials and following strict safety ...

Aircraft Painter

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$24 - $30.50/hr

Familiarity with aviation painting standards and regulations. * Demonstrated experience in training/mentoring junior painters and performing quality inspections. Physical Requirements & Work ...

Production Painter 1

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Aerospace manufacturing or aviation painting experience. * Experience applying primers, epoxies, polyurethane, or specialty aerospace coatings. * Familiarity with paint thickness gauges and coating ...

Aerospace manufacturing or aviation painting experience. * Experience applying primers, epoxies, polyurethane, or specialty aerospace coatings. * Familiarity with paint thickness gauges and coating ...

Paint Technician (1715)

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Clean painting equipment daily. * Apply specialty coatings to aviation components as required. * Set digital oven timers and temperatures. * Monitor times closely to ensure proper curing time for ...

Elliott Aviation, a leader in aircraft solutions, has an exciting opportunity for a Paint Technician at their location in Moline, IL. Since 1936, Elliott Aviation has been a world-class provider of ...

Elliott Aviation, a leader in aircraft solutions, has an exciting opportunity for a Paint Technician at their location in Moline, IL. Since 1936, Elliott Aviation has been a world-class provider of ...

Elliott Aviation, a leader in aircraft solutions, has an exciting opportunity for a 2nd Shift Paint Technician at their location in Moline, IL. Since 1936, Elliott Aviation has been a world-class ...

Do you have experience prepping and painting aircraft and other vehicles? If you have the following skills and can preform the following tasks, apply today!Strong hand-eye coordination and ...

Perform all work in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. Assist with painting, painting base coat and layout. Follow all company and safety rules during performance of duties.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Aviation Painting information

See salary details

$13

$26

$37

How much do aviation painting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation painting in the United States is $26.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do you get paid to paint airplanes?

Aviation painters typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled painters with certifications and experience working with specialized paints and tools can earn higher wages, especially in large or commercial aviation settings.

How much does an aircraft paint job cost?

The cost of an aircraft paint job for aviation painting professionals typically ranges from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the aircraft size, complexity of the design, and paint quality. Larger or more intricate projects require more time, materials, and skilled labor, which can significantly influence the price. Proper surface preparation and certification standards are essential components of the process.

What is the difference between Aviation Painting vs Aircraft Maintenance Painting?

AspectAviation PaintingAircraft Maintenance Painting
Required CertificationsFAA certifications, OSHA safety trainingFAA certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentAircraft hangars, paint booths, airportsAircraft hangars, maintenance facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily for aircraft exterior and interior finishingPart of overall aircraft maintenance and repair

Both Aviation Painting and Aircraft Maintenance Painting require FAA certifications and safety training. Aviation Painting focuses on applying paint to aircraft exteriors and interiors, often in specialized paint booths at airports. Aircraft Maintenance Painting is a subset of aircraft maintenance, involving painting as part of repair and refurbishment processes. While they share certifications and work environments, Aviation Painting emphasizes finishing aircraft for aesthetic and protective purposes, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Painting is integrated into broader maintenance tasks.

How much does Lockheed Martin pay painters?

Aviation painters at Lockheed Martin typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. The role requires knowledge of aircraft coatings, safety protocols, and often involves working in controlled environments or hangars.

How do you become an aircraft painter?

To become an aircraft painter, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in aircraft painting or a related field. Skills in surface preparation, painting techniques, and knowledge of safety standards are essential, and some positions may require certification or experience with specific tools and paints used in aviation maintenance.
More about Aviation Painting jobs
What cities are hiring for Aviation Painting jobs? Cities with the most Aviation Painting job openings:
What states have the most Aviation Painting jobs? States with the most job openings for Aviation Painting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aviation Painting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aviation Painting jobs are:
Infographic showing various Aviation Painting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,455 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Aircraft Paint Technician - 1287

West Star Aviation

Statesville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


West Star Aviation rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 64 rated aviation services


Job description

West Star is the fastest growing maintenance repair organization in the industry, and we recognize this is the result of our talented team of trusted employees working together to deliver customer service excellence. We are committed to providing our employees with personal and professional growth opportunities while fostering a culture of respect and well-being with a small company feel.
When you join our team, we don't think you should have to wait for your benefits to kick in. That's why when you start, they start with you! This includes medical, dental, 401K match, time off accruals, weekly pay days and much more. We don't want you to live to work, we want you to work and live.
What you can expect as an Aircraft Paint Technician at West Star:
As a Paint Technician you will have the opportunity to help change the ordinary into the extraordinary. Our paint technicians can paint anything from standard stripes and colors to highly detailed artwork. If you have a creative edge and a desire for working with your hands, then this is the position for you. This position will be staffed by two painters and cover both Teterboro, NJ and White Plains, NY Service Hubs seven days a week. This position also helps out the maintenance staff when there is no paint work.
You will be ESSENTIAL to many FUNCTIONS including:
  • Proficient in spraying techniques and customizing chemical formulas to overcome environmental challenges and various substrates and environmental conditions.
  • Performs duties in compliance with regulations, including FAA, OSHA and EPA.
  • Be able to create complete paint prep work including chemical stripping and sanding on various forms of substrates (aluminum, composite, steel, stainless steel, etc.)
  • Proficient in tape masking of product and occasionally the use of body filler products and sanding techniques.
  • Completes aircraft paint detailing.
  • Will travel to offsite locations
  • Effectively and clearly communicate (i.e., speak, write, read) in English
  • Any other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

What you will need to bring with you:
Your Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent. Vo-tech school in paint or on-the-job experience is preferred but not required.
A valid driver's license approved for airline travel and/or a valid passport is ideal
Your Experience:
5+ Years in aviation painting operations
Your Initiative
We're looking for team players who are self-motivated, flexible and good with working in a fast-paced environment where working under specific deadlines and time constraints will be common.
Your Sense of Responsibility
Attend work every day as scheduled to include overtime and weekend assignments.
Notify supervisor in advance of shift starting if unable to work.
Must have reliable transportation to get to work each and every day.
Perform all work in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
Assist with painting, painting base coat and layout.
Follow all company and safety rules during performance of duties.
Maintain customer-oriented work habits.
Other Particulars:
Physical Requirements
Work on elevated platforms (up to 40 feet in the air) using fall protection safety gear
Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time while performing repair
Lift 70 lbs.
Operate basic hand tools and ground equipment
Work in confined spaces
Mental Requirements
Understanding and implementation of regulations and guidelines including but not limited to OSHA, haz mat, etc.
Logically work with mechanical processes.
Work with others in a professional manner.
Good communication skills.
Supervision
Work under supervision of your Team Leader.
Working Conditions
The majority of work will be accomplished in a heated hangar or shop area.
Work in aircraft on ramp may occur.
Varied positions in and around the aircraft.
Equipment Used
Air equipment, polisher and sander.
Stripper pump, electrostatic paint guns, pressure posts, and laser level.
Tugs, power carts and other engine powered equipment.
Company Description:
With over 78 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, we offer comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, Missouri; and Statesville, NC as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis and Chicago. Our extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.

What West Star Aviation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom