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Body Shop Prepper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Body Shop Paint Prepper** ** ** We are seeking a meticulous and skilled Body Shop Paint Prepper to join our dynamic automotive repair team. This role is integral to ensuring high-quality finishes on ...

Paint Prepper - Autobody Shop** ** ** We are seeking a meticulous and skilled Paint Prepper to join our team at our reputable autobody shop. As a Paint Prepper, you will play a crucial role in ...

Auto Paint Prep

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$35K - $75K/yr

Flat Rate Commission Pay Job Summary We are looking for an Automotive Paint Prepper to join our independent Body Shop. Prepper will be mainly responsible for priming, sandin, and masking vehicles for ...

Auto Paint Prep

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$35K - $75K/yr

Flat Rate Commission Pay Job Summary We are looking for an Automotive Paint Prepper to join our independent Body Shop. Prepper will be mainly responsible for priming, sandin, and masking vehicles for ...

Auto Paint Prep

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$35K - $75K/yr

Flat Rate Commission Pay Job Summary We are looking for an Automotive Paint Prepper to join our independent Body Shop. Prepper will be mainly responsible for priming, sandin, and masking vehicles for ...

Prepper - Body Shop

North Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$600 - $1.0K/wk

Free food & snacks Prepper - Must have their own set of prepping tools. Will be required to buff and wash cars as well. At least 1 year of prepping and buffing experience is required. I-CAR ...

Paint Prepper

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Description Sears Imported Autos is currently seeking dedicated and motivated individuals to join our team as an auto body shop paint prepper. As an integral part of our renowned collision center ...

Paint Prepper

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Sears Imported Autos is currently seeking dedicated and motivated individuals to join our team as an auto body shop paint prepper. As an integral part of our renowned ...

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Body Shop Prepper information

See salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do body shop prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for body shop 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 is a body shop prepper?

Body Shop Preppers are automotive professionals responsible for preparing vehicles for painting and refinishing in auto body shops. Their duties include sanding, masking, cleaning, and priming vehicle surfaces to ensure proper paint adhesion and a smooth final finish. They work closely with painters and technicians to repair vehicles that have been damaged in accidents or require cosmetic improvements. Attention to detail and knowledge of various preparation techniques are essential skills for this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a body shop prepper?

To thrive as a Body Shop Prepper, you need a solid understanding of automotive refinishing techniques, surface preparation, and safety procedures, often gained through vocational training or on-the-job experience. Familiarity with sanding tools, masking equipment, spray guns, and paint mixing systems is essential. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure vehicles are properly prepared for painting, resulting in high-quality finishes and satisfied customers.

What are common challenges faced by body shop preppers, and how can they be addressed?

Body Shop Preppers often face challenges such as working with tight deadlines, managing multiple repair jobs simultaneously, and ensuring surfaces are flawlessly prepared for painting. Maintaining attention to detail is crucial, as even minor imperfections can affect the final finish. Effective communication with painters and technicians helps streamline the workflow and reduce errors. Staying organized and following a consistent prep process can help overcome these challenges and contribute to a smooth-running body shop.

What is the difference between Body Shop Prepper vs Auto Body Technician?

AspectBody Shop PrepperAuto Body Technician
CertificationsNone required, but certifications like I-CAR are a plusASE or I-CAR certifications often required
Work EnvironmentPreparation area, focusing on masking, sanding, and primingRepair and refinish vehicles, including dent repair and painting
Job ResponsibilitiesPrepares vehicles for repair, masking, sanding, primingPerforms repairs, panel replacement, painting, and finishing

The main difference is that a Body Shop Prepper focuses on vehicle preparation tasks like masking and sanding, while an Auto Body Technician performs actual repairs and refinishing. Prepper roles are often entry-level, supporting the repair process, whereas Technicians handle the core repair work.

More about Body Shop Prepper jobs

What cities are hiring for Body Shop Prepper jobs?

Cities with the most Body Shop Prepper job openings:

What states have the most Body Shop Prepper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Body Shop Prepper jobs include:

Infographic showing various Body Shop Prepper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,281 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Body Shop Paint Prepper - Holliston, MA

asburyauto

Holliston, MA

$20 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Automotive Body Shop Prepper

$20.00 - $32.00 per Hour + Weekly Pay + Comprehensive Benefits

(Wage is comprised of base salary and % of department profit to be determined as part of pay plan). The final pay offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, the type of years and experience within the industry, education, ect.

Do you have a passion for repairing cars, assisting with providing exceptional guest experiences, and being an innovator in the automotive industry? As a Body Shop Prepper, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our business and customers every day while earning the pay you deserve and awesome benefits! We are looking for an energetic, technically-focused Prepper who will help us redefine the car-servicing experience  

The Body Shop Prepper is responsible for preparing vehicles for specified work to be performed. The Body Shop Prepper will work directly with the assistance of the Body Shop Painter.

  • Wash vehicles to remove dirt, oil, grease and debris from painted surfaces
  • Prepare vehicle for repair by priming and sanding vehicles parts, and or, panels for the Painter to paint
  • Locate and remove imperfections on panels prior to painting
  • Apply tape to protect unpainted surfaces, such as bumpers, windows, chrome trim, and other parts
  • Smooth and sand unmasked surfaces removing gloss from previous paint
  • As assigned assist in the mixing of paint according to manufacturer specifications
  • With the supervision of the Painter tint color for proper match, produce test panels when needed to obtain industry acceptable color match
  • After vehicle is painted remove masking tape and clean vehicle
  • Inspect painted vehicle for quality workmanship, noting any unprimed areas, runs, sags and unprepared sections
  • Prepare vehicle for customer delivery
  • Other duties to be determined by management
  • Maintain and wear all required safety and health personal protective equipment, including respirator and hearing protection, in the manner recommended by the equipment manufacturer
  • Understand, keep abreast of and comply with federal, state and local regulations that affect body shop operations, such as hazardous waste disposal, OSHA Right-to-Know, etc.
  • Must be able to work in a fast paced environment
  • Must be a minimum of eighteen years of age
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment screens (background and drug test)

Company Benefits:

Pay and Recognition: 

  • Weekly pay
  • Paid holidays & paid time off 
  • Deferred Holiday Pay Match 
  • Paid training 
  • Stock Awards(select management and front-line team member’s eligible

Insurance / Retirement: 

  • Insurance: medical, vision, dental, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity plans 
  • Up to 12 weeks paid pregnancy leave (disability leave) 
  • Paid Parental Leave 
  • Health savings 
  • Flex spending accounts (tax free) 
  • Short-term and Long-term disability plans 
  • Life Insurance (Whole Life and Term) 
  • 401k with company match

Learning, Tuition Assistance and Career Development: 

  • Digital career path tool to assist with career development 
  • Continuous training through Asbury's Internal Learning Management System 

Professional growth and development opportunities Additional advantages: 

  • Student loan relief resources 
  • Employee assistance program 
  • Employee discounts on parts and service repairs 
  • Scholarship awards 
  • Opportunities to join our community service initiatives, which includes paid volunteer hours 
  • Aggressive Employee referral program with bonus opportunities

INDSERVICEPAT