1

Body Shop Prepper Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Body Shop Prepper information

See Florida salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do body shop prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for body shop prepper in Florida is $13.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $14.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are some 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 are Body Shop Preppers?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Body Shop Prepper, and why are they important?

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 popular job titles related to Body Shop Prepper jobs in Florida? For Body Shop Prepper jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Body Shop Prepper jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Body Shop Prepper jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Body Shop Prepper job openings in Florida as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,860 per year, or $13.4 per hour.
Collision Auto Body Paint Prepper

Collision Auto Body Paint Prepper

The Boyd Group

Port Richey, FL • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Company: Gerber Collision & Glass

Great Teams Don’t Happen by Accident

Built with Intent. Driven by YOU.

At the Gerber Collision & Glass, our teams work to provide the elite infrastructure and supportive environment you need to Be the Best and outperform at every touchpoint in collision and glass services. As we continue to grow and lead the industry, we ensure you have the resources and the team behind you to move your career forward.


Ready to grow with a team that’s built for your success? Apply today.


Our Commitment:

The Boyd Group welcomes unique talents from all backgrounds and characteristics. We act with integrity and appreciate the diverse perspectives that make our "Greater Team" exceptional. Qualified individuals, including those with disabilities and Protected Veterans, are encouraged to apply.


Job Description:

*** Industry Leading Compensation, Benefits & Training ***

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team.  We offer opportunities to maximize your earning potential with competitive compensation plans, health benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

Roles and Responsibilities

We are looking for energetic individuals to join our company, who have the ability to:

  • Surface preparation, vehicle masking, priming, and top coating.  

  • Apply all primers, sealers, basecoats, color coats, and clear coats 

  • Technicians to complete restoration of anti-corrosion treatments, substrate identification, product mixing, and application.

  • Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result
     

A Career with Us Offers

  • Competitive Pay and Benefits Program

  • Career Growth Opportunities for advancement

  • On-going I-Car and Industry Training Programs, 

  • Professional Development Opportunities.

  • A professional atmosphere, great working conditions, dynamic leadership

The Auto Body Refinish Prepper must prepare the vehicle to ensure a quality refinish repair of each customer’s vehicle to restore it back to pre-accident condition.  The Auto Body Refinish Prepper thoroughly sands, masks, primes, and prepares each vehicle for refinishing as per insurance guidelines and standards at the collision repair facility.

Our Commitment to Our Employees
We believe our employees are at the heart of our success, and we strive to find people who possess the ideal characteristics, ability, experience, and character. 

TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL... APPLY TODAY!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to provide accommodations during the recruitment process.

#ABTSOUTH

Benefits That Drive Your Success
Gerber offers the comprehensive benefits you expect from an industry leader, including:

  • Annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plans

  • 2 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for Full time Employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week

  • 6 paid holidays annually

  • Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision Insurance effective Day 1

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match

  • Employer Paid Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance

  • Additional Voluntary Life Insurance

  • Continuing Education Opportunities

  • Free Prescription or Non-Prescription Safety Glasses annually

  • Annual Voluntary Uniform Stipend

  • Voluntary Daily Pay option available 

About Us
Gerber Collision & Glass has been WOWing customers with our collision repair services for over 80 years. Please visit gerbercareers.com to learn more about our company.

AI Disclosure Statement:
At The Boyd Group and all affiliated companies, we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for employment. All hiring decisions are made by real people who review each application individually.

Compensation Details:

$15 - $20 / Hour Flat Rate

Flat Rate Compensation is a performance-based structure directly tied to turned hours, also referred to as booked hours. In the event that total compensation in a pay period is less than minimum wage, clocked hours will be calculated with a guarantee of applicable local or state minimum wage, whichever is greater. 

Compensation is commensurate with skill, education and experience. 

Supplemental Pay: 

This position may also be eligible for Bonus opportunities tied to individual or business initiatives.