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Buffing Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Automobile Detailer

Gilbert, AZ

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Car Detailer

Queen Creek, AZ

$15 - $18.50/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Automotive Detailer

San Tan Valley, AZ · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Detailer

Chandler Heights, AZ

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

New

Automobile Detailer

San Tan Valley, AZ · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Detailer

Arizona City, AZ · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

New

Automobile Detailer

Chandler Heights, AZ

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Car Detailer

Gilbert, AZ

$14.50 - $18/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Detailer (2nd Shift)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Detailer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

New

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Automotive Detailer

Chandler Heights, AZ

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Car Detailer

Arizona City, AZ

$15 - $18.75/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Automotive Detailer

Gilbert, AZ

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

General Labor - Car Detailing

Gilbert, AZ

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

Detailer

San Tan Valley, AZ

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

New

Detailer (2nd Shift)

Gilbert, AZ

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

General Labor - Car Detailing

Gilbert, AZ

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high ...

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Showing results 1-20

Buffing information

See Arizona salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do buffing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for buffing in Arizona is $16.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Buffer (Buffing Technician), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Buffer, you need practical knowledge of surface preparation, attention to detail, and familiarity with materials like metal, wood, or auto bodies, often gained through on-the-job training or vocational programs. Proficiency in using buffing machines, handheld power tools, and safety equipment is essential. Strong hand-eye coordination, patience, and a focus on quality help someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure effective finishing, safety, and consistent product quality in manufacturing or repair environments.

What is the difference between Buffing vs Polishing?

AspectBuffingPolishing
PurposeRemove surface imperfections and restore shine using abrasive pads or wheelsRefine surface to achieve a smooth, high-gloss finish
ToolsBuffing wheels, abrasive compoundsPolishing pads, finer abrasives, polishing compounds
Work EnvironmentAuto body shops, metal fabrication, automotive detailingAuto detailing, jewelry making, metal finishing
CredentialsBasic training, safety certificationsBasic training, safety certifications

Buffing and polishing are related surface finishing processes. Buffing primarily removes surface imperfections and restores shine, while polishing refines the surface to achieve a smooth, mirror-like finish. Both techniques often use similar tools and credentials, but they serve different stages in the finishing process.

Which jobs are hardest to fill?

Jobs that require specialized skills, certifications, or physical demands, such as skilled trades like buffing or polishing, often experience higher difficulty in filling positions. Factors like limited qualified candidates, safety requirements, and specific tool knowledge contribute to the challenge. These roles may also involve irregular hours or physical labor, further impacting recruitment efforts.

What is buffing in the context of a job?

Buffing is a finishing process used to smooth, polish, or shine the surface of materials such as metal, wood, or plastic. Workers known as buffers or buffing technicians use specialized equipment like buffing wheels, compounds, and cloths to remove imperfections and achieve a high-gloss finish. This process is commonly used in industries like automotive, manufacturing, and jewelry making to enhance the appearance and quality of products. Buffing requires attention to detail and knowledge of the correct techniques and materials for different surfaces.

What is a metal polisher job?

A metal polisher job involves cleaning, smoothing, and shining metal surfaces using tools like buffers, abrasives, and polishing compounds. The role requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and knowledge of different metals and finishing techniques to achieve a high-quality, reflective surface.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in Canada?

In Canada, high-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, often in large corporations. Certain specialized professions like top-tier surgeons, successful entrepreneurs, and highly experienced lawyers may also earn this level of income, especially with bonuses, shares, or private practice. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced education, and leadership responsibilities.

What jobs will be left by 2030?

Buffing jobs, which involve polishing surfaces using tools like buffers and abrasives, are expected to decline due to automation and advances in manufacturing technology. Many manual finishing roles may be replaced by robotic systems or streamlined with automated equipment, reducing the demand for traditional buffing positions by 2030.

What are some common challenges faced by buffing professionals and how can they be addressed?

Buffing professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent surface quality, managing dust and debris, and handling repetitive motions that may lead to fatigue. To address these issues, it's important to use high-quality equipment, regularly change buffing pads, and follow proper safety procedures. Additionally, working in a well-ventilated area and taking scheduled breaks can help reduce physical strain and improve job performance.
What are popular job titles related to Buffing jobs in Arizona? For Buffing jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Buffing jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Buffing jobs in Arizona are:
Infographic showing various Buffing job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,029 per year, or $16.4 per hour.
Automobile Detailer

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


CarMax rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 366 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 713 rated retailers


Job description

7662 - Phoenix-Gilbert - 1480 E Motorplex Loop, Gilbert, Arizona, 85297CarMax, the way your career should be! 

Position Overview

As a Cosmetic Reconditioning Associate II at CarMax, you’ll play a vital role in delivering best-in-class vehicles to our customers. You will perform cosmetic inspections, final quality checks, and advanced reconditioning tasks such as paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing. Your work ensures every CarMax vehicle meets our high standards for quality and appearance, helping customers feel confident in their purchase.

Why CarMax?

At CarMax, we are the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with stores from coast to coast, and we are still growing. We’re rethinking the way people buy cars – and our associates help us do just that. We believe work should feel meaningful and rewarding, with opportunities to make an impact every day. Whether you’re advancing your career or growing your skillset, we are here to drive you forward.

Role Responsibilities

  • Execute standardized cosmetic reconditioning processes at an established pace to maintain efficiency and quality.
  • Perform advanced cosmetic repairs including paint touch-up, wet sanding, and buffing to restore vehicles to CarMax standards.
  • Complete cosmetic and final quality inspections to ensure vehicles meet customer-ready standards.
  • Identify defects and determine the best repair methods for optimal results.
  • Support auction preparation and assist with vehicle movement on and off the lot.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service, collaborate with team members to achieve goals, support auction preparation, and assist with vehicle movement on and off the lot
  • Follow CarMax Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) requirements and maintain a clean and orderly work area.

Required Qualifications

  • Completion of all CarMax training programs, including online and hands-on modules.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and record data accurately for inventory and quality control.
  • Skilled in performing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and performing manual tasks for extended periods.
  • Strong communication skills for interacting with customers and team members.
  • Willingness to work in indoor and outdoor conditions, including inclement weather.

About CarMax

At CarMax, we revolutionized the used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the process. Our commitment to customer experience, innovation, and community has made us the nation’s largest used car retailer. With over 250 store locations and over 30,000 associates, we are proud to have been recognized as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® and are committed to helping our communities thrive.

As an associate, you are part of an innovative movement to empower the modern customer and drive progress. Your work fuels change—sparking ideas, overcoming challenges, and shaping what’s next. Join us in creating a better future– for our company, our customers, and the communities we call home.

CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application.


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