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Car Buffer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cox

Detail Technician I (Manheim)

Clifton Park, NY · On-site

$15.10 - $22.60/hr

Wash vehicles using a high-pressure washer or automatic car wash equipment. Apply chemicals, power ... Wax and buff exterior and all painted surfaces of vehicles using a hand-type buffer. * Vacuum ...

Cox

Detail Technician (Piece)(Manheim)

Omaha, NE · On-site

$13.70 - $20.53/hr

Wash vehicles using a high-pressure washer or automatic car wash equipment. Apply chemicals, power ... Wax and buff exterior and all painted surfaces of vehicles using a hand-type buffer. * Vacuum ...

Cox Automotive

Detail Technician I (Manheim)

Bridgeton, MO · On-site

$13.70 - $20.53/hr

Wash vehicles using a high-pressure washer or automatic car wash equipment. Apply chemicals, power ... Wax and buff exterior and all painted surfaces of vehicles using a hand-type buffer. * Vacuum ...

Cox PLLC

Detail Technician (Piece) - (Manheim)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$13.70 - $20.53/hr

Wash vehicles using a high-pressure washer or automatic car wash equipment. Apply chemicals, power ... Wax and buff exterior and all painted surfaces of vehicles using a hand-type buffer. * Vacuum ...

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Car Buffer information

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How much do car buffer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for car buffer in the United States is $17.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a car buffer do?

A car buffer is responsible for polishing and shining the exterior surfaces of vehicles using specialized machines and compounds. They remove minor scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation to restore the car's paint to a glossy finish. Car buffers often work in auto detailing shops, body shops, or car dealerships, and their work helps improve both the appearance and value of vehicles. Attention to detail, knowledge of polishing techniques, and proper handling of buffing tools are essential skills for this job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a car buffer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Car Buffer, you need a good understanding of auto detailing techniques, attention to detail, and experience with surface preparation and polishing processes. Familiarity with buffing machines, different polishing compounds, and safety equipment is typically required, and some employers may prefer candidates with automotive detailing certifications. Strong work ethic, reliability, and good communication skills help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure vehicles are finished to a high standard, customer satisfaction is maintained, and safety protocols are consistently followed.

What are some common challenges faced by car buffers and how can they be managed on the job?

Car Buffers often deal with challenges such as working with a variety of vehicle surfaces, maintaining consistency in shine and finish, and managing time effectively during busy periods. It's important to stay updated on the best polishing techniques and to use the right products for each type of paint or clear coat. Working closely with detailers and supervisors can also help prioritize tasks and ensure customer expectations are met. Regular training and attention to safety guidelines are key to managing these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Car Buffer vs Car Polisher?

AspectCar BufferCar Polisher
Primary UseRemoves scratches, oxidation, and surface imperfections through abrasive actionPolishes and enhances the vehicle's shine, often using finer compounds
Work EnvironmentAuto detailing shops, garages, mobile detailing servicesAuto detailing shops, garages, mobile services
Required CredentialsBasic training in detailing, safety precautionsSimilar training, often overlaps with buffer operation
Common Industry UsageRemoving defects and preparing surfacesEnhancing appearance and gloss

While both Car Buffers and Car Polishers are used in auto detailing, a Car Buffer primarily focuses on removing surface imperfections and oxidation, whereas a Car Polisher is used to enhance the vehicle's shine and finish. Many professionals use both tools in sequence to achieve a flawless, glossy look.

More about Car Buffer jobs

What states have the most Car Buffer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Car Buffer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Car Buffer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Car Buffer jobs are:

Car Buffer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Car Buffer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,516 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Detail Technician I (Manheim)

Cox Automotive

Clifton Park, NY • On-site

$15.10 - $22.60/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Cox Automotive rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 152 rated financial services

Job description

This position ensures that vehicles sent to the Detail Shop are cleaned and detailed to sale condition according to customer specifications and Auction standards by inspecting vehicles and work areas upon completion of reconditioning work.
  • Clean out and de-trash interior of vehicles by removing any debris and trash from ashtrays, console, dashboard, door panels, seats, etc., as well as trunk and engine compartment.
  • Remove license plates and stickers, as well as any writing from windows, except pertinent to Auction business. Disassemble spare tires in trunk.
  • Wash vehicles using a high-pressure washer or automatic car wash equipment. Apply chemicals, power-wash the engine compartment and clean battery terminals.
  • Clean doorjambs, sills, interior panels, wheels, tires, hub caps/wheel covers, wheel wells, moldings, bumpers, head- and taillights, spare tire , exterior panels, trunk, hood, and interior and exterior windows. Detail vehicles by cleaning and dressing trim, molding, weather stripping, instrument panel, steering wheel, dash molding, etc. with detail brushes.
  • Buff vehicles by applying dressing to engine compartment, wheels, wheel wells and tires, vinyl tops, etc. Apply compound, cleaner and/or polish to vehicles interior, and buff out using a rotary buffer (or by hand as necessary). Wax and buff exterior and all painted surfaces of vehicles using a hand-type buffer.
  • Vacuum interior, scrub, shampoo and spot clean carpet and upholstery. Straighten seatbelts.
  • Clean glove box making sure that warranty booklet, owner's manual and other manufacturer issued information is returned.
  • Visibly demonstrate safety commitment by following all safety and health procedures and modeling the behaviors related to such. Actively participate in support of all safety activities aligned with Safety Excellence.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by manager or supervisor, including driving vehicle into building and to proper clean car staging area, occasional sale day driving.

Qualifications:
Minimum-
  • Generally, less than 2 years' experience in a related field
  • Safe drivers needed; valid driver's license required
  • Ability to drive standard and automatic transmission vehicles.
  • You must be able to stoop, bend, kneel, squat, and lean for extended periods.

Preferred-
  • Basic knowledge of auto detailing, paint application processes, and associated repair procedures (preferred but not required).

USD 15.10 - 22.60 per hour
Compensation:
Hourly pay rate is in the range of $15.10 - $22.60/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.
Benefits:
Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
EOE, including disability/vets

What Cox Automotive employees say

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About Cox Automotive

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Cox Automotive, people of every background are driven by their passion for mobility, innovation and community. We transform the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses cars, accelerating the industry with global powerhouse brands like Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim and more. What's more, we do it all with an emphasis on employee growth and happiness. Drive your future forward and join Cox Automotive today! Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses - which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications - is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark? Join us today! Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page . Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship. Statement to ALL Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations: Cox accepts resumes only from agencies with which we formally engage their services. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, Cox employees, Cox hiring manager, or send to any Cox facility. Cox is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes.

Industry

Automobile dealers and technology, communication and media

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

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