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Car Prep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ricart Automotive

Detailer / New Car Prep

Groveport, OH · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

We offer our customers the best shopping experience with multiple new car brands, a nation-leading pre-owned showroom, an industry-leading consumer-friendly parts and service department, and the ...

O'GARA Beverly Hills

Car Wash / Detailer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

New and used car prep * Other duties as assigned by supervisor EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: * Health, Dental and Vision coverage for employee * 401k Plan * Paid time off * Paid training, growth opportunities

Bill Collins Ford

New Car Prep/Detailer

Louisville, KY

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Applicant(s) would be tasked with the cleaning of vehicles and having them ready for guests, as well as other tasks that may be asked. Must have valid drivers license and pass back ground check.

Bowser Automotive, Inc.

Rustproof Technician

Beaver Falls, PA · On-site

$14 - $19.25/hr

What You'll Do As a Rustproof Technician / New Car Prep Specialist, you'll play a key role in preparing vehicles for the showroom and delivery. Your responsibilities will include: * Rustproofing and ...

Bianchi Honda

Vehicle Detailer

Erie, PA · On-site

$15/hr

Job Type Full-time Description New Car Prep staff prepare vehicles for display, sale, and delivery by cleaning the interior and exterior of vehicles, as well as providing lot support as needed.

Bowser Automotive

Rustproof Technician

Beaver Falls, PA · On-site

$14 - $19.25/hr

What You'll Do As a Rustproof Technician / New Car Prep Specialist, you'll play a key role in preparing vehicles for the showroom and delivery. Your responsibilities will include: * Rustproofing and ...

Bowser Automotive, Inc.

Rustproof Technician

Beaver Falls, PA · On-site

$14 - $19.25/hr

What You'll Do As a Rustproof Technician / New Car Prep Specialist, you'll play a key role in preparing vehicles for the showroom and delivery. Your responsibilities will include: * Rustproofing and ...

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How much do car prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for car prep in the United States is $14.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Car Prep do?

A Car Prep, also known as a Car Preparer or Vehicle Detailer, is responsible for cleaning, inspecting, and preparing vehicles for delivery or rental. Their duties usually include washing and vacuuming the interior and exterior, checking fluid levels, and ensuring the car meets quality standards before it is handed over to customers. Car Preps may also be required to move vehicles around the lot and report any damage or maintenance needs. This role is common in car dealerships, rental agencies, and auto service centers.

What is the difference between Car Prep vs Car Detailer?

AspectCar PrepCar Detailer
CertificationsBasic automotive cleaning and prep certificationsAdvanced detailing certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentAuto dealerships, body shops, prep stationsDetail shops, dealerships, mobile detailing
Job FocusPreparing vehicles for sale or repair, cleaning, minor repairsDeep cleaning, polishing, cosmetic enhancements
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in auto sales, repair shops, manufacturingUsed in auto detailing, luxury car services, dealerships

Car Prep primarily involves preparing vehicles for sale or repair, focusing on cleaning and minor repairs. Car Detailer roles often include more comprehensive cleaning, polishing, and cosmetic work. While both roles require automotive cleaning skills, Car Detailers typically have more advanced certifications and work in specialized detailing environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles in the automotive industry.

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

To thrive as a Car Prep, you need attention to detail, basic automotive knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning equipment, detailing products, and sometimes computerized checklists or scheduling systems is typical. Reliability, time management, and a strong work ethic make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure vehicles are cleaned, inspected, and prepared efficiently, contributing to customer satisfaction and dealership success.

What are some common challenges faced by Car Prep employees, and how can they be addressed?

Car Prep employees often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail and time management are crucial. Common challenges include meeting strict deadlines for vehicle turnaround, ensuring thorough cleanliness and presentation standards, and working in varying weather conditions. These challenges can be addressed by developing efficient cleaning routines, staying organized, and communicating effectively with team members and supervisors to prioritize tasks. Regular training and teamwork also help maintain high standards and a positive work environment.
More about Car Prep jobs
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Car Prep jobs near you
Infographic showing various Car Prep job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 43% Full Time, and 56% Part Time. Highlights an 63% Physical, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,765 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Car Wash / Detailer

O'GARA Beverly Hills

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Car Wash/Detailer are responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the sale and upkeep of new/ used vehicles and helping O'GARA improve the overall quality and effectiveness of its customer interactions, especially during the vehicle buying process. This role strives to maintain clean and luxurious appearing vehicles and assist with preserving our upmarket showroom ambience. To perform this job successfully, Car Wash/Detailer must have reliable ability to operate and maneuver vehicles safely in all types of conditions, including multi-vehicle driving environments, congested areas with obstacles and limited space, and mastery of reversing and parallel parking.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Take accurate notes on vehicle condition
  • Prior dealership/porter experience a plus
  • Follow proper and explicit instructions
  • Professional appearance and disposition
  • Excellent customer service skills are expected
  • Strong communication skills; listening
  • Comfort utilizing sales closing techniques
  • Outstanding customer service skills
  • Valid California driver’s license; insurable
  • Drive manual and automatic transmissions
  • Team-oriented with a positive, friendly disposition
  • Ability to use hand tools and power washers
  • Productivity through time management

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist with service write-up and tagging customer cars 
  • Clean area around service department
  • General lot maintenance
  • Moving vehicles
  • Go on dealer trades. Must be able to do all paperwork involved. Responsible for inspecting both our vehicle and the unit we are receiving for perfect condition and missing equipment
  • Wash cars
  • New and used car prep
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

  • Health, Dental and Vision coverage for employee
  • 401k Plan
  • Paid time off
  • Paid training, growth opportunities
  • Employee vehicle purchase plans
  • Discounts on products and services
  • Long term job security

Compensation: $20.00 - 24.00/hr.

We are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or veteran status