ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Car Prepper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Classic Collision

Automotive Paint Prepper

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Automotive Paint Prepper $18.00 - $24.00 Per Hour, DOE Classic Collision is now hiring an Autobody ... I-CAR certification preferred * Strong organizational skills * Successful completion of background ...

Carstar

Paint Prepper

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

JOB SUMMARY The Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing repaired vehicles for refinishing and ... I-CAR or ASE refinishing certification preferred. * Knowledge of auto manufacturers' repair ...

Puget Collision

Paint Prepper/Detailer

Corona, CA · On-site

Paint Prepper with Detail Duties The Automotive Paint Prepper is responsible for accurate paint ... I-CAR Certification required within 1st year of employment. * Basic understanding of all facets of ...

CSN Collision

Auto Body Paint Prepper

El Monte, CA · On-site

Position Summary We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Auto Body Paint Prepper to join ... I-CAR or equivalent training is a plus but not required. Benefits Competitive Pay negotiable based ...

CSN Collision

Auto Body Paint Prepper

El Monte, CA · On-site

Position Summary We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Auto Body Paint Prepper to join ... I-CAR or equivalent training is a plus but not required. Benefits · Competitive Pay negotiable ...

CSN Collision

Auto Body Paint Prepper

El Monte, CA · On-site

Position Summary We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Auto Body Paint Prepper to join ... I-CAR or equivalent training is a plus but not required. Benefits • Competitive Pay negotiable ...

Carmax

Paint Prepper

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27.60 - $42.11/hr

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 ...

Carmax

Paint Prepper

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27.60 - $42.11/hr

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 ...

Carmax

Paint Prepper

Novato, CA · On-site

$27.60 - $42.11/hr

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 ...

Carmax

Paint Prepper

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$27.60 - $42.11/hr

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 ...

Carmax

Paint Prepper

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$27.60 - $42.11/hr

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 ...

Carmax

Paint Prepper

Concord, CA · On-site

$27.60 - $42.11/hr

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 ...

Carmax

Paint Prepper

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27.60 - $42.11/hr

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 ...

Carmax

Paint Prepper

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27.60 - $42.11/hr

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 ...

Carmax

Paint Prepper

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27.60 - $42.11/hr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCar Prepper JobsCar Prepper Jobs in California

Car Prepper information

See California salary details

$11

$19

$27

How much do car prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for car prepper in California is $19.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a car prepper?

Car Preppers are automotive professionals responsible for preparing vehicles for delivery or sale. Their duties often include cleaning the interior and exterior, inspecting for cosmetic imperfections, applying protective coatings, and ensuring the vehicle meets quality standards. Car Preppers play a crucial role in dealerships, rental agencies, and auto body shops by making sure vehicles look their best before reaching customers. Attention to detail and knowledge of cleaning products and techniques are important skills for this job.

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

To thrive as a Car Prepper, you need attention to detail, basic automotive knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning tools, buffing machines, and chemical cleaning agents is typically required. Strong work ethic, time management, and teamwork are valuable soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure vehicles are prepared efficiently and to high standards, directly impacting customer satisfaction and dealership reputation.

What are the main challenges a car prepper faces during busy periods, and how can they be managed?

During busy times, Car Preppers often face tight deadlines and increased vehicle volume, which can make it challenging to maintain high-quality standards. Effective time management and clear communication with team members are essential to ensure each car is cleaned, inspected, and prepped thoroughly before delivery. Staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and being adaptable to last-minute changes can help manage the workload efficiently while still meeting customer expectations.

What is the difference between Car Prepper vs Car Detailer?

AspectCar PrepperCar Detailer
CertificationsNone required, some may have auto detailing or prep certificationsOften certified in auto detailing or cleaning techniques
Work EnvironmentAuto shops, dealerships, prep centersCar dealerships, auto shops, detailing centers
Job FocusPreparing vehicles for sale or use, including cleaning, minor repairs, and cosmetic prepCleaning, polishing, and enhancing vehicle appearance

Car Prepper and Car Detailer roles overlap in vehicle cleaning and cosmetic work, but Car Preppers focus more on preparing vehicles for sale or use, often involving minor repairs and cosmetic prep, while Car Detailers primarily focus on cleaning and aesthetic enhancement. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry and share similar work environments and skill requirements.

Car Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Car Prepper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,796 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Automotive Paint Prepper

Van Nuys, CA • On-site

Classic Collision
See more jobs at Classic Collisionexternal

$18 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Classic Collision rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 375 rated vehicle maintenance

Job description

Automotive Paint Prepper
$18.00 - $24.00 Per Hour, DOE
Classic Collision is now hiring an Autobody Paint Prepper. Classic Collision was established in 1983 in Atlanta, Georgia with one single goal: To offer quality service to its customers with integrity and honesty. Be a part of a rapidly growing company whose mission is to put safety, quality, integrity, and heart into every vehicle we repair and customer we serve.
Classic Collision offers competitive pay, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
Please come and join our team!
Why Choose Classic Collision?
  • Paid Weekly
  • Continuous Training
  • Supportive Team Culture
  • Company match 401K
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Paid Time Off - 6 Paid Holiday
  • Rewarding Work

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for preparing all assigned vehicles for the refinishing and reassembly processes and support Paint Technicians in paint jobs as required
  • Complete all paint preparation processes for vehicles according to factory specification including the direction of the mentoring Paint Technician and by following the written repair order
  • Assist Paint Technician by preparing spray-out panels to determine blend needs and assist in sanding and buffing to ensure the paint finish meets quality standards
  • Adhere to all requirements for hazardous waste disposal
  • Follow vendor procedures to maintain all tools and equipment, including maintenance of paint booth and booth filters and maintains a clean and organized workspace
  • Utilize air sanders, spray guns, sanding blocks, etc. to complete quality work
  • Ensure that all paint operations are complete, all masking is removed, and all prior paint-related disassembly has been reassembled prior to returning the vehicle to the body technician
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Valid Driver's License Required
  • I-CAR certification preferred
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Successful completion of background check required

Behaviors/Competencies
Integrity -Respect, and accountability at every level and in every interaction
Customer Service-Provide the highest level of customer service while building customer satisfaction and retention
Innovation -Develops and displays innovative approaches and ideas to our business
Teamwork -Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Supports everyone's efforts to succeed
Physical & Environmental
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands and is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, sit, and walk occasionally for long periods at a time. The employee may occasionally be required to reach with hands, and arms and move objects up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. In addition, abilities for assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned are required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Classic Collision is an Equal Opportunity Employer
As an equal opportunity employer, Classic Collision does not discriminate against any employee or candidate based on age, race, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Reasonable Accommodations
Classic Collision is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and you believe you need reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an online application, please e-mail recruiting@classiccollision.com or call 450-500-6808 . This email is listed exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online.
This job description is not a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Classic Collision employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply