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Car Prepper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Paint Prepper

Oakland, 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Paint Prepper

West 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 ...

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 ...

Paint Prepper

Richmond, 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 ...

Paint Prepper

Benicia, 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 ...

Paint Prepper

Pittsburg, 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Paint Prepper

Oakland, 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 ...

Paint Prepper

Diablo, 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 ...

Paint Prepper

Alamo, 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 ...

Paint Prepper

West 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Paint Prepper

Walnut Creek, 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 ...

Paint Prepper

West 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Car Prepper information

See California salary details

$11

$19

$27

How much do car prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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.

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.

Paint Prepper

Oakland, CA • On-site

Carmax
Automobile Dealers • 10K+ employees

$27.60 - $42.11/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 9 days ago


CarMax rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 375 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 740 rated retailers


Job description

6048 - Fairfield - 2955 Auto Mall Pkwy, Fairfield, California, 94533

CarMax, the way your career should be! 

 

Position Overview

As a Sr. Reconditioning Associate, you’ll play a key role in ensuring every vehicle meets CarMax’s quality standards. Working in a modern, climate-controlled environment, you’ll complete all aspects of the paint preparation process and occasionally support Cosmetic Reconditioning Associate II and Flow Inventory Associate II duties. This is your opportunity to work alongside skilled technicians, gain hands-on experience, and help deliver vehicles that exceed customer expectations. At CarMax, we invest in your growth and provide the tools and training you need to succeed.

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

  • Perform expert body repairs, including masking, sanding, and grinding
  • Apply primer and refinish paint surfaces to meet CarMax standards
  • Remove and replace parts as needed for cosmetic and structural integrity
  • Repair plastic and substrate damage with precision and care
  • Conduct post-paint refinishing, defect correction, and maintain and repair specialized equipment
  • Deliver exceptional customer service to internal and external partners
  • Follow CarMax Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) requirements and maintain a clean and orderly work area.

Required Qualifications

  • Completion of New Associate Orientation Training – Operations
  • Accountability to Associate 1 Competency Model
  • CarMax timekeeping systems training for hourly associates
  • Meet Cosmetic Reconditioning Associate II and Flow Inventory Associate II Performance Standards
  • Achieve workstation certifications for Cosmetic Reconditioning Associate II, Flow Inventory Associate II, and Senior Reconditioning Associate
  • Ability to read, interpret, and transcribe data accurately, and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
  • Required to use CarMax-provided respiratory protection. Must be clean-shaven to use half-face respirator.

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.

The hourly rate for this position is:

$27.60 - $42.11

Benefits:

Except as otherwise required by state law, CarMax Associates are entitled to the following paid sick, vacation, and holiday time.

Associates that are considered full-time hourly or commission/incentive eligible:

  • To earn up to 48 hours of sick time per year accrued on a per pay period basis and between 80 hours and 200 hours per year of vacation time after a 90 day waiting period depending on years of continuous service with the Company. 
  • For 8 hours of pay for each of a total of 6 paid scheduled holidays per year plus 1 floating holiday.  If such an Associate does work on a scheduled holiday due to business need, they are eligible for Holiday Premium Pay. 

Associates considered full-time salaried are entitled to paid time away with no specified limit as needed for sick, vacation, bereavement, jury duty, holidays, floating holiday, etc. subject to manager approval. 

For more details about benefits, please visit our CarMax Benefits website.

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


What CarMax employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


CarMax logo

About CarMax

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CarMax disrupted the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity experience customers want and deserve. This innovative thinking around the way cars are bought and sold has helped us become the nation's largest retailer of used cars, with over 200 locations nationwide. Our amazing team of more than 25,000 associates work together to deliver iconic customer experiences. Along the way, we help every associate grow their career and achieve their best, at work and in their community. We are recognized for our commitment to training and diversity and are one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®.

Industry

Automobile dealers and finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Henrico, VA, US