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Entry Level Aircraft Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Flyers

Mechanic (ADS) - Full Time

Addison, TX · On-site

$27.75 - $36.50/hr

We have positions available for both entry level and experienced mechanics with competitive wages ... Aircraft painting * Interior installations * Electrical troubleshooting / repairs * Single and ...

American Flyers

Mechanic (ADS) - Full Time

Addison, TX · On-site

$27.75 - $36.50/hr

We have positions available for both entry level and experienced mechanics with competitive ... Aircraft painting * Interior installations * Electrical troubleshooting / repairs * Single and ...

Daher

Aircraft Assembler

Sandpoint, ID · On-site

$20/hr

The facility supports final assembly, painting, inspection, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO ... We are seeking both experienced Aircraft Assemblers and entry-level Apprentice Aircraft Assemblers.

Daher

Aircraft Assembler

Sandpoint, ID

$20/hr

The facility supports final assembly, painting, inspection, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO ... We are seeking both experienced Aircraft Assemblers and entry-level Apprentice Aircraft Assemblers.

Daher

Aircraft Assembler

Sandpoint, ID · On-site

$20/hr

The facility supports final assembly, painting, inspection, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO ... We are seeking both experienced Aircraft Assemblers and entry-level Apprentice Aircraft Assemblers.

AVTECH Global

Aircraft Cabinetmaker

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$23.32 - $33.81/hr

... ranges from entry level with experience in woodworking, wood finishing or auto body & painting ... Purpose: Fabricates aircraft furniture and other wood-surfaced subassemblies using aircraft ...

AVTECH Global

Aircraft Cabinetmaker

Brunswick, GA · On-site

$23.32 - $33.81/hr

... ranges from entry level with experience in woodworking, wood finishing or auto body & painting ... Purpose: Fabricates aircraft furniture and other wood-surfaced subassemblies using aircraft ...

AVTECH Global

Aircraft Cabinetmaker

Dallas, TX · On-site

$23.32 - $33.81/hr

... ranges from entry level with experience in woodworking, wood finishing or auto body & painting ... Purpose: Fabricates aircraft furniture and other wood-surfaced subassemblies using aircraft ...

AVTECH Global

Aircraft Cabinetmaker

Savannah, GA

$23.32 - $33.81/hr

... ranges from entry level with experience in woodworking, wood finishing or auto body & painting ... Purpose: Fabricates aircraft furniture and other wood-surfaced subassemblies using aircraft ...

AVTECH Global

Aircraft Cabinetmaker

Savannah, GA · On-site

$23.32 - $33.81/hr

... ranges from entry level with experience in woodworking, wood finishing or auto body & painting ... Purpose: Fabricates aircraft furniture and other wood-surfaced subassemblies using aircraft ...

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Entry Level Aircraft Painter information

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How much do entry level aircraft painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level aircraft painter in the United States is $26.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for an Entry Level Aircraft Painter?

A typical day for an Entry Level Aircraft Painter involves preparing aircraft surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and masking areas to ensure paint adheres properly. You will use spray guns and other specialized equipment to apply primers and topcoats, followed by careful inspections for quality and consistency. The work is usually done in hangars or paint booths, often as part of a close-knit team that collaborates with technicians and supervisors to meet deadlines. Attention to safety and detail is key, as every step must comply with strict aviation standards. As you gain experience, you may have the opportunity to take on more complex tasks or advance to lead painter or supervisory roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Aircraft Painter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aircraft Painter, you need basic knowledge of surface preparation, masking, and paint application techniques, usually gained through vocational training or on-the-job experience. Familiarity with spray painting equipment, respirators, and safety protocols is essential, and some employers may require certifications related to hazardous materials handling. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork skills help you excel in precise and collaborative work environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring high-quality paint finishes, safety compliance, and smooth operations within the aviation maintenance team.

What is an Entry Level Aircraft Painter job?

An Entry Level Aircraft Painter is responsible for preparing and painting aircraft surfaces according to specifications. This includes cleaning, sanding, masking, priming, and applying paint while ensuring quality and safety standards are met. They work under supervision to learn proper techniques and use tools such as spray guns and sanders. The role requires attention to detail, adherence to industry regulations, and a commitment to maintaining aircraft appearance and protection.

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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Aircraft Painter jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Aircraft Painter job openings:
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Entry Level Aircraft Painter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aircraft Painter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,455 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
Aircraft Painter - Entry & Level 1

Aircraft Painter - Entry & Level 1

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$26 - $32.75/hr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
If you join Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems in this position, you will assist our Manufacturing Operations Organization as an Aircraft Painter Entry Level and Level 1 supporting our Palmdale, CA site. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail, top focus on quality and excellent people skills. If you are intrigued by this opportunity keep reading below.
Essential Functions:
  • Prepares for painting by masking, stripping, washing aircraft sections and components.

  • Blends and mixes paints, inks, and coatings to proper spraying consistency.

  • Must be able to perform detailed touch-ups.

  • Coordinates processes for painting production parts.

  • Required ability to be certified as a half & full-face respirator.

Basic Qualifications:
Aircraft Painter Entry Level
  • High School diploma or GED

  • Minimum of 3 months of painting/surface prep experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment OR completion of Low Observables Pathway/Certification Program at the College of the Canyons. Minimum of 3.0 or higher GPA upon completion

  • This position requires the ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting to 35 pounds and working with arms overhead

  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment

  • Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirators fitting requirements

  • Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to start

  • The ability to work 1st "5 AM - 3:30 PM" or 2nd shift "4:12 PM - 2:42 AM" and any work schedule

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret or Top-Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. US citizenship required for clearance.

  • The ability to utilize a computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software)

  • Must successfully complete and pass the "ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance" within a reasonable period, as defined by the company to meet its business need

Aircraft Painter Level 1
  • High School diploma or GED

  • Minimum of 9 months of painting/surface prep experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment OR completion of Low Observables Pathway/Certification Program at the College of the Canyons. Minimum of 3.0 or higher GPA upon completion

  • This position requires the ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting to 35 pounds and working with arms overhead

  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment

  • Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirators fitting requirements

  • Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to start

  • The ability to work 1st "5 AM - 3:30 PM" or 2nd shift "4:12 PM - 2:42 AM" and any work schedule

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret or Top-Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. US citizenship required for clearance.

  • The ability to utilize a computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software)

  • Must successfully complete and pass the "ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance" within a reasonable period, as defined by the company to meet its business need.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in aerospace manufacturing environment

  • Low observable coating experience or courses

  • Painting / masking /sanding experience

  • Active DOD secret clearance with an investigation date/periodic review within the last 6 years

Primary Level Salary Range: $43,400.00 - $72,300.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $47,200.00 - $78,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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