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Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper Jobs in Portland, OR

Puget Collision

Paint Prepper

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Auto Body Collision Repair: Paint Prepper Auto Paint Prepper The Automotive Paint Prepper is responsible for accurate paint application for every vehicle repaired under the supervision of a Lead ...

Carvana

Cosmetic Repair Inspector

Vancouver, WA · On-site

Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ... * Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate ...

Carvana

Cosmetic Repair Inspector

Wood Village, OR · On-site

Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ... * Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate ...

Carvana

Cosmetic Repair Inspector

Portland, OR

Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ... * Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate ...

Carvana

Cosmetic Repair Inspector

Wood Village, OR · On-site

Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ... * Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate ...

Carvana

Cosmetic Repair Inspector

Vancouver, WA

Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ... * Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate ...

Carvana

Cosmetic Repair Inspector

Portland, OR

Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ... * Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate ...

The Boyd Group

Auto Body Technician

Milwaukie, OR · On-site

$25.50 - $35.50/hr

The Auto Body Technician's primary responsibility and accountability includes providing an ... paint or agreed-upon equivalent. Attempts to complete work orders within labor time guidelines.

The Boyd Group

Auto Body Technician

Milwaukie, OR · On-site

$25.50 - $35.50/hr

The Auto Body Technician's primary responsibility and accountability includes providing an ... paint or agreed-upon equivalent. * Attempts to complete work orders within labor time guidelines.

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All JobsAuto Body Paint Prepper JobsEntry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper JobsEntry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper Jobs in Portland, OR

Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$19

$25

How much do entry level auto body paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level auto body paint prepper in Portland, OR is $19.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level auto body paint prepper do?

An Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing vehicles for painting in an auto body shop. Their duties typically include washing and sanding surfaces, masking off areas that shouldn't be painted, and ensuring that vehicles are clean and free of debris before paint is applied. This role is essential for achieving a high-quality paint finish and often serves as a starting point for more advanced positions in auto body repair and painting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level auto body paint prepper, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper, you need a basic understanding of automotive bodywork, attention to detail, and familiarity with surface preparation techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with sanding tools, masking equipment, and safety gear such as respirators is typically required, and OSHA safety certification can be beneficial. Strong work ethic, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure surfaces are properly prepared for painting, contributing to high-quality finishes and efficient workflow in an auto body shop.

What are some common challenges faced by an entry level auto body paint prepper, and how can they be addressed?

Entry Level Auto Body Paint Preppers often face challenges such as maintaining consistency in surface preparation, managing time effectively to meet tight deadlines, and ensuring a dust-free environment for optimal paint adhesion. Attention to detail is crucial, as even minor imperfections can affect the final paint finish. To overcome these challenges, it's important to follow established procedures, communicate clearly with team members, and stay organized throughout each step of the prep process. Many shops also provide mentorship or ongoing training to help new preppers build their skills and confidence.

What is the difference between Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper vs Entry Level Auto Body Painter?

AspectEntry Level Auto Body Paint PrepperEntry Level Auto Body Painter
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic training
Work EnvironmentAuto body shops, collision repair centersAuto body shops, collision repair centers
Job FocusPreparing surfaces, sanding, maskingApplying paint, finishing coats
Common UsagePrepares vehicles for paintingCompletes the painting process

While both roles work in auto body repair shops and require similar certifications, the Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper focuses on surface preparation tasks like sanding and masking, whereas the Entry Level Auto Body Painter is responsible for applying paint and finishing coats. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in auto collision repair.

What are the most commonly searched types of Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs in Portland, OR are:

Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs near you

Paint Prepper

Puget Collision

Clackamas, OR • On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Auto Body Collision Repair: Paint Prepper

Job Description: Auto Paint Prepper


The Automotive Paint Prepper is responsible for accurate paint application for every vehicle repaired under the supervision of a Lead Painter. The paint helper must ensure quality in protection of vehicle and paint application while providing a timely delivery to meet repair target dates.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Location: Full Time Hourly

Job Responsibilities:

  • Inspect quality of repairs, received by the Body Department before painting begins.
  • Ensures safe and organized vehicle flow in and out for the Paint department
  • Adhere to paint production schedule as designated by Lead Painter
  • Capable of operating Spray Booth & other paint related equipment
  • Ability to mask and apply protection for a vehicle appropriately.
  • Knowledgeable in cleaning and sand prepping the area for spraying.
  • Accurately selects paint materials and mixes paint accurately to color code.
  • Ability to spot paint accurately, seeing details at a close range and judging colors accurately.
  • Skilled in applying paint that is corrosion resistant and creates a smooth, consistent finish.
  • Ability to disassemble, clean and reassemble painting equipment
  • Return spray booth and mix room to pre-paint condition after each repair.
  • Ensures a clean and safe work area, utilizing PPE equipment effectively, hazardous waste compliance is followed.
  • Bring shortages of supplies to the attention of the Lead Painter for replenishment
  • Adhere to company standard for paint supplies and product.

Key Performance Metrics

  • Paint Gross Profit of 60% or higher with efficient paint usage and limited overuse
  • Customer Service Index Score 95+ for Quality, Done on Time, and Net Promoter Score
  • Cycle Time Efficiency

Skills/Technical Qualifications:

  • I-CAR Certification required withing 1st year of employment.
  • Basic understanding of all facets of paint application for automobile collision repair.
  • The ability to read, understand, and perform written instructions accurately and consistently and to work independently as well as with others in an organized manner.


Behavioral Excellence Required:

  • Perform all assigned responsibilities according to the Company Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Participate in training programs as required to maintain the technical and professional skills and techniques necessary for this position
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area always, adhering to 5S organization.
  • Extend normal working hours as necessary to accommodate workload and customer requirements.


Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work in an automotive collision repair and paint shop environment for extended periods.
  • Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods throughout the workday.
  • Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach while preparing vehicle surfaces for paint.
  • Ability to work in various positions, including above shoulder level, below waist level, and in confined spaces.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 25 pounds frequently.
  • Ability to use hands and fingers for repetitive sanding, masking, cleaning, taping, buffing, and operation of hand and power tools.
  • Ability to safely operate sanding equipment, spray guns, buffers, grinders, and other paint preparation tools and equipment.
  • Ability to perform repetitive motions for extended periods while maintaining quality and productivity standards.
  • Ability to visually inspect vehicle surfaces for dents, imperfections, contaminants, paint defects, and repair quality, including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision.
  • Ability to distinguish colors and color variations for paint preparation and quality control purposes.
  • Ability to enter, exit, and maneuver around vehicles of various sizes and configurations.
  • Ability to safely navigate around moving vehicles, equipment, tools, and active repair operations.
  • Ability to tolerate exposure to noise, dust, paint fumes, solvents, chemicals, and varying temperatures while utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when necessary.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with painters, technicians, supervisors, and coworkers regarding repair status, quality concerns, and production needs.
  • Ability to maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures in a fast-paced production environment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.