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Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper Jobs in Riverside, CA

Auto BodyPaint Technician- Experienced Do you enjoy working with customers and being on the move? What if your next job felt more like running your own business?Join our growing team as a Paint ...

Auto BodyPaint Technician- Experienced Do you enjoy working with customers and being on the move? What if your next job felt more like running your own business?Join our growing team as a Paint ...

Auto BodyPaint Technician- Experienced Do you enjoy working with customers and being on the move? What if your next job felt more like running your own business?Join our growing team as a Paint ...

... Auto Body Repair Technician to join our growing team. This role is a Combo Technician role that requires knowledge and skill in collision repair and paint. In this dynamic role, you'll deliver high ...

Auto BodyPaint Technician- Experienced Do you enjoy working with customers and being on the move? What if your next job felt more like running your own business?Join our growing team as a Paint ...

... Auto Body Repair Technician to join our growing team. This role is a Combo Technician role that requires knowledge and skill in collision repair and paint. In this dynamic role, you'll deliver high ...

... Auto Body Repair Technician to join our growing team. This role is a Combo Technician role that requires knowledge and skill in collision repair and paint. In this dynamic role, you'll deliver high ...

Painter Helper

Riverside, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $26/hr

Experience with auto body work and hand tools. * Knowledge of industrial painting, paint prep, and ... Willingness to accept coaching and on-the-job training. * Entry-level position; prior industrial or ...

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Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$18

$25

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

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level auto body paint prepper in Riverside, CA is $18.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper job openings:
Auto Body - Quality Assurance Coordinator - ADESA Mira Loma

Auto Body - Quality Assurance Coordinator - ADESA Mira Loma

ADESA

Mira Loma, CA

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


ADESA rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 17 rated auctioneers


Job description

Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:00am-2:30pm

Pay Range: $20-$22 hourly

About Us
ADESA, a Carvana owned company, currently operating over 50 locations throughout the US. Our Auto Auctions, some up to 200 acres, provide a wide array of vehicle services including repair & reconditioning, auction remarketing, and many of our sites serve as market hub distribution centers. Our inventory comprises hundreds of thousands of vehicles across North America from retail to commercial, OEM & more.
We work in a service industry and embrace a "we" versus "I" culture – help others, and they will help you. Our industry is fun, fast-paced, and competitive – and filled with the best people who are passionate about what they do.
We're excited about the future! As an industry leader, ADESA is poised for a multi-year expansion including huge investments in facilities, massive sales growth, and an ever-increasing inventory of vehicles! We are looking for great people who want to take this journey with us! Get a sneak peek into life at ADESA!

Role and Team

  • Reporting to the Body Shop Manager or designated supervisor, assure the quality of the Body Shop processes "First Time Right". Communicate with the body shop technicians concerning quality goals, expectations, and be the first point of contact per paint line. Perform all additional duties assigned by the Body Shop Manager or supervisor. Must know, practice, and ensure that company policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal laws are followed always.

Responsibilities

  • Inspect the quality of work done by each team member, identify body repair and paint quality that does not meet company standards. Communicate with team members in a positive and collaborative manner when quality does not meet standards.
  • Maintain a professional appearance, orderly work environment and friendly disposition by greeting others.
  • Ensure proper auto body repair techniques and procedures are being implemented by team members.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment. Report all incidents to management immediately.
  • Complete proper inspection in accordance with auction standards (or if necessary re-inspection) of vehicles upon completion of work. Properly log the vehicle information upon satisfactory completion of inspection.
  • Photograph and stage vehicles to ensure focused and clear pictures per standards.
  • Document the stock number, vin number, model, make, of each vehicle as well as the customer.
  • Return customer's vehicles in clean condition.
  • Run inventory reports for the body shop, and print repair orders.
  • Make sure parts are ordered for repairs.
  • Provide technicians with their assigned repair orders.
  • Create estimates for repairs.
  • Properly complete all work documentation and data entry in computer systems.
  • Advise the designated Manager of all equipment breakdowns and required maintenance immediately.
  • Respond to and follow proper procedures on employee and customer accidents, injuries, and loss or damage to any property. Report all incidents to the Manager.
  • Practice and promote company Core Values.

Skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective employee relations and interpersonal skills.
  • Detail oriented and consistent in the execution of job duties
  • Ability to maintain quality and quantity of work produced
  • Ability to work in a high production environment
  • Ability to understand and adhere to Company policies in all areas.
  • Ability to exercise good business judgment and discretion to analyze and address opportunities.
  • Self-motivated in order to drive efficiency, teamwork, and the best customer experience possible.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.
  • 2 years of body shop experience; 4 years for level II with advanced auto body repair knowledge
  • Auction knowledge and experience preferred
  • Proficient computer skills
  • Well-organized and responsible with an aptitude in problem-solving with strong multitasking skills
  • Ability to adapt to changing work environments, including exposure to excessive weather conditions (heat/cold).
  • Proficient computer skills.
  • Must be 18 years of age with a valid driver's license and driving record that meets company requirements

ADESA Benefits and Perks

Competitive Pay | Quality Benefits | Holiday and Paid Time Off | Education and Equipment Reimbursement Programs | Matching 401(k) | Career Path Opportunities | And More!

Other RequirementsTo be able to do your job at ADESA, there are some basic requirements we want to share with you. Of course, we'll make any reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs.

The physical activity requirements of the position range from Light to Medium Physical Work.

  • Frequent – standing, watching, touching, listening, walking, talking, stooping, bending, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, stooping, lifting
  • Potential running, jumping, yelling or other rapid or forceful movement in emergency situations
  • Visual acuity requirements include color, depth perception and field of vision comparable to definitions for Clerical, Administrative, Machine Operators (including inspection) positions.

Physical Working Conditions:

This position is subject to both inside and outside environmental working conditions, including temperature changes, outside weather conditions, slightly elevated ambient noise levels, and minor atmospheric conditions affecting skin or respiratory systems, such as fumes, odors and dusts associated with internal and external service station/convenience food and petroleum dispensing operations.

Legal Stuff

Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

ADESA is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. ADESA also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


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