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Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level auto body paint prepper in the United States is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 cities are hiring for Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs? The most popular types of Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs include:
Auto Body Paint Prepper

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Carvana

Manville, NJ

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 hours ago


Carvana rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 259 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 712 rated retailers


Job description

We're looking for Auto Painters with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive painting experience to join us at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history and one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500.
As a Painter, you'll be expected to prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted, along with buffing, touch-up, paint mixing, and airbrush.
At Carvana, you'll receive a competitive wage and amazing perks - including a 401(k) with Carvana match and even a vehicle purchase discount - all while using state of the art tools in one of our high-tech Inspection Centers (click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your skills and pay progress along with the company.


Other perks of the Job

  • 100% company-paid healthcare premiums
  • Generous paid-time off and your birthday is a holiday!
  • ASE and tool reimbursement programs
  • Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment

Schedule: 

We do everything we can to deliver an exceptional customer experience, and that includes delivering great vehicles when expected. If we're in a pinch, mandatory overtime is one way in which we can follow-through on this commitment to our customers. We're looking for team players who are all in on our mission and are able to work mandatory overtime based on our business needs. 


How To Get Started
Join the Carvana team by applying on this page, or call one of our recruiters by phone at (888) 690-7853, Monday through Friday, between 6 AM and 4 PM PT (9AM to 7PM ET).


Not a match for this role?
We have a variety of paint roles available, depending on your experience - look below to see other roles available to help us get our low-mileage, late-model cars ready for our customers:

  • Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing
  • Entry-Level Painter (min 1 year professional experience): prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted, along with buffing, touch-up, paint mixing, and airbrush.
  • Mid-Level Painter (min 3 years professional experience):  match/mix paint color and use water-based paint to paint the vehicle inside our paint booths
  • Experienced Painter (min 5 years professional experience): painting (base coats, tri-coats, solid, metallic, and clear coats), blending adjacent panels, and paint correcting vehicles.

We also have a variety of other automotive roles available in one of our 18 locations across the country - take a look at our Careers site to apply for one of the following roles:

  • Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) roles
  • Auto Technician/Mechanic roles: Lube and Oil, Inspection, Brake and Tire, Mechanical Repair / Build, and Master Technician roles
  • Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate, Inspection, and Coordinator/Administrator roles

General qualifications and requirements

  • Ability to physically operate vehicle equipment and tools - must be able to lift up to 60 pounds independently
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Some positions may be subject to an Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check
  • An ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment while sometimes being exposed to excessive weather conditions (heat/cold)
  • Use of safety equipment that may include but not limited to face shield or goggles, non-slip shoes, gloves, mask, and other protective garments and equipment

About Carvana
At Carvana, we sell cars but we aren't car salesmen. Our promise is simple: we won't sell a car to a customer that we wouldn't sell to our own Mom. Period.
To make sure our cars are in first-rate condition, we've built multiple vehicle Reconditioning Centers around the country, where our cars are inspected, perfected, and photographed before reaching the Carvana website.
Think you've got what it takes to join our team? Apply today!
Carvana 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. Carvana also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.


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About Carvana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Carvana, we sell cars, but we're not salespeople. Since 2013, we've been making it our mission to change the way people buy cars. We saw a huge problem with how much it can suck to buy a car the traditional way, so we committed ourselves to tackling one of the largest, yet-to-be-disrupted markets in the world - the $1T per year U.S. car market (yes, that's $Trillion with a "T").

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tempe, AZ, US

Year founded

2011