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Entry Level Auto Painter Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Auto Painter information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$27

$48

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level auto painter in Riverside, CA is $27.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $30.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level auto painter do?

An entry level auto painter assists in preparing vehicles for painting, mixing paint colors, and applying paint under supervision. They are responsible for sanding, masking, priming surfaces, and ensuring the area is clean and safe. Entry level auto painters also help with cleaning equipment and maintaining a tidy workspace. This role is ideal for those who are detail-oriented and interested in automotive refinishing, while gaining hands-on experience before advancing to more skilled tasks.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Auto Painter, you need a basic understanding of automotive painting techniques, surface preparation, and safety protocols, typically acquired through vocational training or on-the-job experience. Familiarity with spray guns, paint booths, sanding equipment, and color-matching systems is common in this role. Attention to detail, reliability, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for delivering quality finishes and working effectively with a team. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing professional paint jobs, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining a safe, efficient work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level auto painters, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level auto painters often face challenges such as mastering spray gun techniques, achieving consistent finishes, and working efficiently under time constraints. It's common to initially struggle with preventing paint runs, matching colors, and ensuring proper surface preparation. Overcoming these challenges involves seeking guidance from experienced team members, practicing regularly, and staying updated on safety and equipment protocols. Many shops offer on-the-job training, so being proactive in asking questions and learning from feedback can significantly accelerate your skill development.

Are entry level auto painters in demand?

Entry level auto painters are in steady demand due to ongoing vehicle maintenance and repair needs, especially in regions with active automotive industries. Employment opportunities often depend on the local economy, availability of apprenticeships, and the ability to learn skills such as spray painting and surface preparation. Certifications and experience with automotive paints can improve job prospects in this field.

How to become an entry level auto painter?

To become an entry-level auto painter, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some employers prefer prior experience or training in automotive painting. Gaining skills in surface preparation, paint mixing, and using spray guns is important, and completing a vocational or technical program can improve job prospects. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with safety procedures and protective equipment is essential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Auto Painter jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Auto Painter jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Auto Painter jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Auto Painter job openings:

Entry Level Auto Painter jobs near you

Entry-level Automotive Wheel Technician - Paid Training!

Dent Wizard

Riverside, CA • On-site

$60K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Dent Wizard rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 371 rated vehicle maintenance

Job description

For a quick application text APPLY1 to 82174

About Dent Wizard

Dent Wizard is the nation's undisputed leader in automotive reconditioning services and vehicle protection products - and our success is the result of the great people who serve our customers. We're stable, growing and have a strong business model, with opportunities in 43 states, 2.5 million vehicles repaired every year and more than 3,000 highly skilled employees. Help us reach new heights and receive the respect, rewards and recognition you deserve.

Automotive Wheel Technician - No Experience Needed!
Training:Fully Paid (Includes Travel, Food, and Transportation)

Training compensation at the hourly rate, then phased combo compensation of hourly rate and commission as you move out of training and start building your customer base!

Commission-based uncapped earning potential.

Long-term earning potential: $60,000-$110,000+

Are you hands-on, detail-oriented, and love working outdoors? Do you like working with customers and making things happen? Join our growing team as a Wheel Technicianand start a rewarding career-no experience required!

What You'll Do:

  • Travel to customer locations to service vehicles

  • Remove tires and wheels from vehicles

  • Use grinding and sanding tools to repair cosmetic damages (curb and road rash, peeling, scrapes, gouges, oxidation and bent wheels)

  • Paint and refinish wheels to a like-new condition

  • Deliver excellent customer service and promote our services

What We're Looking For:

  • Toughness and grit to workoutdoors in various weather conditions

  • Strongcustomer service and salesskills to interact with customers and build accounts

  • Detail-orientedwith a focus on quality and safety

  • Manual dexterity for repetitive-motion tasks

  • Strong work ethic, self-motivation and the ability to work independently

  • Vision abilities including close, distance and color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

  • Physical stamina to kneel, bend, squat and climb, as well as lift up to 75 pounds and work on your feet

  • Valid driver's license and good driving record

  • Auto painting experience or collision repair technical school training preferred but not required

What We Offer:

  • No experience necessary-we providecomprehensive, paid training(includes travel and lodging)

  • Unlimited, uncapped earning potential- the harder you work and the more you master your craft, the more you can make

  • Excellent benefits-medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid vacation, and more

  • Awesome perks-tools and supplies, company vehicle, gas card, mobile phone, and more

  • Independence-manage your day without micromanagement

  • Supportive team-work with a fun, dynamic crew that's got your back

  • Career growth-advance to higher Tech levels or management roles

  • Advancement potentialinto higher Tech levels (with more $) or management roles

All candidates selected for offer will undergo post-offer, pre-employment screening appropriate to the role. This may include, but is not limited to, a physical examination, vision assessment, background check, and drug screening. Any such screening will be appropriate for the role, the same for all employees entering the same job category, and conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

The starting compensation is expected to be:

$23.10/Hour

We offer a competitive & comprehensive benefit package including: paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and 401k match (50% on the dollar up to 7% of employee contribution). For more information on our benefit offerings, please visit our Dealer Tire Family of Companies Benefits Highlights Booklet.

EOE Statement: Dent Wizard is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act*), or any other legally protected status, with respect to employment opportunities.

*ADA Disclosure: Any candidate who feels that they may need an accommodation to complete this application, or any portions of same, based on the impact of a disability should contact Dent Wizard's Human Resources Department to discuss your specific needs. Please feel free to contact us at recruiting@dentwizard.com.

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