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Entry Level Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Entry level to highly experienced Industrial/Heavy Equipment & Automotive Painter. Background in in painting Mobile Industrial Equipment, specifically around the Oilfield Servicing Industry, as well ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your ... Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ...

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Entry Level Painter information

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$33

How much do entry level painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level painter in the United States is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry-Level Painter Do?

As an entry-level painter, you assist team leads and senior painters with projects in new construction or renovation projects. You can work on both residential and commercial properties, completing interior and exterior projects. Your duties include masking and preparing the worksite, applying multiple coats of paint on walls and trim, and performing other tasks as instructed. In these jobs, your responsibilities include cleaning up tools and the worksite, labeling and storing materials, erecting scaffolding, and using equipment and tools like power washers and paint sprayers. Additionally, you carry heavy containers of paint and other materials, stand on ladders and scaffolds, and frequently bend, stretch, and stoop, so physical stamina is key.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Painter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Painter, you need basic knowledge of painting techniques, surface preparation, and familiarity with safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or GED. Experience with brushes, rollers, sprayers, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is commonly required. Attention to detail, reliability, and good communication help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure high-quality results, maintain safety standards, and promote effective teamwork on job sites.

What is the difference between Entry Level Painter vs Apprentice Painter?

AspectEntry Level PainterApprentice Painter
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic painting skillsMay require basic skills; often in training
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial, or industrial sitesOn-the-job training alongside experienced painters
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions in painting companies or contractorsTraining role within painting companies or unions

While both roles involve painting tasks, an Entry Level Painter is typically responsible for basic painting duties with some experience, whereas an Apprentice Painter is in training, learning skills under supervision. The apprentice role often serves as a stepping stone to becoming a full-fledged painter.

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

Entry level painters often encounter challenges such as mastering proper surface preparation, achieving an even coat, and working efficiently under time constraints. These challenges can be addressed by closely following safety and preparation procedures, seeking guidance from experienced team members, and practicing various painting techniques. Additionally, being open to feedback and consistently learning on the job will help build confidence and skill, making tasks easier over time.

What does an entry level painter do?

An entry level painter is responsible for preparing surfaces, applying paint, and assisting more experienced painters on various projects. Typical duties include sanding, cleaning surfaces, taping, priming, and using brushes or rollers to apply paint. Entry level painters often work under supervision and may help with moving materials, setting up equipment, and cleaning up job sites. This position is a great way to gain experience in the painting trade and learn proper techniques and safety practices.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Painter jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Painter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Painter jobs? The most popular types of Painter jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Painter jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Painter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Painter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Painter jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Painter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,394 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
HIRING NOW! Entry-Level Auto Painter

HIRING NOW! Entry-Level Auto Painter

Carvana

Lockport, NY

$20 - $24/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Carvana rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 713 rated retailers


Job description

Pay Range: $20-$24 hourly

*Plus $500 Bonus!

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