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Freelance Auto Body Paint Prepper Jobs in Reno, NV

Autobody Painter

Reno, NV · On-site

$36.84/hr

  • PTO

Working in a modern, climate-controlled environment, you'll complete all aspects of the paint ... Perform expert body repairs, including masking, sanding, and grinding * Apply primer and refinish ...

Automotive Painter

Carson City, NV · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Paid Skilled Trainings and Certifications - I-CAR and ASE REQUIREMENTS: * 3+ years of experience in paint operations within a collision center * Auto Body certificate or ASE certification in ...

Automotive Painter

Carson City, NV · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Paid Skilled Trainings and Certifications - I-CAR and ASE REQUIREMENTS: * 3+ years of experience in paint operations within a collision center * Auto Body certificate or ASE certification in ...

Auto Body Technician

Sparks, NV

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Team-first attitude -You collaborate with the painters, estimators, and front office staff in the business. * Must be eligible to work in the U.S. with no restrictions What's in it for you? We value ...

Auto Body Technician

Sparks, NV · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Team-first attitude -You collaborate with the painters, estimators, and front office staff in the business. * Must be eligible to work in the U.S. with no restrictions What's in it for you? We value ...

Automotive Painter

Reno, NV · On-site

$36.84/hr

  • PTO

7280 - Reno - 35 Auto Center Drive, Reno, Nevada, 89511 CarMax, the way your career should be ... body repairs, including masking, sanding, and grinding * Apply primer and refinish paint surfaces ...

Car Painter - CarMax

Reno, NV · On-site

$36.84/hr

  • PTO

7280 - Reno - 35 Auto Center Drive, Reno, Nevada, 89511 CarMax, the way your career should be ... body repairs, including masking, sanding, and grinding * Apply primer and refinish paint surfaces ...

Car Painter - Dealership

Reno, NV · On-site

$36.84/hr

  • PTO

7280 - Reno - 35 Auto Center Drive, Reno, Nevada, 89511 CarMax, the way your career should be ... body repairs, including masking, sanding, and grinding * Apply primer and refinish paint surfaces ...

7280 - Reno - 35 Auto Center Drive, Reno, Nevada, 89511 CarMax, the way your career should be ... body repairs, including masking, sanding, and grinding * Apply primer and refinish paint surfaces ...

7280 - Reno - 35 Auto Center Drive, Reno, Nevada, 89511 CarMax, the way your career should be ... body repairs, including masking, sanding, and grinding * Apply primer and refinish paint surfaces ...

7280 - Reno - 35 Auto Center Drive, Reno, Nevada, 89511 CarMax, the way your career should be ... body repairs, including masking, sanding, and grinding * Apply primer and refinish paint surfaces ...

Maintenance Technician

Carson City, NV

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our benefits take a holistic approach to take care of your mind and body. We care about you as a ... Perform various proactive preventative maintenance including siding, painting, lighting, sprinkler ...

Maintenance Technician

Carson City, NV · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our benefits take a holistic approach to take care of your mind and body. We care about you as a ... Perform various proactive preventative maintenance including siding, painting, lighting, sprinkler ...

Maintenance Technician

Carson City, NV · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our benefits take a holistic approach to take care of your mind and body. We care about you as a ... Perform various proactive preventative maintenance including siding, painting, lighting, sprinkler ...

Freelance Auto Body Paint Prepper information

See Reno, NV salary details

$10

$17

$23

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance auto body paint prepper in Reno, NV is $17.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance auto body paint preppers, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance auto body paint preppers often face challenges such as inconsistent workflow, managing multiple clients' deadlines, and ensuring access to high-quality tools and materials. Building strong relationships with local body shops and maintaining a reputation for reliability can help secure repeat business. Staying organized, communicating clearly with clients about project timelines, and investing in portable, quality equipment are also essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering professional results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance auto body paint prepper?

To thrive as a Freelance Auto Body Paint Prepper, you need expertise in surface preparation, sanding, masking, and knowledge of automotive paint types, often supported by experience or vocational training in auto body repair. Familiarity with tools such as sanders, spray guns, masking materials, and safety equipment is crucial, and some employers may prefer certifications like I-CAR or ASE. Attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills help ensure high-quality results and client satisfaction. Mastering these skills and tools ensures a smooth painting process, reduces errors, and builds a solid reputation in a competitive freelance market.

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

AspectFreelance Auto Body Paint PrepperAuto Body Painter
CredentialsNone mandatory, often experienced in prep workVocational training or certification preferred
Work EnvironmentIndependent, mobile or shop-basedShop or dealership settings
Job FocusSurface preparation, sanding, primingApplying paint, finishing coats
Tools & EquipmentSanding tools, masking suppliesSpray guns, paint booths

Freelance Auto Body Paint Preppers specialize in surface prep work, often working independently or on a contract basis, while Auto Body Painters focus on applying paint and finishing. Both roles require knowledge of auto repair processes, but their primary tasks and tools differ significantly.

What does a freelance auto body paint prepper do?

A Freelance Auto Body Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing vehicles for painting by sanding, masking, cleaning, and repairing surfaces as needed. They work independently, often on a contract basis, serving auto shops or individual clients. Their tasks ensure that the paint adheres properly and that the final finish is smooth and free from defects. Attention to detail and knowledge of various preparation techniques are essential for this role.

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

The most popular types of Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs in Reno, NV are:

Autobody Painter

Carmax

Reno, NV • On-site

$36.84/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 17 days ago


CarMax rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 734 rated retailers


Job description

7280 - Reno - 35 Auto Center Drive, Reno, Nevada, 89511

CarMax, the way your career should be! 

 

Position Overview

As a Sr. Reconditioning Associate, you’ll play a key role in ensuring every vehicle meets CarMax’s quality standards. Working in a modern, climate-controlled environment, you’ll complete all aspects of the paint preparation process and occasionally support Cosmetic Reconditioning Associate II and Flow Inventory Associate II duties. This is your opportunity to work alongside skilled technicians, gain hands-on experience, and help deliver vehicles that exceed customer expectations. At CarMax, we invest in your growth and provide the tools and training you need to succeed.

Why CarMax?

At CarMax, we are the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with stores from coast to coast, and we are still growing. We’re rethinking the way people buy cars – and our associates help us do just that. We believe work should feel meaningful and rewarding, with opportunities to make an impact every day. Whether you’re advancing your career or growing your skillset, we are here to drive you forward.

Role Responsibilities

  • Perform expert body repairs, including masking, sanding, and grinding
  • Apply primer and refinish paint surfaces to meet CarMax standards
  • Remove and replace parts as needed for cosmetic and structural integrity
  • Repair plastic and substrate damage with precision and care
  • Conduct post-paint refinishing, defect correction, and maintain and repair specialized equipment
  • Deliver exceptional customer service to internal and external partners
  • Follow CarMax Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) requirements and maintain a clean and orderly work area.

Required Qualifications

  • Completion of New Associate Orientation Training – Operations
  • Accountability to Associate 1 Competency Model
  • CarMax timekeeping systems training for hourly associates
  • Meet Cosmetic Reconditioning Associate II and Flow Inventory Associate II Performance Standards
  • Achieve workstation certifications for Cosmetic Reconditioning Associate II, Flow Inventory Associate II, and Senior Reconditioning Associate
  • Ability to read, interpret, and transcribe data accurately, and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
  • Required to use CarMax-provided respiratory protection. Must be clean-shaven to use half-face respirator.

About CarMax

At CarMax, we revolutionized the used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the process. Our commitment to customer experience, innovation, and community has made us the nation’s largest used car retailer. With over 250 store locations and over 30,000 associates, we are proud to have been recognized as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® and are committed to helping our communities thrive.

As an associate, you are part of an innovative movement to empower the modern customer and drive progress. Your work fuels change—sparking ideas, overcoming challenges, and shaping what’s next. Join us in creating a better future– for our company, our customers, and the communities we call home.

CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The hourly rate for this position is:

$36.84 - $36.84

Benefits:

Except as otherwise required by state law, CarMax Associates are entitled to the following paid sick, vacation, and holiday time.

Associates that are considered full-time hourly or commission/incentive eligible:

  • To earn up to 48 hours of sick time per year accrued on a per pay period basis and between 80 hours and 200 hours per year of vacation time after a 90 day waiting period depending on years of continuous service with the Company. 
  • For 8 hours of pay for each of a total of 6 paid scheduled holidays per year plus 1 floating holiday.  If such an Associate does work on a scheduled holiday due to business need, they are eligible for Holiday Premium Pay. 

Associates considered full-time salaried are entitled to paid time away with no specified limit as needed for sick, vacation, bereavement, jury duty, holidays, floating holiday, etc. subject to manager approval. 

For more details about benefits, please visit our CarMax Benefits website.

Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application.


What CarMax employees say

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Benefits

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CarMax logo

About CarMax

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CarMax disrupted the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity experience customers want and deserve. This innovative thinking around the way cars are bought and sold has helped us become the nation's largest retailer of used cars, with over 200 locations nationwide. Our amazing team of more than 25,000 associates work together to deliver iconic customer experiences. Along the way, we help every associate grow their career and achieve their best, at work and in their community. We are recognized for our commitment to training and diversity and are one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®.

Industry

Automobile dealers and finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Henrico, VA, US