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Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork ... Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and ...

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

As an Entry-level Auto Body Repair Technician, you'll be expected to prep vehicles for paint , including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing. At Carvana, you'll ...

As an Entry-level Auto Body Repair Technician, you'll be expected to prep vehicles for paint , including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing. At Carvana, you'll ...

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Akron, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

As an Entry-level Auto Body Repair Technician, you'll be expected to prep vehicles for paint , including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing. At Carvana, you'll ...

Collision Painter Prepper - Hiring Now Chevy Chase Automotive | Collision Center Chevy Chase ... Basic knowledge of tools and materials used in auto body repair What We Offer: * Competitive pay ...

Collision Painter Prepper - Hiring Now Chevy Chase Automotive | Collision Center Chevy Chase ... Basic knowledge of tools and materials used in auto body repair What We Offer: * Competitive pay ...

Collision Painter Prepper - Hiring Now Chevy Chase Automotive | Collision Center Chevy Chase ... Basic knowledge of tools and materials used in auto body repair What We Offer: * Competitive pay ...

Collision Painter Prepper - Hiring Now Chevy Chase Automotive | Collision Center Chevy Chase ... Basic knowledge of tools and materials used in auto body repair What We Offer: * Competitive pay ...

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Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper information

See salary details

$10

$17

$24

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship 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 Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper, you need a basic understanding of automotive repair, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with sanding tools, masking techniques, and safety equipment is typical, while certifications in automotive refinishing can be beneficial. Dependability, strong work ethic, and the ability to follow instructions are crucial soft skills in this entry-level position. These skills ensure that vehicles are properly prepared for painting, leading to high-quality finishes and efficient workflow in the auto body shop.

What does a typical day look like for an Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper, and how do they work with the rest of the auto body team?

As an Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper, your day typically involves preparing vehicles for painting by sanding, masking, and cleaning surfaces. You'll work closely with experienced technicians and painters, learning industry-standard procedures and the importance of attention to detail. You'll also collaborate with the rest of the auto body team to ensure vehicles are ready on schedule and meet quality standards. This role offers hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop essential skills for advancement in the auto body and refinishing industry.

What does an Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper do?

An Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper assists in preparing vehicles for painting in an auto body repair shop. Their responsibilities typically include sanding, masking, cleaning surfaces, applying primer, and ensuring the area is ready for the paint technician. Interns learn proper techniques and safety protocols while working under the supervision of experienced professionals. This role is ideal for those interested in gaining hands-on experience in automotive refinishing.

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

AspectInternship Auto Body Paint PrepperAuto Body Painter Apprentice
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical training
Work EnvironmentAuto repair shops, collision centersAuto repair shops, collision centers
Job FocusPreparing vehicles for painting, sanding, maskingApplying paint, finishing, detailing
Experience LevelEntry-level, learning phaseEntry to mid-level, developing skills

While both roles are entry-level and involve working in auto body repair environments, the Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper focuses on preparing vehicles for painting through sanding and masking, whereas the Auto Body Painter Apprentice is more involved in applying paint and finishing touches. The internship provides foundational skills, often leading to a painter role.

What cities are hiring for Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs? Cities with the most Internship 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 Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Auto Body Paint Prepper jobs include:
Auto Body Paint Prepper

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Carvana

Plainfield, IN

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days 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.


What Carvana employees say

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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