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Paint Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caliber Collision

Auto Paint Helper

San Diego, CA

$18 - $20/hr

Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with Caliber and OEM standards using our state-of-the-art equipment. OUR AUTO PAINTER HELPERS ...

Posted today

Caliber Collision

Auto Paint Helper

Huntington Beach, CA

$18 - $22/hr

Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with Caliber and OEM standards using our state-of-the-art equipment. OUR AUTO PAINTER HELPERS ...

Posted today

Fusion Sign and Design

Paint Prep/Painter

Chino, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Paint helper/Prepper for an electrical sign company. Job Summary: The Paint Helper/Prepper is responsible for preparing sign components and surfaces for painting and assisting painters with their ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Fresno, CA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

New

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

New

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Fresno, CA · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Sacramento, CA

$17 - $20/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

New

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Fresno, CA · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Tracy, CA

$18 - $23/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Bakersfield, CA

$18 - $22/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

New

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Tracy, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Signal Hill, CA

$20 - $23/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with ...

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All JobsPaint Helper JobsPaint Helper Jobs in California

Paint Helper information

See California salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do paint helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint helper in California is $17.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paint helper?

Paint Helpers are entry-level workers who assist painters in preparing surfaces, mixing paints, setting up equipment, and cleaning up job sites. They play a crucial role in ensuring that painting projects run smoothly and efficiently by handling tasks such as masking, sanding, scraping, and moving materials. Paint Helpers often work under the supervision of more experienced painters and may learn the trade on the job, making this position a good starting point for a career in painting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paint helper?

To thrive as a Paint Helper, you need basic knowledge of surface preparation, safety procedures, and familiarity with painting materials, often gained through on-the-job training or a high school diploma. Experience with tools like sanders, sprayers, and protective equipment, as well as adherence to OSHA safety standards, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability help ensure tasks are completed accurately and on schedule. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining high-quality finishes, workplace safety, and efficient project completion.

What are some common challenges faced by paint helpers when working in a fast-paced automotive shop?

Paint Helpers in automotive shops often work under tight deadlines to prepare and finish vehicles for painting, which requires strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask. A common challenge is ensuring surfaces are properly prepped and masked to prevent paint defects, while also coordinating with painters and body technicians to maintain workflow efficiency. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as priorities may shift quickly to meet customer demands or address unexpected issues. With experience, Paint Helpers can develop advanced techniques and may have opportunities to advance to painter or supervisor roles.

What is the difference between Paint Helper vs Painter?

AspectPaint HelperPainter
CredentialsNone required or basic certificationsHigh school diploma; apprenticeship or licensing often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssist in painting projects, prep work, cleanupPerform actual painting, surface preparation, finishing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, renovation, maintenanceCommercial, residential, industrial painting
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, support roles in paintingSkilled painting work, career advancement

The main difference between a Paint Helper and a Painter is that the Paint Helper assists with prep work, cleanup, and support tasks, while the Painter performs the actual painting and finishing. The Paint Helper role is ideal for those starting in the industry, gaining experience before becoming a Painter. Both roles are essential in painting projects, with the Helper providing valuable support to ensure quality and efficiency.

What are the most commonly searched types of Paint jobs in California?

The most popular types of Paint jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Paint Helper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Paint Helper job openings:

Paint Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paint Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,372 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Auto Paint Helper

Caliber Collision

San Diego, CA

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 10 hours ago

Posted today

Caliber Collision rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 371 rated vehicle maintenance

Job description

Service Center

South San Diego

JOB SUMMARY

Caliber Collision has an immediate job opening for an Auto Painter Helper to efficiently prepare vehicles for painting in cooperation with the Auto Painter to ensure efficient workflow. Duties may include sanding and buffing and maintenance of paint booth and workspace. Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in accordance with Caliber and OEM standards using our state-of-the-art equipment.

OUR AUTO PAINTER HELPERS FOR THIS POSITION CAN MAKE UP TO: (

  • $18-$20 per hour

BENEFITS OF JOINING THE CALIBER FAMILY

  • Benefits from day one: Immediately eligible for medical, dental and vision
  • Industry Comparable Pay - Paid weekly and eligible for overtime (if hourly)
  • State of the Art Products - 3M Collision Repair Products
  • Paid Vacation & Holidays - Begin accruing day 1
  • Career growth opportunities - We promote from within!
  • Paid Skilled Trainings and Certifications - I-CAR and ASE
  • A career for life: You'll gain hands-on experience within a production shop

REQUIREMENTS

  • 1+ years of experience in paint operations within a collision center
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a valid driver's license and be eligible for coverage under Caliber's insurance policy
  • Nice to have, but not required: Previous collision experience and/or Collision Vo-Tech certification

ABILITES/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

  • Ability to do consistent physical activity - reach below and above shoulder level, kneeling, bending, and squatting, and lifting objects over 50 lbs.
  • Be able to understand instructions - written and verbal
  • Can prioritize competing tasks and adapt easily to a fast-paced environment

Caliber is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.

Caliber uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. with no restrictions.

What Caliber Collision employees say

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