ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Paint Helper Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

TAD PGS, Inc

Maintenance Helper

Washington, DC · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

... painting, ceiling tile replacement, carpentry support, small project assistance, and building ... Help organize supplies, prepare work areas, and perform basic troubleshooting for facility issues.

TAD PGS, Inc.

Maintenance Helper

Washington, DC

$20 - $30/hr

... painting, ceiling tile replacement, carpentry support, small project assistance, and building ... Help organize supplies, prepare work areas, and perform basic troubleshooting for facility issues.

Paintworx

Commercial Paint Estimator

Great Falls, VA

$70K - $85K/yr

Prior hands-on painting experience is helpful but not required. Compensation and Benefits PaintWorx offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes: * Annual salary of $70,000 ...

Paintworx

Commercial Paint Estimator

Leesburg, VA

$70K - $85K/yr

Prior hands-on painting experience is helpful but not required. Compensation and Benefits PaintWorx offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes: * Annual salary of $70,000 ...

Paintworx

Commercial Paint Estimator

Ashburn, VA

$70K - $85K/yr

Prior hands-on painting experience is helpful but not required. Compensation and Benefits PaintWorx offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes: * Annual salary of $70,000 ...

Paintworx

Commercial Paint Estimator

Reston, VA

$70K - $85K/yr

Prior hands-on painting experience is helpful but not required. Compensation and Benefits PaintWorx offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes: * Annual salary of $70,000 ...

Paintworx

Commercial Paint Estimator

Chantilly, VA

$70K - $85K/yr

Prior hands-on painting experience is helpful but not required. Compensation and Benefits PaintWorx offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes: * Annual salary of $70,000 ...

Paintworx

Commercial Paint Estimator

Sterling, VA

$70K - $85K/yr

Prior hands-on painting experience is helpful but not required. Compensation and Benefits PaintWorx offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes: * Annual salary of $70,000 ...

Paintworx

Commercial Paint Estimator

Oakton, VA

$70K - $85K/yr

Prior hands-on painting experience is helpful but not required. Compensation and Benefits PaintWorx offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes: * Annual salary of $70,000 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPaint Helper JobsPaint Helper Jobs in Washington

Paint Helper information

See Washington salary details

$13

$20

$26

How much do paint helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint helper in Washington is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Washington? The most popular types of Paint jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Paint Helper jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Paint Helper job openings:
Paint Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paint Helper job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,742 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Collision Painter Helper - BMW OF FAIRFAX

Sonic Automotive

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Sonic Automotive rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

112th of 150 rated car dealerships

Job description

Company Description

Sonic Automotive is a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 company and one of the largest automotive dealer groups in the country with 100+ dealerships nationwide across 25 brands.

At BMW OF FAIRFAX, a Sonic Automotive family dealership, you'll find the opportunities, resources, and support you need to grow and develop professionally. So read on, and consider a rewarding career with Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Job Description

Summary:

The Collision Painter Helper  will assist in preparing, painting, and finishing vehicles, ensuring quality and safety throughout the process while gaining hands-on experience in the body shop environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operates and uses all body shop equipment properly and safely.
  • Removes rust from metal, and grease and dirt from work surfaces.
  • Masks and protects parts that are not to be painted or coated.
  • Fills cavities and dents with putty to attain a smooth surface.
  • Mixes paint and coating liquids according to specifications.
  • Prepares surfaces by buffing, polishing, and spraying primer.
  • Paints surfaces using sprayers or brushes, ensuring quality and desired color tone.
Qualifications
  • Basic knowledge of automotive painting techniques, including the ability to mix paints and apply coatings with sprayers or brushes.
  • Strong attention to detail for color matching, surface smoothness, and identifying imperfections to ensure high-quality finishes.
  • Ability to properly prep surfaces through buffing, polishing, and applying primer to ensure smooth, ready-to-paint surfaces.
  • Familiarity with different paint types, coatings, and tools, including sprayers and safety equipment.
  • A genuine interest and enthusiasm for automotive painting, with a focus on long-term development in the painting trade rather than body work.
  • All applicants must be authorized to work in the USA.
  • All applicants must be able to demonstrate ability to pass pre-employment testing to include: background checks, drug testing, and Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).
Additional Information

Compensation (Hourly):

  • $22.00 / hour

Schedule:

  • FULL TIME
  • 5 days a week
  • Sunday off

Benefits:

  • Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
  • 401k plan with company match
  • Paid Time Off accrual
  • Closed for Thanksgiving day and Christmas day
  • Employee discounts on purchasing and leasing cars
  • Free and discounted gym membership plans
  • Opportunities for career advancement within a Fortune 500 company

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEOC guidelines

What Sonic Automotive employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Sonic Automotive logo

About Sonic Automotive

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At a Sonic Automotive family dealership, you'll find the opportunities, resources, and support you need to grow and develop professionally. Our 100+ dealerships are concerned with more than moving inventory; they're committed to your success and invested in your future.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1997

View All Sonic Automotive Jobs

Apply