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Paint Inspector Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Paint Prepper

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Inspect surfaces for quality and consistency before painting. * Maintain and clean tools and equipment used for prepping. * Follow safety protocols, including handling chemicals and personal ...

Source Inspector

Minneapolis, MN

$38 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform inspections supporting mechanical, electro-mechanical, weld, plating, paint, electrical assembly, and heat treat reviews at supplier facilities. * Schedule visits, document findings, and ...

Paint and Finish Supervisor

Litchfield, MN · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Paint and Finish Supervisor is responsible for overseeing operations for Truck and Trailer ... Conduct regular inspections, tests, and audits of painted units and components to identify defects ...

Paint and Finish Supervisor

Litchfield, MN · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Paint and Finish Supervisor is responsible for overseeing operations for Truck and Trailer ... Conduct regular inspections, tests, and audits of painted units and components to identify defects ...

Paint Prep Tech

Delano, MN · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Inspect refurbished materials, assess conditions, and make recommendations for future improvements. ATTRIBUTES * Able to prepare products for paint application. * Able to stand and prep all parts for ...

Lead Painter

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

  • PTO

Inspect the work of team members and ensure all work meets safety, quality, and project ... Order and maintain inventory of paint materials, tools, and supplies. * Track project progress and ...

Lead Painter

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

  • PTO

Inspect the work of team members and ensure all work meets safety, quality, and project ... Order and maintain inventory of paint materials, tools, and supplies. * Track project progress and ...

Paint Line Hanger - 2nd Shift

Lake City, MN · On-site

$22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Inspect parts and perform touch-ups or rework as needed • Adjust gun settings, powder flow, air ... paint area • Support production flow as a line handler and package/stage finished parts • ...

Inspector

Wyoming, MN

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Now Hiring: Inspector Precision Powdercoating is looking for a dependable, detail-oriented ... Work closely with painters, maskers, and shipping personnel to resolve quality issues. * Help ...

Painter

Osseo, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Inspect completed work for quality, including coverage, color consistency, finish appearance, and defects. * Perform paint touch-up and rework as required to meet quality standards. * Identify and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Paint Inspector information

See Minnesota salary details

$24K

$53.8K

$97K

How much do paint inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for paint inspector in Minnesota is $53,808.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $62,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paint inspector?

Paint Inspectors are professionals responsible for evaluating and ensuring the quality of paint applications, often on industrial structures such as bridges, pipelines, ships, or buildings. They inspect surfaces before, during, and after painting to verify that the proper materials, techniques, and safety standards are used. Their tasks include measuring paint thickness, checking for defects, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and client specifications. Paint Inspectors play a crucial role in preventing corrosion, ensuring longevity, and maintaining the appearance and safety of painted surfaces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paint inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paint Inspector, you need a solid understanding of coating application standards, surface preparation, and inspection procedures, often supported by certifications like NACE or SSPC. Familiarity with inspection tools such as dry film thickness gauges, adhesion testers, and documentation software is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help ensure accurate reporting and collaboration with project teams. These competencies are vital to guarantee quality, compliance with specifications, and the longevity of protective coatings in industrial or construction environments.

What are some common challenges paint inspectors face during on-site inspections?

Paint Inspectors often encounter challenges such as varying weather conditions that can affect paint application and curing, limited access to certain structures, and tight project timelines. Ensuring compliance with safety standards while navigating scaffolding or confined spaces is also common. Effective communication with contractors and project managers is crucial to address discrepancies and ensure all work meets quality standards. Staying organized and detail-oriented helps inspectors manage documentation and reporting efficiently.

What is the difference between Paint Inspector vs Coating Inspector?

AspectPaint InspectorCoating Inspector
CertificationsTypically holds certifications like SSPC, NACE, or AWSOften has similar certifications, including SSPC and NACE
Work EnvironmentInspects paint applications on structures, ships, or industrial equipmentInspects various coatings, including paints, on industrial or marine surfaces
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction, manufacturing, and marine industriesUsed across similar industries, often interchangeably with Paint Inspector

Paint Inspectors and Coating Inspectors share similar roles, certifications, and work environments. The main difference lies in terminology preference, with 'Coating Inspector' often encompassing a broader range of coating types beyond just paint. Both roles are essential for ensuring coating quality and adherence to standards in industrial and construction projects.

Infographic showing various Paint Inspector job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,808 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

$19 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description

Sears Imported Autos is currently seeking dedicated and motivated individuals to join our team as an auto body shop paint prepper. As an integral part of our renowned collision center, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operations and efficient workflow of our facility.  The Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing vehicle surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming. This role ensures all surfaces are properly prepped to achieve a smooth, high-quality paint finish. The Paint Prepper works closely with auto body technicians and painters to meet quality and safety standards.  

Responsibilities of a Body Shop Paint Prepper

  • Prepare vehicle surfaces by sanding to remove old paint, rust, and surface imperfections.
  • Apply body fillers to dents and scratches and sand them smooth.
  • Mask and tape areas not to be painted (windows, trim, lights).
  • Clean and degrease surfaces to ensure paint adhesion.
  • Apply primers and sealers as required.
  • Inspect surfaces for quality and consistency before painting.
  • Maintain and clean tools and equipment used for prepping.
  • Follow safety protocols, including handling chemicals and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Collaborate with the painting team to ensure efficient workflow and meet deadlines.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Proven experience as an auto body prepper, automobile prepper, paint prepper, or      in a similar role within the automotive collision repair industry.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to identify imperfections or flaws in surfaces.
  • Proficient in using various tools and equipment required for auto body preparation