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Paint Prep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paint Prep

East Spencer, NC · On-site

$18.98/hr

Wastequip is recruiting fora Paint Prep/Cleaner/Finisher in our New Salisbury, NC, Steel Manufacturing location. This person will clean, grind, sandsurfaces of components, finish raw products prior ...

The Paint Prep I is responsible for wiping, sanding, and inspecting all parts to be painted as well as plugging and masking all parts. Other required tasks include blowing water, shot blow of area ...

Paint Prep

Granite Quarry, NC · On-site

$18.98/hr

Wastequip is recruiting fora Paint Prep/Cleaner/Finisher in our New Salisbury, NC, Steel Manufacturing location. This person will clean, grind, sandsurfaces of components, finish raw products prior ...

MondayFriday | 7:00 AM 3:30 PM | Starting at $15/hr Massillon Mancan is seeking an experienced Paint Prep Technician to prepare custom auto parts and vehicle bodies for painting in the North Lawrence ...

Paint Prep Technicians

Monticello, NY

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Paint Prep Technician to join our busy dealership collision center in Monticello, NY. If you take pride in quality workmanship and enjoy working in ...

Click here to view our Benefits Snapshot JOB OVERVIEW For Paint Prep, this position plays a crucial role in ensuring a high-quality finish of products for various customer projects. Working within a ...

Paint Prep

Lansing, MI

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

The Prep Painter will be responsible for preparing and priming parts and components that are used in the production of defense systems and equipment. You will work closely with our production and ...

Paint Prep

Lansing, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

The Prep Painter will be responsible for preparing and priming parts and components that are used in the production of defense systems and equipment. You will work closely with our production and ...

Paint Prep Technicians

Monticello, NY · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Paint Prep Technician to join our busy dealership collision center in Monticello, NY. If you take pride in quality workmanship and enjoy working in ...

MondayFriday | 7:00 AM 3:30 PM | Starting at $15/hr Massillon Mancan is seeking an experienced Paint Prep Technician to prepare custom auto parts and vehicle bodies for painting in the North Lawrence ...

Paint Prep

Spencer, NC · On-site

$18.98/hr

Wastequip is recruiting fora Paint Prep/Cleaner/Finisher in our New Salisbury, NC, Steel Manufacturing location. This person will clean, grind, sandsurfaces of components, finish raw products prior ...

MondayFriday | 7:00 AM 3:30 PM | Starting at $15/hr Massillon Mancan is seeking an experienced Paint Prep Technician to prepare custom auto parts and vehicle bodies for painting in the North Lawrence ...

Automotive Paint Prep Tech Description: As a member of the paint team, a Prep Tech is tasked with various duties that assist in preparing a vehicle by sanding. It is preferred that a Prep Tech ...

Paint Prep

East Spencer, NC · On-site

$18.98/hr

Wastequip is recruiting fora Paint Prep/Cleaner/Finisher in our New Salisbury, NC, Steel Manufacturing location. This person will clean, grind, sandsurfaces of components, finish raw products prior ...

Paint Prep

Salisbury, NC · On-site

$18.98/hr

Wastequip is recruiting fora Paint Prep/Cleaner/Finisher in our New Salisbury, NC, Steel Manufacturing location. This person will clean, grind, sandsurfaces of components, finish raw products prior ...

Paint Prep

Salisbury, NC · On-site

$18.98/hr

Wastequip is recruiting for a Paint Prep/Cleaner/Finisher in our New Salisbury, NC, Steel Manufacturing location. This person will clean, grind, sand surfaces of components, finish raw products prior ...

Showing results 41-60

Paint Prep information

See salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do paint prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint prep 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 common challenges faced by paint prep technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Paint Prep technicians often encounter challenges such as ensuring surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and free of dust, properly masking complex parts, and maintaining consistency across multiple projects. Working in environments where time management and attention to detail are critical, they must balance speed with accuracy to prepare surfaces without causing defects that affect the final paint quality. These challenges can be addressed by following standardized procedures, using the right tools and PPE, and communicating closely with painters and supervisors to prevent errors and ensure a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Paint Prep vs Paint Technician?

AspectPaint PrepPaint Technician
CertificationsBasic safety and surface preparation certificationsAdvanced painting certifications, sometimes including spray painting licenses
Work EnvironmentAuto body shops, manufacturing plants, industrial facilitiesAuto body shops, industrial facilities, aerospace, automotive manufacturing
Job FocusSurface cleaning, sanding, masking, primingApplying paint, finishing coats, color matching, detailing

Paint Prep involves preparing surfaces for painting through cleaning, sanding, and priming, while Paint Technicians focus on applying paint and finishing coats. Both roles require safety certifications and work in similar environments, but Paint Technicians typically have more advanced skills in painting techniques and finishing processes.

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

To thrive as a Paint Prep, you need knowledge of surface preparation techniques, attention to detail, and familiarity with safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with sanding tools, masking materials, and sometimes spray equipment is valuable, as is understanding of OSHA safety standards. Strong teamwork, reliability, and time management help individuals excel in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure surfaces are properly prepared, leading to high-quality finishes and efficient workflow in painting operations.

What is a paint prep?

Paint Prep workers are responsible for preparing surfaces and materials before they are painted, usually in industrial, automotive, or manufacturing settings. Their duties often include cleaning, sanding, masking, and applying primers to ensure a smooth and high-quality finish. They play a crucial role in the painting process by making sure surfaces are free of imperfections and contaminants. This preparation helps paint adhere properly and extends the durability of the finished product. Paint Prep workers must be detail-oriented and follow safety procedures to protect themselves and ensure a quality outcome.
More about Paint Prep jobs
What cities are hiring for Paint Prep jobs? Cities with the most Paint Prep job openings:
What states have the most Paint Prep jobs? States with the most job openings for Paint Prep jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Paint Prep jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Paint Prep jobs are:
Infographic showing various Paint Prep job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 56% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,281 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Paint Prep

Wastequip

East Spencer, NC • On-site

$18.98/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Wastequip rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:

Wastequip is recruiting fora Paint Prep/Cleaner/Finisher in our New Salisbury, NC, Steel Manufacturing location. This person will clean, grind, sandsurfaces of components, finish raw products prior to painting, and helps set up welding functions

Pay Rate: $18.98

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Examines and feels surface of workpiece for defects

  • Selects abrasive wheel, or disk according to specifications, knowledge of abrasives, and condition of metal, and attaches to grinder

  • Starts grinder and moves it over surface of workpiece to remove scratches, laminated metal, excess weld material, and burs

  • Polishes ground areas with finer abrasive to produce smooth, unmarred surface

  • Replaces worn abrasive disks wheels

  • Assist the welders with non-welding functions in preparation for welding.

  • sets up weld table with material for welders

  • Lift and load work materials into positions as directed using hoists, cranes, or forklift

  • Assist welders in loading or moving heavy work pieces during work operations

  • Performs sub assembly work as needed

  • Uses bracing and measurement tools

  • Assist welders in bolting metal components

  • Preventative maintenance of welding equipment and tools

  • Clean workpieces as necessary with grinder or scraper

Company Benefits:

  • 2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-Up
    Medical Plans
    Prescription (Rx) Insurance
    Health Savings Account (HSA)
    2 Dental Plan Options - Base Dental and Buy-Up Dental Plans
    Vision Insurance
    Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's)
    Health Care FSA
    Dependent Care FSA
    Company Paid Base Life Insurance
    Company Paid Accident, Death & Dismemberment Insurance
    Company Paid Business Travel Accident Insurance
    Company Paid Disability Insurance
    Short-Term Disability (STD) and Base Long-Term Disability (LTD)
    Insurance
    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    Voluntary Hospital, Accident & Critical Illness (Cancer) Insurance
    401(K) Retirement Plan with 50% Company Match
    Voluntary Pet Insurance
    Vacation and Personal/Sick Time
    Paid Grandparent Leave
    Paid Bonding Leave
    Adoption Assistance
    Education Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement)

About Wastequip

Wastequip got its start in 1989 with containers and compactors. But, today, we have evolved into so much more than just a manufacturer of high-quality steel containers and compactors. We are the waste industry's only All-in-One solutions provider - from carts and containers to collect waste to hoists and trash trucks to move the waste to parts, service and technology to keep your operation running smoothly.

While we're proud to be North America's leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment, we are equally proud to be a driving force for enhanced sustainability across the waste industry. We are consistently striving to improve our own operations while making it easier for our customers to do the right thing - building a brighter future for all.


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