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Paint Prepper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paint Prepper

Ogden, UT · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Paint Prepper Focus Manufacturing Services is looking for a detail-oriented Paint Prepper to join our production team. In this role, you'll prepare parts for painting and help keep our paint booths ...

Collision Painter Prepper - Hiring Now Chevy Chase Automotive | Collision Center Chevy Chase Automotive is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Collision Painter Prepper to join our growing ...

Collision Painter Prepper - Hiring Now Chevy Chase Automotive | Collision Center Chevy Chase Automotive is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Collision Painter Prepper to join our growing ...

Collision Painter Prepper - Hiring Now Chevy Chase Automotive | Collision Center Chevy Chase Automotive is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Collision Painter Prepper to join our growing ...

Collision Painter Prepper - Hiring Now Chevy Chase Automotive | Collision Center Chevy Chase Automotive is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Collision Painter Prepper to join our growing ...

Paint Prepper

Springdale, AR · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

PAINT PREPPER Lewis Collision Center Lewis Automotive Group Lewis Collision Center is looking for a dependable, detail-oriented Paint Prepper to join our collision repair team. If you take pride in ...

Collision Center Paint Prepper Company: Ed Voyles Hyundai Collision Center Location: Marietta, GA About Us: At Ed Voyles Hyundai Collision Center, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch ...

Paint Prepper

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Birmingham, Alabama Are you an experienced industrial paint prepper who takes pride in producing quality work? Warren Truck & Trailer Alabama, LLC is seeking a full-time Painter Prepper to join our ...

A Paint Prepper provides support to the manufacturing team by preparing components and surfaces for paint application. This position is responsible for sanding, masking, cleaning, inspecting, and ...

A Paint Prepper provides support to the manufacturing team by preparing components and surfaces for paint application. This position is responsible for sanding, masking, cleaning, inspecting, and ...

Collision Center Paint Prepper Company: Ed Voyles Hyundai Collision Center Location: Marietta, GA About Us: At Ed Voyles Hyundai Collision Center, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch ...

Collision Center Paint Prepper Company: Ed Voyles Hyundai Collision Center Location: Marietta, GA About Us: At Ed Voyles Hyundai Collision Center, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch ...

Automotive Paint Prep Technician - Diehl Collision of Grove City Diehl Automotive Group is hiring an experienced Automotive Paint Prep Technician (Paint Prepper) for Diehl Collision of Grove City. If ...

Automotive Paint Prep Technician - Diehl Collision of Grove City Diehl Automotive Group is hiring an experienced Automotive Paint Prep Technician (Paint Prepper) for Diehl Collision of Grove City. If ...

What You'll Do As a Paint Prepper, you will prepare vehicles and parts for the painting process while helping our body and paint technicians maintain an efficient workflow. Responsibilities include:

Paint Prepper

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Paint Prepper Auto Paint Prepper The Automotive Paint Prepper is responsible for accurate paint application for every vehicle repaired under the supervision of a Lead Painter. The paint helper must ...

Paint Prepper

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $25/hr

Paint Prepper Auto Paint Prepper The Automotive Paint Prepper is responsible for accurate paint application for every vehicle repaired under the supervision of a Lead Painter. The paint helper must ...

The Auto Body Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing vehicle surfaces for painting by performing tasks such as sanding, priming, and masking. This role requires strong attention to detail and the ...

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Paint Prepper information

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$10

$17

$24

How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 is a paint prepper?

A paint prepper prepares a vehicle body or other surface for painting. In this career, your job duties include all aspects of preparation. Your responsibilities involve steps such as the removal of dirt from the surface and parts due for painting. You may sand, polish, retouch, buff, degrease, or otherwise clean the surface. You may also mix color, blend paint, and load paint into spray-painting equipment. A paint prepper may sometimes need to apply primer to the surface to prepare and protect it until the painters perform their job.

What does a paint prepper do?

A Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing surfaces on vehicles or other items before they are painted. This includes tasks such as sanding, masking, cleaning, and sometimes applying primer to ensure the paint adheres properly and results in a smooth, flawless finish. Paint Preppers work closely with painters and follow strict safety and quality guidelines. Their work is essential in achieving a professional and durable paint job, especially in automotive collision repair and manufacturing settings.

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

To thrive as a Paint Prepper, you need a solid understanding of surface preparation techniques, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sanding tools, masking materials, chemical cleaners, and sometimes automotive paint systems is important. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently in team settings help individuals stand out in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure high-quality paint finishes, workplace safety, and efficient workflow in automotive or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges paint preppers face when preparing vehicles for painting, and how can they be managed?

Paint Preppers often encounter challenges such as identifying and removing hidden contaminants, achieving smooth surface finishes, and working efficiently under tight deadlines. Managing these challenges involves maintaining strict attention to detail during cleaning and sanding, using the proper tools and materials for each surface, and communicating closely with painters and body technicians to ensure all imperfections are addressed before painting. Staying organized and following standard operating procedures also helps minimize errors and rework, leading to better results and a smoother workflow.

What is the difference between Paint Prepper vs Painter?

AspectPaint PrepperPainter
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic painting prep certificationsOSHA safety training, advanced painting certifications
Work EnvironmentPreparation areas, workshops, industrial sitesPainting surfaces, construction sites, residential and commercial buildings
Job ResponsibilitiesSurface cleaning, sanding, masking, primingApplying paint, finishing coats, touch-ups

Paint Prepper primarily focuses on surface preparation tasks to ensure quality paint application, while Painters execute the actual painting process. Both roles often work together but require different skill sets and certifications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the painting industry.

How much does a paint prepper make a year?

A paint prepper typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled prep workers with certifications or specialized tools may earn higher wages, especially in industrial or commercial settings.

What cities are hiring for Paint Prepper jobs?

Cities with the most Paint Prepper job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Paint Prepper jobs?

The most popular types of Paint Prepper jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Paint Prepper jobs?

The top employers for Paint Prepper jobs are:

What states have the most Paint Prepper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Paint Prepper jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Paint Prepper jobs?

For Paint Prepper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Paint Prepper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,281 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Paint Prepper

Focus Manufacturing Services is looking for a detail-oriented Paint Prepper to join our production team. In this role, you'll prepare parts for painting and help keep our paint booths running smoothly.

What You'll Do

  • Sand parts using dual-action (DA) sanders and by hand in tighter or detailed areas
  • Mask parts to protect surfaces before painting
  • Clean parts to ensure a proper paint finish
  • Load and unload parts weighing up to 50+ lbs
  • Assist with preventive maintenance on paint booths, including changing filters and other routine upkeep

What We're Looking For

  • Ability to lift and move parts up to 50+ lbs regularly
  • Comfortable working with hand and power sanding tools
  • Attention to detail and a commitment to quality workmanship
  • Reliable, team-oriented attitude that reflects our values of Giving Respect, Being Humble, and Pursuing Excellence

Pay:$18-$20/hour, based on experience