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Paint Prepper Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Warren Truck & Trailer

Paint Prepper

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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Paint Prepper information

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How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint prepper in Alabama is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $17.45 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.
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Paint Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paint Prepper job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,791 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Paint Prepper

Warren Truck & Trailer

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Join Our Team – Painter Prep - Warren Truck & Trailer Alabama, LLC

Location: 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 growing Birmingham operation. As a family-owned manufacturing company, we value craftsmanship, reliability, and teamwork.

In this role, you will be responsible for prepping dump bodies, flatbeds, spreaders, and other truck equipment for paint. This is a hands-on position for someone who understands the importance of surface prep, coating consistency, and safety in a production environment.

Benefits:

Paid Holidays: 9 paid holidays per year

Vacation: 40 hours of vacation after your first year

Health Insurance: PPO or HSA plan available after 60 days (partial employer-paid premium); up to $100/month HSA employer match

Life Insurance: Company-paid basic life insurance after 60 days

Overtime Opportunities: Available based on production needs

401(k) Plan: Safe harbor match available after one year

Your Role:

As a Painter Prepper at Warren Truck & Trailer Alabama, LLC, you will:

  • Prepare units for painting through sanding, masking, and proper surface preparation
  • Assist in operating pressure pot painting system to apply coatings consistently and efficiently
  • Assist in mixing paint, reducer, hardener, and related materials according to job specifications
  • Properly use, maintain, and store PPE and painting equipment
  • Inspect completed work to ensure full coverage and quality standards are met
  • Maintain a clean and safe work area at all times
  • Follow all safety rules and procedures outlined in the Warren Employee Handbook
  • Crosstrain in other production areas as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned
    • Qualifications:
  • Previous experience using hand tools such as a sander or grinder (required)
  • Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week
  • Willingness to work overtime when required
  • Strong commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork
  • Reliable transportation and consistent attendance

    • About Us: Warren Truck & Trailer has been in business since 1993, manufacturing truck equipment for municipal, construction, and agricultural markets. We are a family-owned company that believes in loyalty, responsibility, and doing the job right the first time. We work hard, support one another, and take pride in what we build.

    Warren Truck & Trailer Alabama, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

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