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Paint Prepper Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Classic Collision

Automotive Paint Prepper

Lakewood, CO · On-site

Automotive Paint Prepper Classic Collision is now hiring an Autobody Paint Prepper. Classic Collision was established in 1983 in Atlanta, Georgia with one single goal: To offer quality service to its ...

Alabama Auto Body Inc

Auto Paint Prepper

Fountain, CO · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Must have at least 5 years experience at working in an automotive paint facility. KNOWLEDGEABLE OF REFINISHIN PROCEDUES FOR VARIOUS APPLICATIONS. Reference required. Company Description Well ...

Alabama Auto Body Inc

Auto Paint Prepper

Fountain, CO · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Must have at least 5 years experience at working in an automotive paint facility. KNOWLEDGEABLE OF REFINISHIN PROCEDUES FOR VARIOUS APPLICATIONS. Reference required. Company Description Well ...

The Boyd Group

Prepper

Denver, CO · On-site

$40K - $100K/yr

Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers * Competitive ... The Auto Body Refinish Prepper thoroughly sands, masks, primes, and prepares each vehicle for ...

Schlosser Signs Inc

Paint/Body Worker

Windsor, CO · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

A Paint/Body Worker will take our signs from the fabrication department apply body filler, sand, mask, and clean the fabricated components in preparation for paint and depending on project, take the ...

Carvana

Mid-level Auto Body Repair Tech

Fountain, CO

$22 - $27/hr

Mid-Level Prepper (min 3-5 years professional experience): perform bodywork on multiple panels ... Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless ...

BAE Systems

Technician II

Westminster, CO · On-site

$47K - $76K/yr

The Paint Tech Prepper II is an intermediate-level skilled technician responsible for performing detailed surface preparation, cleaning, masking, and support operations on aerospace hardware in ...

All JobsPaint Prepper JobsPaint Prepper Jobs in Colorado

Paint Prepper information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint prepper in Colorado is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do body paint models get paid?

Body paint models typically earn between $50 and $200 per hour, depending on the event, location, and experience. Payment can also include photoshoots, promotional events, or artistic projects, often requiring modeling skills and comfort with body art. Rates vary widely based on the scope and nature of the work.

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 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 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.

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 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 is the highest paid painting job?

The highest paid painting jobs often include industrial or commercial painting, such as industrial painters or project managers overseeing large-scale projects. These roles typically require specialized skills, certifications, and experience, and they often offer higher wages due to the complexity and safety requirements involved.

What does a painter prepper do?

A painter prepper is responsible for preparing surfaces before painting, which includes cleaning, sanding, filling holes, and masking areas to ensure a smooth and durable finish. They often use tools like sanders, scrapers, and masking tape, and may need knowledge of safety procedures and proper surface treatments. Attention to detail and surface assessment are key aspects of the role.

How to become a paint prepper?

To become a paint prepper, you should gain experience in surface preparation, including sanding, cleaning, and masking surfaces. Knowledge of painting tools and safety procedures, such as wearing protective gear, is essential, and some employers may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Developing attention to detail and physical stamina are also important for success in this role.
More about Paint Prepper jobs
What are popular job titles related to Paint Prepper jobs in Colorado? For Paint Prepper jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Paint Prepper jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Paint Prepper jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Paint Prepper jobs in CO? For Paint Prepper jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Paint Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paint Prepper job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,202 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Automotive Paint Prepper

Classic Collision Corporate Services LLC

Denver, CO

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Automotive Paint Prepper

Classic Collision is now hiring an Autobody Paint Prepper. Classic Collision was established in 1983 in Atlanta, Georgia with one single goal: To offer quality service to its customers with integrity and honesty. Be a part of a rapidly growing company whose mission is to put safety, quality, integrity, and heart into every vehicle we repair and customer we serve.

Classic Collision offers competitive pay, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

Please come and join our team!

Why Choose Classic Collision?

  • Paid Weekly
  • Continuous Training
  • Supportive Team Culture
  • Company match 401K
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Paid Time Off – 6 Paid Holiday
  • Rewarding Work

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for preparing all assigned vehicles for the refinishing and reassembly processes and support Paint Technicians in paint jobs as required
  • Complete all paint preparation processes for vehicles according to factory specification including the direction of the mentoring Paint Technician and by following the written repair order
  • Assist Paint Technician by preparing spray-out panels to determine blend needs and assist in sanding and buffing to ensure the paint finish meets quality standards
  • Adhere to all requirements for hazardous waste disposal
  • Follow vendor procedures to maintain all tools and equipment, including maintenance of paint booth and booth filters and maintains a clean and organized workspace
  • Utilize air sanders, spray guns, sanding blocks, etc. to complete quality work
  • Ensure that all paint operations are complete, all masking is removed, and all prior paint-related disassembly has been reassembled prior to returning the vehicle to the body technician
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Valid Driver's License Required
  • I-CAR certification preferred
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Successful completion of background check required

Behaviors/Competencies

Integrity -Respect, and accountability at every level and in every interaction

Customer Service-Provide the highest level of customer service while building customer satisfaction and retention

Innovation -Develops and displays innovative approaches and ideas to our business

Teamwork -Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed

Physical & Environmental

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands and is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, sit, and walk occasionally for long periods at a time. The employee may occasionally be required to reach with hands, and arms and move objects up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. In addition, abilities for assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned are required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Classic Collision is an Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, Classic Collision does not discriminate against any employee or candidate based on age, race, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

Classic Collision is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and you believe you need reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an online application, please e-mail recruiting@classiccollision.com or call 450-500-6808 . This email is listed exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online.

This job description is not a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising the position.

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