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Paint Prepper Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

RV & Auto Body Collision

Be Seen First

Paint Prepper

Frederick, CO · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Specializing in painting and restoring RVs, motor coaches and big rigs; is seeking a talented paint prepper. HUGE paint booth awaits. Must have your own tools and experience. Last of the family-owned ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Colorado Springs, CO

$16 - $23/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers * Competitive ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$16 - $23/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers * Competitive ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Colorado Springs, CO

$16 - $23/hr

We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer ... Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers Competitive Pay ...

Crash Champions

Paint Prepper

Castle Rock, CO

$100K/yr

Remove grease, dirt, paint, or rust from vehicle surfaces in preparation for paint application, using abrasives, solvents, brushes, blowtorches, washing tanks, or sandblasters. * Assists painter in ...

Crash Champions

Paint Prepper

Castle Rock, CO · On-site

$40K/yr

Remove grease, dirt, paint, or rust from vehicle surfaces in preparation for paint application, using abrasives, solvents, brushes, blowtorches, washing tanks, or sandblasters. * Assists painter in ...

Crash Champions

Paint Prepper

Castle Rock, CO · On-site

$40K - $100K/yr

Remove grease, dirt, paint, or rust from vehicle surfaces in preparation for paint application, using abrasives, solvents, brushes, blowtorches, washing tanks, or sandblasters. * Assists painter in ...

Alabama Auto Body Inc

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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

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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 ...

Puget Collision

Painter

Denver, CO · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Supervision of paint prepper team members including, ability to recruit, hire, terminate and perform company disciplinary action process in conjunction with the Center Leader * Participates in the ...

Carvana

Automotive Airbrush Technician

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing * Entry-Level Painter (min ...

Carvana

Automotive Airbrush Technician

Fountain, CO · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing * Entry-Level Painter (min ...

Carvana

Automotive Airbrush Technician

Peyton, CO

$19 - $22/hr

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing * Entry-Level Painter (min ...

Carvana

Automotive Airbrush Technician

Fountain, CO · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing * Entry-Level Painter (min ...

Carvana

Automotive Airbrush Technician

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing * Entry-Level Painter (min ...

Carvana

Automotive Airbrush Technician

Fountain, CO · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing * Entry-Level Painter (min ...

Carvana

Auto Body Repair Technician

Fountain, CO · On-site

$19 - $22/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 ...

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 Aug 10, 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.

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.

How much does a paint prepper make a year?

A paint prepper typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. Skilled prepper roles that require certifications or specialized tools may offer higher wages. The job often involves working in industrial or automotive environments with safety protocols.
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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 August 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.

Paint Prepper

RV & Auto Body Collision

Frederick, CO • On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

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Job description

Universal Fleet RV & Auto Collision, a family-owned RV collision shop in our 20th year of business. Specializing in painting and restoring RVs, motor coaches and big rigs; is seeking a talented paint prepper.

HUGE paint booth awaits. Must have your own tools and experience.

Last of the family-owned shops seeking a great fit to an awesome team.

Strong attention to detail, is a team player, dependable, adaptable.

Responsibilities/Duties:

  • Perform all daily tasks with a positive attitude.
  • Perform paint retouching, post-paint finishing, waxing and buffing to make vehicles look as good as new
  • Prepare and/or body the surfaces of vehicles. Your duties include sanding, tape, mask, body filler and can include prime surface.
  • Ability to work with painters and get the job prepped for paint.
  • Prioritize the cleanliness and appearance of the facility and your work area.
  • Maintain a safe and clean work area for coworkers.
  • Directly report any damage to the supervising manager in a clear and timely fashion.
  • Monitor stock levels and sales data to ensure the most efficient use of inventory

Qualifications:

  • Valid driver’s license with a clean record.
  • At least 5 years of experience in paint prepping on Auto/Boats/RVs.
  • Experience in one or more of the following: masking, sanding, grinding and applying paint, and buffing. 
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Willing and able to stand, walk, bend, lift 50lbs, and stretch as required by a specific task.

Company Offers:

  • Competitive salary
  • Full benefit package: medical, dental & vision
  • IRA and supplemental benefits available
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid vacations
  • Team Environment

Job Type: Full-time

Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM, 1 hour lunch

Company Description

Not a big corporation, small family owned business.