ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Paint Prepper Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Tesla

Paint Prepper

Tampa, FL · On-site

What to Expect The Tesla Collision Repair Program is looking for a Collision Shop Paint Prepper to work on one of the most progressive vehicle brands in the world. This position will involve ...

Tesla

Paint Prepper

Tampa, FL · On-site

What to Expect The Tesla Collision Repair Program is looking for a Collision Shop Paint Prepper to work on one of the most progressive vehicle brands in the world. This position will involve ...

Crash Champions

Paint Prepper

Miami, FL · On-site

$40K - $94K/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

Miami, FL

$94K/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

Homestead, FL · 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

Homestead, FL · On-site

$40K - $94K/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

Homestead, FL

$94K/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

Miami, FL · 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 ...

The Boyd Group

Auto Collision Prepper

Orange Park, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

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 ...

The Boyd Group

Auto Collision Prepper

Orange Park, FL

$15 - $20/hr

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 ...

The Boyd Group

Auto Collision Prepper

Orange Park, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

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 ...

The Boyd Group

Auto Collision Prepper

Orange Park, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPaint Prepper JobsPaint Prepper Jobs in Florida

Paint Prepper information

See Florida salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint prepper in Florida is $13.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $14.38 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.
More about Paint Prepper jobs

What are popular job titles related to Paint Prepper jobs in Florida?

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

What job categories do people searching Paint Prepper jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Paint Prepper jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Paint Prepper jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Paint Prepper job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Paint Prepper jobs in FL?

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

Paint Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paint Prepper job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,860 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Paint Prepper

Tesla

Tampa, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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

Tesla rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 689 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 45 rated automakers

Job description

What to Expect The Tesla Collision Repair Program is looking for a Collision Shop Paint Prepper to work on one of the most progressive vehicle brands in the world. This position will involve supporting the Tesla Collision Repair Program in all aspects.
What You'll Do

  • Remove grease, dirt, paint, or rust from vehicle surfaces in preparation for paint application, using abrasives, solvents, brushes, blowtorches, washing tanks, or sandblasters
  • Assist painter in pre-paint blending needs
  • Work with paint team to assist in keeping vehicle on track for scheduled delivery time
  • Fill small dents or scratches with body fillers and smooth surfaces to prepare vehicles for painting
  • Buff and wax the finished paintwork
  • Disassemble, clean, and reassemble sprayers and power equipment, using solvents, wire brushes, and cloths for cleaning duties
  • Detail vehicles ready for delivery to customers

What You'll Bring

  • Prior experience in vehicle paint process
  • Occasionally exposed to hot, cold, wet or humid conditions
  • Ability to receive directions and work well with others
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • I-CAR certifications preferred
  • Valid driver's license preferred

Compensation and Benefits Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

  • Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
  • Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
  • Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
  • Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
  • Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
  • Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
  • Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
  • Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
  • Tesla Babies program
  • Commuter benefits
  • Employee discounts and perks program

What Tesla employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply