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Paint Prepper Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Amaco

Painter/Prepper

Indianapolis, IN

$23 - $24/hr

The Painter/Prepper will set up and operate equipment to ... paint mechanical products. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with ...

Amaco

Painter/Prepper

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

The Painter/Prepper will set up and operate equipment to ... paint mechanical products. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with ...

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The Boyd Group

Auto Paint Prepper

La Porte, IN

$20 - $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

Auto Paint Prepper

La Porte, IN · On-site

$20 - $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 ...

Gerber Collision & Glass

Auto Paint Prepper

La Porte, IN · On-site

$20 - $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

Auto Paint Prepper

La Porte, IN · On-site

$20 - $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 ...

Daifuku

ILUS - Paint Prepper

Hobart, IN

Overview Manufacturing Company with Career Development Opportunities! Full Time | 1st Shift | Monday - Friday | 5:00am-1:30pm Comprehensive Benefits Package About Us: Daifuku is the nation's leading ...

Daifuku

ILUS - Paint Prepper

Hobart, IN

Overview Manufacturing Company with Career Development Opportunities! Full Time | 1st Shift | Monday - Friday | 5:00am-1:30pm Comprehensive Benefits Package About Us: Daifuku is the nation's leading ...

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All JobsPaint Prepper JobsPaint Prepper Jobs in Indiana

Paint Prepper information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$17

$22

How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint prepper in Indiana is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $18.32 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, with rates varying accordingly.

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.

How to be a paint prepper?

A paint prepper prepares surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, and repairing imperfections to ensure proper adhesion. They often use tools like sanders, scrapers, and cleaning agents, and may need safety equipment such as masks and gloves. Attention to detail and knowledge of surface materials are essential for quality results.

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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A paint prepper can earn around $3,000 a month with experience and consistent work, especially in industrial or commercial settings. Other jobs that typically pay this amount without a degree include commercial truck driving, HVAC technician, or skilled trades like welding, which often require technical training or certifications but not a college degree.

What kind of painters make the most money?

Experienced commercial and industrial painters tend to earn higher wages than residential painters due to the complexity and scale of their projects. Skilled painters with certifications, such as those trained in spray techniques or safety standards, often command higher pay. Additionally, those working in high-demand industries or with specialized tools can increase their earning potential.
More about Paint Prepper jobs
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What job categories do people searching Paint Prepper jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Paint Prepper jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Paint Prepper jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Paint Prepper job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Paint Prepper jobs in IN? For Paint Prepper jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Paint Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paint Prepper job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,476 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Automotive Paint Prepper

Bob Rohrman Collision Repair

Lafayette, IN • On-site

$2.0K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Apprentice Technician
We are looking for a detail-oriented Automotive Paint Prepper to join our collision repair team and help prepare customer vehicles for high-quality paint refinishing. Whether you're an experienced paint prepper or looking to grow your career in the collision repair industry, Rohrman Auto offers modern equipment, a steady flow of work, manufacturer support, and a team-oriented environment where craftsmanship and attention to detail are valued.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare vehicles and vehicle components for paint by washing, sanding, masking, priming, and cleaning surfaces.
  • Remove trim, moldings, lights, and other components as necessary to prepare vehicles for refinishing.
  • Mix primers and prepare surfaces to ensure proper paint adhesion and a high-quality finish.
  • Inspect repaired panels for imperfections and perform final surface preparation before painting.
  • Work closely with Auto Body Technicians and Painters to ensure vehicles are properly prepared and repairs are completed on schedule.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in compliance with shop procedures and OSHA standards.
  • Properly handle and dispose of paint materials, masking supplies, and other shop products.
  • Participate in ongoing manufacturer and in-house training to stay current with refinishing procedures and industry best practices.

Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED required; Previous experience as an Automotive Paint Prepper, Paint Assistant, or Collision Repair Technician preferred.
  • Experience with sanding, masking, priming, and vehicle surface preparation.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced collision repair environment.
  • Knowledge of collision repair processes and paint preparation techniques preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to lift, bend, stand, and work in a physically active shop environment.

Benefits
  • Affordable Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
  • Competitive 401(k): Build your future with our retirement savings plan.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes paid holidays and vacation after 90 days of full-time employment.
  • Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave: Support for new mothers and fathers.
  • Paylocity "Pay On Demand": Access your earnings before payday (up to $2,000).
  • Employee Discounts: Discounts on vehicle servicing and new car purchases.
  • Continuous Training & Mentorship: Grow professionally and advance your career within our group.
  • Employee Tenure & Recognition Program: We celebrate milestones and contributions.
  • Fun Company Events: Awesome experiences for employees and their families!

About Rohrman Automotive Group
Rohrman Automotive Group is one of the Midwest's most respected dealership groups, with locations across Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin representing a wide range of top automotive brands. We are a family-rooted organization built on a culture of accountability, performance, and people.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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