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 ...
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 ...
Railcar Prepper
Lafayette, IN · On-site
$18/hr
RAILCAR PREPPER Lafayette, IN | Starting at $18/hr | 1st Shift - 6AM Start Looking for a job that keeps you moving, rewards hard work, and treats you like family? Come join Road & Rail Services ...
Railcar Prepper
Lafayette, IN · On-site
$18/hr
RAILCAR PREPPER Lafayette, IN | Starting at $18/hr | 1st Shift - 6AM Start Looking for a job that keeps you moving, rewards hard work, and treats you like family? Come join Road & Rail Services ...
Railcar Prepper
Lafayette, IN · On-site
$18/hr
RAILCAR PREPPER Lafayette, IN | Starting at $18/hr | 1st Shift - 6AM Start Looking for a job that keeps you moving, rewards hard work, and treats you like family? Come join Road & Rail Services ...
Railcar Prepper
Lafayette, IN · On-site
$18/hr
RAILCAR PREPPER Lafayette, IN | Starting at $18/hr | 1st Shift - 6AM Start Looking for a job that keeps you moving, rewards hard work, and treats you like family? Come join Road & Rail Services ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Railcar Prepper
Roanoke, IN · On-site
$19/hr
Railcar Prepper Location : Roanoke, IN Starting pay: $18.00 per hour and $19.00 per hour after 60 days. Schedule: TBD May have to work 2nd Shift!!! Saturday and Sunday work will be required until you ...
Railcar Prepper
Roanoke, IN · On-site
$19/hr
Railcar Prepper Location : Roanoke, IN Starting pay: $18.00 per hour and $19.00 per hour after 60 days. Schedule: TBD May have to work 2nd Shift!!! Saturday and Sunday work will be required until you ...
Railcar Prepper
Roanoke, IN · On-site
$18/hr
Railcar Prepper Location : Roanoke, IN Starting pay: $18.00 per hour and $19.00 per hour after 60 days. Schedule: TBD May have to work 2nd Shift!!! Saturday and Sunday work will be required until you ...
Railcar Prepper
Roanoke, IN · On-site
$18/hr
Railcar Prepper Location : Roanoke, IN Starting pay: $18.00 per hour and $19.00 per hour after 60 days. Schedule: TBD May have to work 2nd Shift!!! Saturday and Sunday work will be required until you ...
Dayshift Paint Prep Worker
Middlebury, IN · On-site
Cover all parts and areas that do not get paint with tape, paper, and plastic. * Apply blue stain to all fiberglass parts. * Sand and scuff all areas of the unit that are to be painted. * Do all ...
Dayshift Paint Prep Worker
Middlebury, IN · On-site
Cover all parts and areas that do not get paint with tape, paper, and plastic. * Apply blue stain to all fiberglass parts. * Sand and scuff all areas of the unit that are to be painted. * Do all ...
Parts Prepper
Goshen, IN · On-site
Forest River, Inc., the Nation's largest manufacturer of Recreational Vehicles, Cargo Trailers, Transit Buses and Boats has an immediate opening. Responsibilities * Unpack and prep parts * Stock ...
Parts Prepper
Goshen, IN · On-site
Forest River, Inc., the Nation's largest manufacturer of Recreational Vehicles, Cargo Trailers, Transit Buses and Boats has an immediate opening. Responsibilities * Unpack and prep parts * Stock ...
Body and paint shop
Osceola, IN · On-site
$45K - $80K/yr
Join Collision Repair Systems Inc as a Paint Shop Painter, Prepper, Buffer, or Repair technician in Osceola, IN. Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality automotive refinishing ...
Quick apply
Body and paint shop
Osceola, IN · On-site
$45K - $80K/yr
Join Collision Repair Systems Inc as a Paint Shop Painter, Prepper, Buffer, or Repair technician in Osceola, IN. Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality automotive refinishing ...
Body and paint shop
Osceola, IN · On-site
$45K - $80K/yr
Join Collision Repair Systems Inc as a Paint Shop Painter, Prepper, Buffer, or Repair technician in Osceola, IN. Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality automotive refinishing ...
Quick apply
Body and paint shop
Osceola, IN · On-site
$45K - $80K/yr
Join Collision Repair Systems Inc as a Paint Shop Painter, Prepper, Buffer, or Repair technician in Osceola, IN. Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality automotive refinishing ...
Body and paint shop
Osceola, IN · On-site
$45K - $80K/yr
Join Collision Repair Systems Inc as a Paint Shop Painter, Prepper, Buffer, or Repair technician in Osceola, IN. Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality automotive refinishing ...
Quick apply
Body and paint shop
Osceola, IN · On-site
$45K - $80K/yr
Join Collision Repair Systems Inc as a Paint Shop Painter, Prepper, Buffer, or Repair technician in Osceola, IN. Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality automotive refinishing ...
Auto Painter
Greenfield, IN · On-site
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 ...
Auto Painter
Greenfield, IN · On-site
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Experienced Auto Painter
Greenfield, IN · On-site
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 ...
Experienced Auto Painter
Greenfield, IN · On-site
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Auto Body Painter
Greenfield, IN · On-site
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 ...
Auto Body Painter
Greenfield, IN · On-site
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 ...
Paint Prepper information
See Indiana salary details
$9.84 - $11.02
1% of jobs
$11.02 - $12.21
1% of jobs
$12.21 - $13.39
4% of jobs
$13.39 - $14.58
12% of jobs
$15.17 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.58 - $15.76
14% of jobs
The median wage is $16.88 / hr.
$15.76 - $16.95
19% of jobs
$16.95 - $18.13
20% of jobs
$18.51 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$18.13 - $19.32
12% of jobs
$19.32 - $20.50
9% of jobs
$20.50 - $21.69
5% of jobs
$21.69 - $22.87
3% of jobs
$9
$17
$22
How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 29, 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, 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?
| Aspect | Paint Prepper | Painter |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | OSHA safety training, basic painting prep certifications | OSHA safety training, advanced painting certifications |
| Work Environment | Preparation areas, workshops, industrial sites | Painting surfaces, construction sites, residential and commercial buildings |
| Job Responsibilities | Surface cleaning, sanding, masking, priming | Applying 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 Indiana? For Paint Prepper jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Part-time
Medical, Retirement, PTO
Posted 10 days ago
Key responsibilities
Prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted.
Buff, touch-up, mix paint, and use airbrush on vehicles.
Prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging or tear down, and buffing.
Carvana rating
6.8
Based on 271 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
177th of 719 rated retailers
Job description
We're looking for Auto Painters with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive painting experience to join us at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history and one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500.
As a Painter, you'll be expected to prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted, along with buffing, touch-up, paint mixing, and airbrush.
At Carvana, you'll receive a competitive wage and amazing perks - including a 401(k) with Carvana match and even a vehicle purchase discount - all while using state of the art tools in one of our high-tech Inspection Centers (click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your skills and pay progress along with the company.
Other perks of the Job
Schedule:
We do everything we can to deliver an exceptional customer experience, and that includes delivering great vehicles when expected. If we're in a pinch, mandatory overtime is one way in which we can follow-through on this commitment to our customers. We're looking for team players who are all in on our mission and are able to work mandatory overtime based on our business needs.
How To Get Started
Join the Carvana team by applying on this page, or call one of our recruiters by phone at (888) 690-7853, Monday through Friday, between 6 AM and 4 PM PT (9AM to 7PM ET).
Not a match for this role?
We have a variety of paint roles available, depending on your experience - look below to see other roles available to help us get our low-mileage, late-model cars ready for our customers:
We also have a variety of other automotive roles available in one of our 18 locations across the country - take a look at our Careers site to apply for one of the following roles:
General qualifications and requirements
About CarvanaAt Carvana, we sell cars but we aren't car salesmen. Our promise is simple: we won't sell a car to a customer that we wouldn't sell to our own Mom. Period.
To make sure our cars are in first-rate condition, we've built multiple vehicle Reconditioning Centers around the country, where our cars are inspected, perfected, and photographed before reaching the Carvana website.
Think you've got what it takes to join our team? Apply today!Carvana is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Carvana also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
As a Painter, you'll be expected to prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted, along with buffing, touch-up, paint mixing, and airbrush.
At Carvana, you'll receive a competitive wage and amazing perks - including a 401(k) with Carvana match and even a vehicle purchase discount - all while using state of the art tools in one of our high-tech Inspection Centers (click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your skills and pay progress along with the company.
Other perks of the Job
- 100% company-paid healthcare premiums
- Generous paid-time off and your birthday is a holiday!
- ASE and tool reimbursement programs
- Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment
Schedule:
We do everything we can to deliver an exceptional customer experience, and that includes delivering great vehicles when expected. If we're in a pinch, mandatory overtime is one way in which we can follow-through on this commitment to our customers. We're looking for team players who are all in on our mission and are able to work mandatory overtime based on our business needs.
How To Get Started
Join the Carvana team by applying on this page, or call one of our recruiters by phone at (888) 690-7853, Monday through Friday, between 6 AM and 4 PM PT (9AM to 7PM ET).
Not a match for this role?
We have a variety of paint roles available, depending on your experience - look below to see other roles available to help us get our low-mileage, late-model cars ready for our customers:
- 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 1 year professional experience): prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted, along with buffing, touch-up, paint mixing, and airbrush.
- Mid-Level Painter (min 3 years professional experience): match/mix paint color and use water-based paint to paint the vehicle inside our paint booths
- Experienced Painter (min 5 years professional experience): painting (base coats, tri-coats, solid, metallic, and clear coats), blending adjacent panels, and paint correcting vehicles.
We also have a variety of other automotive roles available in one of our 18 locations across the country - take a look at our Careers site to apply for one of the following roles:
- Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) roles
- Auto Technician/Mechanic roles: Lube and Oil, Inspection, Brake and Tire, Mechanical Repair / Build, and Master Technician roles
- Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate, Inspection, and Coordinator/Administrator roles
General qualifications and requirements
- Ability to physically operate vehicle equipment and tools - must be able to lift up to 60 pounds independently
- Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Some positions may be subject to an Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check
- An ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment while sometimes being exposed to excessive weather conditions (heat/cold)
- Use of safety equipment that may include but not limited to face shield or goggles, non-slip shoes, gloves, mask, and other protective garments and equipment
About CarvanaAt Carvana, we sell cars but we aren't car salesmen. Our promise is simple: we won't sell a car to a customer that we wouldn't sell to our own Mom. Period.
To make sure our cars are in first-rate condition, we've built multiple vehicle Reconditioning Centers around the country, where our cars are inspected, perfected, and photographed before reaching the Carvana website.
Think you've got what it takes to join our team? Apply today!Carvana is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Carvana also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
About Carvana
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
At Carvana, we sell cars, but we're not salespeople. Since 2013, we've been making it our mission to change the way people buy cars. We saw a huge problem with how much it can suck to buy a car the traditional way, so we committed ourselves to tackling one of the largest, yet-to-be-disrupted markets in the world - the $1T per year U.S. car market (yes, that's $Trillion with a "T").
Industry
Automobile dealers
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Tempe, AZ, US
Year founded
2011