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Paint Prepper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Paint Prepper

Wyoming, MN

$22 - $24/hr

Paint Prepper In this role, candidates will be responsible for preparing cabs for painting, which includes tasks such as masking, sanding, gluing, and bonding. The use of a handheld grinder is ...

Aerotek

Paint Prepper

Wyoming, MN

$22 - $24/hr

Paint Prepper In this role, candidates will be responsible for preparing cabs for painting, which includes tasks such as masking, sanding, gluing, and bonding. The use of a handheld grinder is ...

Mills Automotive Group

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Baxter, MN · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Sanding and masking automotive panels in preparation for painting. * Color sanding and polishing automotive panels after paint work is complete. * Ensuring all work meets our high-quality standards.

Mills Automotive Group

Auto Body Paint Prepper

Baxter, MN · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Sanding and masking automotive panels in preparation for painting. * Color sanding and polishing automotive panels after paint work is complete. * Ensuring all work meets our high-quality standards.

Leisure Hotels & Resorts

Room Prepper

Nisswa, MN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Description Ready to be part of the team that makes every guest's first impression unforgettable? At Quarterdeck Resort, our Room Preppers are the behind-the-scenes pros who help keep the resort ...

Quarterdeck Resort

Room Prepper

Nisswa, MN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Description: Ready to be part of the team that makes every guest's first impression unforgettable? At Quarterdeck Resort, our Room Preppers are the behind-the-scenes pros who help keep the resort ...

Leisure Hotels and Resorts

Room Prepper

Nisswa, MN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Ready to be part of the team that makes every guest's first impression unforgettable? At Quarterdeck Resort, our Room Preppers are the behind-the-scenes pros who help keep the resort running smoothly ...

Leisure Hotels & Resorts

Room Prepper

Nisswa, MN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Description Ready to be part of the team that makes every guest's first impression unforgettable? At Quarterdeck Resort, our Room Preppers are the behind-the-scenes pros who help keep the resort ...

All JobsPaint Prepper JobsPaint Prepper Jobs in Minnesota

Paint Prepper information

See Minnesota salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint prepper in Minnesota is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $18.85 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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Paint Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paint Prepper job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,514 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Automotive Paint Prepper

Abra Auto Body & Glass

Duluth, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Abra Auto Body & Glass rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 363 rated vehicle maintenance

Job description

Do you have a true passion the automotive industry?
Abra is looking for you!
Come be a part of our winning team. We are now looking for full-time paint prepper. Our company is family owned and operated. We have been in business for over 30 years and take pride in providing excellent service to our customers.
As one of the leaders in the automotive collision industry, Abra is not only consistently investing in our locations with the latest technologies and tools, but are also working and investing in the team. Abra truly cares about each and every team member and their career goals. They will do whatever possible to assist in reaching those goals and accelerate your personal and professional growth.

Monday - Friday | Day Shift | NO WEEKENDS

Why Abra?
  • Family owned amp; operated
  • Family centric culture at all 7 locations
  • Competitive pay
  • Consistently busy
  • Focused on work life balance
Full benefits package including:
  • Medical insurance *70% employer paid of the team member*
  • Dental insurance *70% employer paid of the team member*
  • Health Savings Account option
  • Dependent care option
  • Company paid vision
  • Company paid Life/AD amp;D
  • Supplemental Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) match
  • PTO
  • Sick
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Training
  • Bi-weekly payroll
  • Employee discount

Job Duties for Paint Prepper include:

  • Knowledge of manufacturers’ repair/refinishing processes amp; adherence to ABRA's processes
  • Ability to use selected vendor materials and general supplies efficiently and cost effectively.
  • Buff vehicles and get them ready for the painting process
  • Provides assistance to shop employees
  • Bring parts to employees in shop
  • Works directly under painter and shop manager
  • Predictable and reliable attendance needed
  • Auto Body Vo-Tech certificate preferred

Requirements:

  • Experience with tools
  • 1 yr painting experience preferred
  • 1 yr in automotive industry preferred.
* Willing to train for the right individual

What Abra Auto Body & Glass employees say

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