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Paint Prepper Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Extreme Coatings Inc

Auto Body Prepper

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

The Auto Body Prepper plays a key role in the refinishing process by preparing equipment for painting. This includes cleaning, sanding, masking, and ensuring surfaces are properly prepped to ensure a ...

LEHR

Prepper/Sub Assembler

Antioch, TN · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Join LEHR - Build Vehicles That Support First Responders LEHR is the nation's premier provider of mission-critical vehicle upfitting solutions, serving police, fire, utility, and other essential ...

Lehr Upfitters LLC

Prepper/Sub Assembler

Antioch, TN · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Description: Join LEHR - Build Vehicles That Support First Responders LEHR is the nation's premier provider of mission-critical vehicle upfitting solutions, serving police, fire, utility, and other ...

Carvana

Auto Painter

Memphis, TN

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 ...

Extreme Coatings Inc.

Auto Body Prepper

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

The Auto Body Prepper plays a key role in the refinishing process by preparing equipment for painting. This includes cleaning, sanding, masking, and ensuring surfaces are properly prepped to ensure a ...

Carvana

Auto Painter

Memphis, TN

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

Experienced Auto Painter

Memphis, TN · 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 ...

Carvana

Experienced Auto Painter

Memphis, TN

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 ...

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All JobsPaint Prepper JobsPaint Prepper Jobs in Tennessee

Paint Prepper information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint prepper in Tennessee is $16.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.45 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.
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Paint Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paint Prepper job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,837 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Auto Body Prepper

Extreme Coatings Inc

Nashville, TN • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Auto Body Prepper
Location: Nashville, TN
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $20 hourly

Position Summary:
The Auto Body Prepper plays a key role in the refinishing process by preparing equipment for painting. This includes cleaning, sanding, masking, and ensuring surfaces are properly prepped to ensure a flawless paint finish.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Clean equipment surfaces to remove dirt, grease, and debris

  • Sand and smooth surfaces to prepare for paint application

  • Mask and tape off areas that should not be painted

  • Assist painters with prep work and material handling

  • Inspect surfaces for imperfections and ensure proper prep

  • Maintain a clean and organized work area

  • Follow safety procedures and use proper protective equipment

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in auto body prep or a similar role preferred

  • Knowledge of automotive sanding, masking, and cleaning techniques

  • Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship

  • Ability to work efficiently and follow directions

  • Must be reliable, punctual, and a team player

  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record preferred

What We Offer:

  • Competitive pay based on experience

  • Opportunities for growth and advancement

  • Supportive team environment

  • Health insurance, Dental, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, and 401K

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume to chrystal.sager@extremecoatingsinc.com

Apply