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Paint Prepper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Gerber Collision & Glass

Prepper

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$40K - $100K/yr

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

Prepper

Saint Charles, IL

$40K - $100K/yr

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

Prepper

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$40K - $100K/yr

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 ...

The Boyd Group

Prepper

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$40K - $100K/yr

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 ...

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 | 2nd Shift | Monday - Friday | 1:00pm-9:30pm Comprehensive Benefits Package About Us: Daifuku is the nation's leading ...

Daifuku

2nd Shift Paint Prepper

Hobart, IN

$18 - $21/hr

Manufacturing Company with Career Development Opportunities! Full Time | 2nd Shift | Monday - Friday | 1:00pm-9:30pm Comprehensive Benefits Package About Us: Daifuku is the nation's leading ...

Daifuku

1st Shift Paint Prepper

Hobart, IN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

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 Chicago, IL

Paint Prepper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint prepper in Chicago, IL is $18.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.81 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 Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,435 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Paint Prepper - Cedar Lake, IN

Gerber Collision & Glass

Cedar Lake, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Gerber Collision & Glass rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 116 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

181st of 367 rated vehicle maintenance

Job description

Company Description

BUSY SHOPS * GREAT EARNINGS AND BENEFITS * STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY

Gerber Collision & Glass is looking for an exceptional Auto Body Paint Prepper to join our winning team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced, hard working, quality minded Technician who is looking to make good money and be respected at work.

Job Description

We're looking for someone who can assist the paint department in the refinish process and help meet quality and cycle time requirements.

  • Prep vehicles properly for paint

  • Rub and Polish completed vehicles

  • Assist Refinish Technician in other areas as necessary
Qualifications

  • Automotive interest and desire to develop a career in the industry

  • 1-3+ years of related experience (work, school, or personal hobby)

  • Ability to keep up and succeed in a fast paced working environment

What Gerber Collision & Glass employees say

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