1

Paint Prepper Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Paint Prepper information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint prepper in Riverside, CA is $18.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $20.05 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 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 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 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 cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Paint Prepper jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Paint Prepper job openings:
Infographic showing various Paint Prepper job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 18% Full Time, 77% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,894 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
Paint Prepper

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Company: Gerber Collision & Glass
Great Teams Don't Happen byAccident
Built with Intent. Driven by YOU.
At the Gerber Collision & Glass, our teams work to provide the elite infrastructure and supportive environment you need to Be the Best and outperform at every touchpoint in collision and glass services. As we continue to grow and lead the industry, we ensure you have the resources and the team behind you to move your career forward.
Ready to grow with a team that's built for your success? Apply today.
Our Commitment:
The Boyd Group welcomes unique talents from all backgrounds and characteristics. We act with integrity and appreciate the diverse perspectives that make our "Greater Team" exceptional. Qualified individuals, including those with disabilities and Protected Veterans, are encouraged to apply.
Job Description:
*** Industry Leading Compensation, Benefits & Training ***
We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer opportunities to Maximize your Earning Potential with competitive compensation plans, health benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
Roles and Responsibilities
We are looking for energetic individuals to join our company, who have the ability to:
  • Surface preparation, vehicle masking, priming, and top coating.
  • Apply all primers, sealers, basecoats, colour coats, and clear coats
  • Technicians to complete restoration of anti-corrosion treatments, substrate identification, product mixing, and application.
  • Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result

A Career with Us Offers
  • Competitive Pay and Benefits Program
  • Career Growth Opportunities for advancement
  • On-going I-Car and Industry Training Programs,
  • Professional Development Opportunities.
  • A professional atmosphere, great working conditions, dynamic leadership

The Auto Body Refinish Prepper must prepare the vehicle to ensure a quality refinish repair of each customer's vehicle to restore it back to pre-accident condition. The Auto Body Refinish Prepper thoroughly sands, masks, primes, and prepares each vehicle for refinishing as per insurance guidelines and standards at the collision repair facility.
Our Commitment to Our Employees
We believe our employees are at the heart of our success, and we strive to find people who possess the ideal characteristics, ability, experience, and character.
TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL......APPLY TODAY!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to provide accommodations during the recruitment process.
Benefits That Drive Your Success
Gerber offers the comprehensive benefits you expect from an industry leader, including:
  • Annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plans
  • 2 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for Full time Employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week
  • 6 paid holidays annually
  • Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision Insurance effective Day 1
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
  • Employer Paid Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
  • Additional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Continuing Education Opportunities
  • Free Prescription or Non-Prescription Safety Glasses annually
  • Annual Voluntary Uniform Stipend
  • Voluntary Daily Pay option available

About Us
Gerber Collision & Glass has been WOWing customers with our collision repair services for over 80 years. Please visit gerbercareers.com to learn more about our company.
AI Disclosure Statement:
At The Boyd Group and all affiliated companies, we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for employment. All hiring decisions are made by real people who review each application individually.
Compensation Details:
HOURLY
$ - xx / Hour
Compensation is commensurate with skill, education and experience.