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Paint Prepper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gulf Island

Paint Prepper

Houma, LA

The Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing surfaces for painting by performing tasks such as sanding, wiping down parts and applying caulk, as well as assisting in maintaining a clean and ...

Gulf Island

Paint Prepper

Houma, LA · On-site

The Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing surfaces for painting by performing tasks such as sanding, wiping down parts and applying caulk, as well as assisting in maintaining a clean and ...

Diehl CDJR of Robinson

Paint Prepper

Mckeesrocks, PA · On-site

Diehl Collision of Robinson is seeking an experienced flat-rate Body Shop Paint Prepper. Responsibilities include preparing vehicles for paint, masking, small bumper jobs, etc. Some experience ...

Gulf Island

Paint Prepper

Houma, LA · On-site

The Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing surfaces for painting by performing tasks such as sanding, wiping down parts and applying caulk, as well as assisting in maintaining a clean and ...

Alpha Omega Advisement LLC

Paint Prepper - Autobody Shop** ** ** We are seeking a meticulous and skilled Paint Prepper to join our team at our reputable autobody shop. As a Paint Prepper, you will play a crucial role in ...

Bravo Cadillac

Body Shop Paint Prepper

El Paso, TX

Body Shop Paint Prepper** ** ** We are seeking a meticulous and skilled Body Shop Paint Prepper to join our dynamic automotive repair team. This role is integral to ensuring high-quality finishes on ...

Gerber Collision & Glass

Paint Prepper

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

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 ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Hilton Head Island, SC

$18 - $21/hr

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 ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Statesboro, GA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

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 ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Hilton Head Island, SC · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

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 ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Hilton Head Island, SC · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

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 ...

LESLIE T HASKINS INC

Body Shop Paint Prepper

Wellesley, MA · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Paint Prepper - Collision Repair Shop Location: Haskins Automotive, Wellesley MA Position Type: Full-Time Reports To: Shop Manager About Us: At Haskins Automotive, we are a professional and highly ...

County Line Auto Body

Paint Prepper

Howell, NJ

Paint Prepper Department: Paint Department Reports To: Paint Manager / Lead Painter Employment Type: Full-Time Position Summary The Paint Preparation Technician plays a critical role in the ...

The Boyd Group

Paint Prepper

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

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 ...

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All JobsPaint Prepper Jobs

Paint Prepper information

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$10

$17

$24

How much do paint prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint prepper in the United States is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.23 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, with rates varying accordingly.

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.

How to be a paint prepper?

A paint prepper prepares surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, and repairing imperfections to ensure proper adhesion. They often use tools like sanders, scrapers, and cleaning agents, and may need safety equipment such as masks and gloves. Attention to detail and knowledge of surface materials are essential for quality results.

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.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A paint prepper can earn around $3,000 a month with experience and consistent work, especially in industrial or commercial settings. Other jobs that typically pay this amount without a degree include commercial truck driving, HVAC technician, or skilled trades like welding, which often require technical training or certifications but not a college degree.

What kind of painters make the most money?

Experienced commercial and industrial painters tend to earn higher wages than residential painters due to the complexity and scale of their projects. Skilled painters with certifications, such as those trained in spray techniques or safety standards, often command higher pay. Additionally, those working in high-demand industries or with specialized tools can increase their earning potential.
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Paint Prepper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paint Prepper job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,281 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Paint Prepper

Paint Prepper

Gulf Island

Houma, LA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description


Main Purpose:

The Paint Prepper is responsible for preparing surfaces for painting by performing tasks such as sanding, wiping down parts and applying caulk, as well as assisting in maintaining a clean and organized work environment. The Paint Prepper will also assist painters with preparing and mixing paints, applying paint to surfaces, checking inventory, performing metal finishing tasks etc.


Essential Functions:

  • Sand and smooth surfaces of units or components to prepare them for painting
  • Wipe down surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and oils to ensure proper paint adhesion
  • Apply caulk to seams and joints as needed to ensure proper seal and finish
  • Assist with the setup and preparation of parts for the paint booth or finishing process
  • Safely work from ladders to reach high or hard-to-access areas during prep work
  • Work closely with the paint and finishing team to ensure high-quality and timely production
  • Assist the Painters with preparing and mixing paints, applying paint to surfaces, checking inventory, performing metal finishing tasks etc.
  • Assist in the measurement and confirmation of paint thickness to meet quality and industry standards
  • Safely work from ladders to reach high or hard-to-access areas during prep work.
  • Understand and adhere to all operating and safety procedures within the paint department
  • Perform other duties assigned by supervisor

Benefits Offered:

  • Earned Wage Access
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Safety Awards
  • Company Store
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


Requirements


Physical Requirements:

  • Standing, sitting, walking, stooping, kneeling, climbing, feeling, talking, hearing and seeing
  • Turning, twisting, bending and balancing
  • Pushing, pulling and reaching
  • Must be able to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds

Job Requirements:

  • Basic understanding of sanding, caulking and surface preparation techniques
  • Must be able to work with respirators and other protective gear
  • Ability to work from ladders and reach overhead 
  • Must be able to read and use a tape measure
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment drug screen and physical
  • Must be able to pass a background check

Desirable Experience, Education and Training:

  • 1+ years experience in a production or manufacturing environment
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred

Tools, Equipment and Technology:

  • Respirators, paint, caulk, oil, ladders, sanding tools etc.

Environmental Conditions:

80 to 90% of the work activities are performed outdoors. Individuals will be required to work in changes of temperature, hot, cold, humid, wet and dry conditions, dust, mud etc. They will also be exposed to paint thinner and paint fumes.



Gulf Island will not sponsor applications for work visas. Additionally, applicants for employment with Gulf Island must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Accordingly, Gulf Island will not consider applications from candidates who require the company to sponsor a work visa and who are not currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.


Gulf island is not accepting unsolicited candidates from search firms for posted employment opportunities. Please no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to Gulf Island employees via email, the internet, or any other form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for the position will be deemed the sole property of Gulf Island. No recruiting placement fee will be paid in the event Gulf Island hires the candidate due to the referral or through other means.


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