1

Paint Prepper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paint Prepper

Columbia, SC ยท 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 ...

Body Shop Paint Prepper

Wellesley, MA ยท 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 ...

Apply Early

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 ...

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 ...

Body Shop Paint Prepper

Wellesley, MA ยท 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 ...

Apply Early

Paint Prepper

Hilton Head Island, SC ยท 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 ...

Paint Prepper

Statesboro, GA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Paint Prepper

Columbia, SC ยท 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 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 ...

Paint Prepper

Statesboro, GA ยท 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 Pay ...

Paint Prepper

Statesboro, GA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

$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 ...

Paint Prepper

Hilton Head Island, SC ยท 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 Pay ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Paint Prepper information

See salary details

$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.
What cities are hiring for Paint Prepper jobs? Cities with the most Paint Prepper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Paint Prepper jobs? The most popular types of Paint Prepper jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Paint Prepper jobs? The top employers for Paint Prepper jobs are:
What states have the most Paint Prepper jobs? States with the most job openings for Paint Prepper jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Paint Prepper jobs? For Paint Prepper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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

The Boyd Group

Columbia, SC โ€ข On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

SC Columbia-Newland Rd - 154028
We put our team members first. You'll receive a great salary and benefits, and experience the support and opportunity you deserve. You're empowered to make decisions. You control your future.
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, color 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.
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:
FLAT RATE
$18- 21 /Flat Rate
Flat Rate Compensation is a performance-based structure directly tied to turned hours, also referred to as booked hours. In the event that total compensation in a pay period is less than minimum wage, clocked hours will be calculated with a guarantee of applicable local or state minimum wage, whichever is greater.
Compensation is commensurate with skill, education and experience.