ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Painter Helper Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Oshkosh Corporation

Painter - 1st Shift

Dodge Center, MN · On-site

$20 - $28.34/hr

Must be able to perform mill checks and readings and help with paint prep (Riceville only). * Able to perform fine line painting technique (Riceville only). CORE COMPETENCIES: * Internal Contacts:

Oshkosh Corporation

Painter - 1st Shift

Dodge Center, MN · On-site

$20 - $28.34/hr

Must be able to perform mill checks and readings and help with paint prep (Riceville only). * Able to perform fine line painting technique (Riceville only). CORE COMPETENCIES: * Internal Contacts:

Oshkosh Corporation

Painter - 1st Shift

Dodge Center, MN · On-site

$20 - $28.34/hr

Must be able to perform mill checks and readings and help with paint prep (Riceville only). * Able to perform fine line painting technique (Riceville only). CORE COMPETENCIES: * Internal Contacts:

Oshkosh Corporation

Painter - 1st Shift

Dodge Center, MN · On-site

$20 - $28.34/hr

Must be able to perform mill checks and readings and help with paint prep (Riceville only). * Able to perform fine line painting technique (Riceville only). CORE COMPETENCIES: * Internal Contacts:

Geotek LLC

Paint Booth Operator

Stewartville, MN · On-site

$21.25 - $26.50/hr

Will also help in any other area of the plant as needed. Shift: Nights | Monday - Thursday | 5:00p - 3:30a Weekend Nights | Friday - Sunday | 5:00p - 5:30a Duties and responsibilities * Painting re ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPainter Helper JobsPainter Helper Jobs in Rochester, MN

Painter Helper information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do painter helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for painter helper in Rochester, MN is $17.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a painter helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Painter Helper, you need basic knowledge of paint preparation, surface cleaning, and safety procedures, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as sanders, scrapers, and ladders, as well as adherence to safety guidelines like OSHA standards, is important. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong teamwork skills help Painter Helpers support lead painters efficiently. These abilities ensure high-quality results, a safe work environment, and smooth collaboration on painting projects.

What is the difference between Painter Helper vs Painter?

AspectPainter HelperPainter
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; apprenticeship or vocational training often required
Work EnvironmentAssist painters on construction sites, residential, or commercial projectsPerform painting tasks independently or under supervision in similar environments
Job ResponsibilitiesPrepare surfaces, hold materials, clean tools, assist with paintingApply paint, stain, or coatings; surface preparation; finishing work

The main difference between a Painter Helper and a Painter is that the Helper assists with preparatory and support tasks, while the Painter performs the actual painting and finishing work. Helpers gain experience and skills to advance to Painter roles, making this a common entry point in the painting industry.

How much do painter helpers get paid?

Painter helpers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced helpers or those working in high-cost areas can earn higher wages. Overtime and benefits may also affect overall compensation.

What is a painter helper?

Painter helpers are workers who assist painters by preparing surfaces, gathering and moving materials, setting up equipment, and cleaning up job sites. They may sand or scrape surfaces, mask off areas to protect them from paint, mix paints, and help with the application process under the supervision of experienced painters. Painter helpers play a critical role in ensuring painting projects run smoothly and efficiently, supporting both residential and commercial painting tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by painter helpers on the job, and how can they be managed?

Painter Helpers often encounter challenges such as working in confined or elevated spaces, exposure to paint fumes, and managing physical tasks like sanding, taping, or carrying supplies. To manage these, it's important to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE), follow safety protocols, and maintain effective communication with the lead painter and team members. Being proactive in preparing surfaces and organizing materials can also help streamline workflow and minimize on-the-job issues.

What does a painter helper do?

A painter helper assists painters, stucco masons, and plasterers with a wide variety of tasks to help complete a project quickly and efficiently. As a painter helper, your typical duties involve applying plaster, removing old paint, and preparing the work area. You may also pour chemical solutions into stripping tanks and use power tools to clear surfaces before painting or plastering them. To become a painter helper, you typically only need relevant work experience, such as on-the-job training under the supervision of a more experienced painter. Some employers may also require a high school diploma or GED certificate and the completion of a formal training program in painting. Additional qualifications include mechanical skills to use power tools like buffers and sanders, attention to detail for mixing and matching paint colors, and the ability to execute written and oral instructions.

More about Painter Helper jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Painter jobs in Rochester, MN? The most popular types of Painter jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What are popular job titles related to Painter Helper jobs in Rochester, MN? For Painter Helper jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Painter Helper jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Painter Helper jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Painter Helper jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Painter Helper job openings:
Painter Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Painter Helper job openings in Rochester, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,463 per year, or $18 per hour.

Painter - 1st Shift

Oshkosh Corporation

Dodge Center, MN

$28.34/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Oshkosh Corporation rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

287th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

About McNeilus, an Oshkosh Company
McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc. is committed to serving everyday heroes and is an industry leading designer and manufacturer of refuse truck bodies. McNeilus produces a complete line of high-performance rear load, front load, and automated side load refuse bodies to augment any refuse collection fleet. Our team members are critical in our mission of supporting waste warriors and keeping communities safe and clean.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Painter is responsible for the application of paint and other coatings using electrostatic / air assist paint guns and other automotive type paint application devices on Company products including military spec paint. This position has the knowledge and skills to perform in any and each area of the paint process.
Pay Range: $20 - $28.34
YOUR IMPACT:
These duties are not meant to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned.
  • Prime, paint, and touchup vehicles with power spray equipment and brushes. Flush tanks, hoses, and guns prior to color changeovers. Mix all types of paints for proper color, formula, conditions, viscosity, and consistency. Perform titrations and mix or adjust chemicals as needed.
  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment in compliance with safety procedures, rules, and proper 6S standards. Demonstrate best practices to follow all safe procedures in assembling and testing of all models/products in assigned job function.
  • Upkeep of work area and equipment which may include preventative maintenance tasks. Inspect product before, during, after paint process to ensure specifications are being met.
  • Sand, wash, and condition parts as necessary. Light bodywork may be required.
  • Inspection of completed parts for quality, validate components meet.
  • Team member has the knowledge and skills to perform in every area of the paint process.
  • Assist training new team members on processes and equipment functions.
  • Ability to start training to perform touch-up.
  • Participate in onboarding training and annual training related to being a hazardous waste handler as required by the EPA RCRA hazardous waste rules. This will include ability to understand what waste hazards are, storage time limits, satellite accumulation, marking, labeling, weekly inspections, aisle space, storage, manifest shipping, use and location of emergency equipment, response to spills and fires, evacuation routes, etc.
  • Disassemble, clean, repair, adjust and reassemble painting equipment, such as pumps, paint heaters, tanks, spray guns, etc. for proper operation (Repairs are only required in Dodge Center).
  • Apply decals, stencils, and rust-proofing as required (Dodge Center only).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Six (6) months of industrial painting experience or completion of internal paint training program or an evaluated equivalent.
  • Must be able to read checklists, paint codes, Safety logs, JSA's, SWI's etc.

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Automotive paint experience.
  • Willingness to train in multiple areas to obtain a Painter ll level Able to proficiently paint in single assigned area.
  • Able to proficiently paint in single assigned area.
  • Must be able to perform mill checks and readings and help with paint prep (Riceville only).
  • Able to perform fine line painting technique (Riceville only).

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Internal Contacts: Contact with peers and others involving explanation of information (these contacts may be within or outside department or division), and the gathering of factual information; may include the communication of sensitive or confidential information.
  • External Contacts: Limited external contact to: gather information, answer queries, or ask assistance.
  • Communication Skills: Read, write and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. Read and interpret safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Read, analyze and interpret business manuals, technical procedures and/or government regulations.
  • Decision-Making: Requires minimal decision-making responsibility.
  • Complexity, Judgment and Problem Solving: Work of a relatively routine nature. Requires the ability to understand the follow instructions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Physical Demands: Frequent: Standing, Walking/Running, Sitting, Reaching, Hearing, Talking, Visual, Typing; Occasional: Climbing, Driving, Bending/Kneeling, Hearing, Talking, Visual, Typing, Fine Dexterity, Manual Dexterity; Upper Extremity Repetitive Motion, Lifting/Carrying 25lbs., Pushing/Pulling 25llbs.
  • Non-Physical Demands: Occasional: Analysis/Reasoning, Communication/Interpretation, Math/Mental Computation, Reading, Sustained Mental Activity (i.e. auditing, problem solving, grant writing, composing reports), Writing.
  • Environmental Demands: Occasional: Work Alone, Frequent Task Changes, Tedious/Exacting Work, Dust, Temperature Extremes, Loud Noises.
  • Work Schedule: Routine shift hours. Infrequent overtime, weekend, or shift rotation.
  • Demands/Deadlines: Occasional stress due to deadlines or workload because of intermittent or cyclical work pressures, or occasional exposure to distressed individuals within the immediate work environment.

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.
Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.
Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.
Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

What Oshkosh Corporation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply