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Paintless Dent Removal Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Paintless Dent Removal information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$34.9K

$56.9K

$81.4K

How much do paintless dent removal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for paintless dent removal in Riverside, CA is $56,858.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is paintless dent removal?

Paintless dent removal (PDR) is a technique used to repair minor dents and dings in a vehicle’s body without the need for painting or filling. Using specialized tools, technicians gently massage the damaged metal back to its original shape from behind the panel. This method preserves the vehicle’s original paint finish and can be more cost-effective and quicker than traditional bodywork. PDR is commonly used for hail damage, door dings, and small creases, provided the paint surface is still intact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paintless dent removal technician?

To thrive as a Paintless Dent Removal Technician, you need a solid understanding of automotive bodywork, hand-eye coordination, and mechanical aptitude, often acquired through on-the-job training or vocational courses. Familiarity with specialized PDR tools, such as dent removal rods and glue pulling systems, and certifications from organizations like NAPDRT can be highly beneficial. Attention to detail, patience, and strong customer service skills set top technicians apart in this field. These skills ensure precise repairs, customer satisfaction, and efficient service delivery without the need for repainting or extensive bodywork.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in paintless dent removal and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) often encounter challenges such as accessing dents in difficult-to-reach areas and working with newer vehicle models that use high-strength steel or aluminum panels. Success in this role requires patience, precision, and continuous learning to master various techniques and tools. Collaborating closely with auto body shops and dealerships can help technicians stay informed about new materials and industry trends. Building strong relationships with clients and maintaining a high standard of workmanship are also key to overcoming challenges and growing in this field.

What is the difference between Paintless Dent Removal vs Auto Body Technician?

AspectPaintless Dent RemovalAuto Body Technician
CredentialsMinimal certifications, often on-the-job trainingCertifications in collision repair, bodywork, or welding
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, dealerships, mobile servicesBody shops, collision centers, repair facilities
Industry UsageSpecializes in dent repair without repaintingRestores entire vehicle body, including painting

Paintless Dent Removal focuses on removing dents without repainting, using specialized tools, while Auto Body Technicians perform comprehensive repairs, including panel replacement and repainting. Both roles require industry-specific skills, but Paintless Dent Removal is more specialized in minor dent repairs, making it quicker and often more cost-effective for small damages.

Is paintless dent removal a good career?

Paintless dent removal is a specialized auto repair skill that involves removing dents without repainting, often requiring training and certification. It can offer flexible hours and low startup costs, making it a viable career option for those interested in automotive repair and detailing. Job stability depends on demand in the auto industry and individual skill development.

What are popular job titles related to Paintless Dent Removal jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Paintless Dent Removal jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Paintless Dent Removal jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Paintless Dent Removal job openings:

Infographic showing various Paintless Dent Removal job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,858 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Body Shop Repair Technician

Karma Automotive, Inc.

Moreno Valley, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description
Body Shop Repair Technician
The Body Shop Repair Technician is responsible for repairing dents, waves, and other metal surface imperfections on vehicle body structures. This role performs detailed repair and finishing work on Class A surfaces, including identifying and correcting difficult-to-detect defects to ensure vehicles meet established quality, fit, finish, and dimensional standards.
The technician uses a variety of hand and power tools, precision measuring equipment, and body repair techniques to prepare vehicle body structures for the paint process while maintaining a safe, efficient, and quality-focused work environment.
Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):
  • Perform BIW dent removal.
  • Read and follow standardized work instruction (VSOP)
  • Perform Class A surface repair using sanding and filing techniques.
  • Clean and prepare the BIW for paint shop.
  • Work safely and efficiently to meet daily production goals.
  • Follow all safety guidelines including the use of PPE and the completion of daily checklists to maintain a safe work environment.
  • Use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, and fixtures to verify fit, alignment, and quality requirements.
  • Contribute to improving metrics for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Morale, Environmental, and support systems damage reduction efforts.
  • Follow VSOPs and in building the vehicle, ensuring that quality is built into the vehicle in station.
  • Use the escalation process, notifying the team leader and group leader when questions and concerns arise. Always speak up when processes cannot be followed.
  • Work collaboratively in a team environment with peers, supervisors, quality, materials, manufacturing engineers, DREs, etc.
  • Contribute to improving processes and best practices to improve KICC metrics.
  • Comply with all KICC and Karma Automotive policies and procedures.
  • Closure alignments (decklid, doors, fenders) as well as meeting gap & flush standards.
  • Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
  • Previous professional experience in automotive body repair, collision repair, body shop, or a similar environment required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience with dent repair, including paintless dent repair techniques.
  • Ability to identify and correct surface imperfections on Class A automotive surfaces.
  • Strong understanding of automotive body repair methods, tools, and equipment.
  • Ability to safely and effectively use hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring equipment.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to understand and follow technical instructions and standardized work.
  • Strong hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while meeting established quality and production requirements.
  • Dependable, safety-conscious, and committed to producing high-quality work.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
  • Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to follow direction and established processes.
  • Basic knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015), as applicable.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Automotive manufacturing or OEM production experience.
  • Collision repair or body shop certification/training.
  • External welding certification, such as American Welding Society (AWS) certification.
  • Experience with Body-in-White (BIW) repair and automotive manufacturing processes.
  • Forklift certification.
  • Experience working with Class A automotive surfaces and gap/flush specifications.

PhysicalRequirements
Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:
  • Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:
  • Ability to use or operate assembly tools, i.e., electric powered dynamic torque tools.
  • Ability to walk or move - to regularly move about inside the office or onto the facility.
  • Ability to see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office or
    warehouse areas.
  • Ability to bend, turn, and stoop occasionally.
  • Ability to sit or be stationary for brief periods of time.
  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time, duration of the shift.
  • Ability to constantly lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. and periodically 50 lbs.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will spend approximately 100% (excluding breaks and meal periods) of time in a manufacturing/ warehouse environment. When working in the facility, it requires the use of personal protective equipment, including (but not limited to) steel toe shoes, bump caps, and safety goggles. Reflective colored vest and ear protection is required in certain areas.
Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)
Benefits & Perks:
In addition to your competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:
  • Medical Plan
  • Dental & Vision Plans
  • Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
  • Employee Health & Well-Being Program Events
  • Company Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
  • 401(K) with Employer Match
  • Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Sick Time, Vacation Time, and Personal Floaters
  • Paid Holidays including Company's Annual Year End Shutdown
  • Employee Driving Program
  • Pre-taxed Commuter Benefits & much more!

Compensation:
$28.00/per hour - $31.00/per hour. Compensation will vary DOE.
At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.
Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.
Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver's license may be required based on essential duties.