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Prepper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Paint Prepper

San Jose, CA · On-site

$49K/yr

Champions Do More As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service ...

As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service in the U.S. The ...

Champions Do More As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service ...

Paint Prepper

San Jose, CA · On-site

$49K - $100K/yr

As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service in the U.S. The ...

Paint Prepper

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

Champions Do More As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service ...

As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service in the U.S. The ...

Paint Prepper

San Jose, CA · On-site

$49K/yr

Champions Do More As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service ...

Paint Prepper

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$41K/yr

Champions Do More As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service ...

Paint Prepper

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

Champions Do More As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service ...

Position Summary We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Auto Body Paint Prepper to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have experience preparing vehicles for painting, including ...

Position Summary We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Auto Body Paint Prepper to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have experience preparing vehicles for painting, including ...

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Showing results 1-20

Prepper information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do prepper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for prepper in California is $17.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid painting job?

In the painting industry, commercial and industrial painters tend to earn higher wages than residential painters, especially when working on large-scale projects or in specialized fields like aerospace or marine painting. Master painters with extensive experience, certifications, and skills in spray techniques or safety standards can also command higher salaries. Overall, unionized or contract-based painting jobs often offer the highest pay rates.

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

To thrive as a Prepper, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience with inventory management, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode scanners, and safety protocols is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities help ensure accurate and timely preparation of products, contributing to smooth warehouse operations and customer satisfaction.

What does a paint prepper do?

A paint prepper prepares surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, and applying primers to ensure proper adhesion and finish. They may also handle masking, mixing paints, and using tools like sanders and sprayers, often working in industrial or commercial environments. Attention to detail and knowledge of safety procedures are important in this role.

What are preppers and what do they do?

Preppers are individuals who actively prepare for emergencies, disasters, or disruptions by stockpiling supplies, learning survival skills, and making contingency plans. Their goal is to be self-sufficient and ready to handle situations like natural disasters, economic crises, or grid failures. Preppers often focus on food and water storage, first aid knowledge, and developing skills such as gardening, self-defense, and alternative energy use. The level of preparation can vary from basic readiness for short-term emergencies to extensive planning for long-term self-reliance.

What are some common challenges Preppers face when managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Preppers often work in dynamic kitchens where they must juggle multiple responsibilities, such as preparing ingredients, restocking supplies, and maintaining cleanliness, all while supporting chefs and line cooks. A common challenge is prioritizing tasks efficiently during busy periods to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly without delays. Effective communication with team members and strong organizational skills are essential to handle sudden changes in demand or last-minute requests. Adapting quickly and maintaining a positive attitude under pressure contribute significantly to success in this role.

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. Rates can vary widely, especially for high-profile projects or commercial work, and may include additional compensation for photoshoots or promotional appearances.

What is the difference between Prepper vs Survivalist?

AspectPrepperSurvivalist
Credentials/CertificationsMinimal formal certifications; self-education commonSimilar; often self-taught or informal knowledge
Work EnvironmentHome-based, personal preparednessOutdoor, field-based, often remote
Employer/Industry UsageIndividuals, emergency preparedness industryIndividuals, outdoor and survival communities
Search/Comparison IntentPreparing for emergencies, self-sufficiencyOutdoor survival skills, wilderness readiness

Prepper and survivalist roles overlap in self-sufficiency and emergency readiness. While preppers focus on home-based preparedness for disasters, survivalists often emphasize outdoor survival skills in wilderness settings. Both may share similar knowledge and certifications, but their work environments and primary goals differ slightly.

What is the highest paying job in auto body?

The highest paying jobs in auto body repair typically include auto body shop owners and specialized collision repair technicians with advanced certifications. Experienced estimators and managers also earn higher salaries, especially in large or high-end repair shops. These roles often require technical skills, certifications, and experience in the industry.
What are popular job titles related to Prepper jobs in California? For Prepper jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prepper jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Prepper jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Prepper jobs? Cities in California with the most Prepper job openings:
Infographic showing various Prepper job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,793 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Paint Prepper

$49K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Crash Champions rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 345 rated vehicle maintenance


Job description

Champions Do More
As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service in the U.S. The company, which also operates the growing Crash Champions LUXE | EV Certified brand of highline and luxury EV repair centers, services customers at more than 650 state-of-the-art locations in 38 states across the U.S. Crash Champions was founded in 1999 as a single Chicago repair center by industry veteran and 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Midwest award winner Matt Ebert. For more than 25 years, our vision has been anchored by the belief that delivering superior collision repair service is about People First. Welcome to Crash Champions. We Champion People.
Responsibilities
  • Remove grease, dirt, paint, or rust from vehicle surfaces in preparation for paint application, using abrasives, solvents, brushes, blowtorches, washing tanks, or sandblasters.
  • Assists painter in pre-paint blending needs.
  • Works with paint team to assist in keeping vehicle on track for scheduled delivery time.
  • Fill small dents or scratches with body fillers and smooth surfaces to prepare vehicles for painting.
  • Buff and wax the finished paintwork.
  • Disassemble, clean, and reassemble sprayers and power equipment, using solvents, wire brushes, and cloths for cleaning duties.

Qualifications
  • Prior experience in vehicle paint process.
  • I-CAR certifications preferred.
  • Ability to receive directions and work well with others.
  • Must be able to pass thorough background check.

Benefits
The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements and annual updates:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan with match
  • Referral Bonus ("Cash From Crash")
  • 5 Paid Holidays

We are committed to providing competitive compensation for this role. The actual offer will be based on various factors, including but not limited to: job related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant certifications and qualifications.
This position is paid on a commission/ flag rate structure. Flag pay is guaranteed to meet local minimum wage requirements for all hours worked each week. The compensation range listed is the average flag pay range for a typical full-time employee in this position.
The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Posted Min Pay Rate
USD $49,600.00/Yr.
Posted Max Pay Rate
USD $100,000.00/Yr.

What Crash Champions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


Crash Champions logo

About Crash Champions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1999, and based in Chicago, IL, Crash Champions, LLC ("Crash Champions"or the"Company") is the fifth largest independent collision repair chain in the United States, with an established presence in 17 states- and formal direct repair program ("DRP") relationships with most leading insurance carriers. The Company is led by founder and CEO Matt Ebert, who maintains an impressive track record of both organic and acquisition growth. As an acquiror of choice with a value-added capital partner, Crash Champions is expected to grow from a multi-regional business into a nationally recognized provider of collision repair services. Based upon the current pipeline of acquisitions and greenfield openings.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Westmont, IL, US

Year founded

1999