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Surface Finishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hawkins

Account Manager - Surface Finishing

Roseville, MN · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

About Hawkins Hawkins, Inc. is a formulator, manufacturer, blender, distributer, and sales agent for thousands of industrial chemicals and reagent grade laboratory chemicals sold to municipalities ...

Technique Inc

Metal Finishing Prep

Jackson, MI · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

A-Class Surface Finishing - Achieve A-class surface quality standards, including zero visible defects, consistent sheen, and inspection-ready results. * Automotive Sanding Techniques - Perform dry ...

Technique, Inc.

Metal Finishing Prep

Jackson, MI · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

A-Class Surface Finishing - Achieve A-class surface quality standards, including zero visible defects, consistent sheen, and inspection-ready results. * Automotive Sanding Techniques - Perform dry ...

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Surface Finishing information

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How much do surface finishing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface finishing in the United States is $17.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is surface finishing?

Surface finishing refers to a variety of industrial processes used to alter the surface of a manufactured item to achieve a certain property, such as improved appearance, adhesion, corrosion resistance, or hardness. Common techniques include polishing, grinding, buffing, plating, anodizing, and coating. These processes are essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and construction, where the quality and durability of the product's surface are critical. Proper surface finishing can also enhance cleanliness, reduce friction, and extend the lifespan of parts.

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

To thrive as a Surface Finishing Technician, you need a solid understanding of surface preparation, coating application, and material properties, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with tools such as sandblasters, sprayers, polishers, and knowledge of safety protocols or certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for producing high-quality finishes. These skills ensure consistent product quality, safety, and efficiency in manufacturing and repair environments.

What is the difference between Surface Finishing vs Metal Polishing?

AspectSurface FinishingMetal Polishing
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in finishing techniquesHigh school diploma; certifications in polishing methods
Work EnvironmentFactories, workshops, manufacturing plantsWorkshops, manufacturing facilities, sometimes on-site
Industry UsageUsed across various industries like automotive, aerospace, manufacturingPrimarily in automotive, jewelry, and decorative metal industries

Surface Finishing involves processes that improve the appearance, durability, or function of a surface through various techniques like grinding, sanding, or coating. Metal Polishing is a specific type of surface finishing focused on creating a smooth, shiny metal surface. While both roles require similar skills and certifications, Surface Finishing covers a broader range of techniques, whereas Metal Polishing specializes in achieving high-gloss finishes on metals.

What are some common challenges faced in a Surface Finishing role, and how can they be addressed?

In a Surface Finishing role, professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in finish quality, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring safety while handling chemicals or machinery. Addressing these issues typically involves adhering to strict quality control protocols, effective time management, and ongoing training on safety procedures. Collaboration with team members and supervisors is also essential to quickly resolve issues and maintain workflow, ensuring that finished products meet both industry standards and client expectations.
More about Surface Finishing jobs
What states have the most Surface Finishing jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Finishing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surface Finishing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Finishing jobs are:
Surface Finishing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Finishing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,156 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Surface Finishing Technician (Auto Body Background)

LF Studios

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Surface Finishing Technician (Auto Body Background)
LifeFormations is hiring a full-time Surface Finishing Technician at our Cincinnati location for high-quality animatronic and scenic element fabrication work in theme parks, museums, and immersive experiences worldwide. This position is responsible for preparing and refinishing surfaces on animated figures and scenic pieces to achieve flawless, production-ready finishes. The ideal candidate must have automotive bodywork experience including surface preparation, sanding, primer application, and match-plating, which will be applied to working with materials such as fiberglass, resins, foam, and silicone. Candidate must be a team player, problem solver, self-motivated to achieve superior quality and efficiency, curious, and have a critical eye for bringing complex creative elements to life with museum-quality finishes.
Responsibilities:
  • High quality surface finishing and preparation for animatronic figures and scenic elements destined for theme park installations.
  • Learn and build upon the team's knowledge of entertainment industry materials and surface finishing methods as required on a project-by-project basis.
  • Ability to problem-solve issues that may arise in the finishing of complex sculptural forms and multi-material assemblies.
  • Ability to recognize surface imperfections and be motivated to problem-solve through them to achieve flawless finishes.
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate with sculptors, painters, and mechanical teams to preemptively identify and troubleshoot surface finishing challenges.
  • Must be efficient and adaptable to changing creative processes and priorities in a fast-paced studio environment.
  • Produce technically excellent work; high quality of craft and attention to detail is a must.
  • Maintain a safe working environment.
  • Ability to stay focused and productive throughout the day.
  • Adhere to studio Quality Assurance standards and client specifications for themed entertainment projects.
Requirements:
  • Automotive bodywork experience with a portfolio of surface finishing work to support.
  • Working knowledge of surface preparation techniques, sanding methods, and primer systems that can be adapted to entertainment industry materials.
  • Knowledge of fiberglass work, composite materials, and various fabrication techniques.
  • Experience with both electric and pneumatic tools including sanders, grinders, airbrushes, and spray equipment
  • Dependable.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Driver's license required.
  • High school diploma required.
  • This position is full-time; must have flexibility in your schedule to allow for extended hours as needed during project deadlines and installation periods.
  • Advanced experience with automotive surface preparation techniques that can be applied to sculptural forms.
  • Ability to read technical drawings and sculptural plans.
  • Basic knowledge of animatronic mechanisms and themed entertainment construction.
  • Experience with specialty coatings and weathering techniques.
LF is an eclectic, fast-paced studio full of artists, craftspeople, engineers, and builders who create unique, custom creations that are featured around the world in theme parks, museums and entertainment complexes. We celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and welcome any challenges thrown our way. In short, we make the seemingly impossible possible and are looking to continue to build our team with those who want to join us.