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Surface Prep Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Surface Experts

Surface Prep Technician

Cordova, TN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Fast Growing Company SURFACE PREP TECHNICIAN: Responsibilities: * Prepare surfaces through sanding, masking and priming procedures, ensuring smooth and flawless surfaces * Use tools to perform ...

V2X

Surface Prep Technician

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

We are looking for a Surface Prep Technician (2nd shift) to support the Modernization and Sustainment site in Indianapolis, Indiana. Responsibilities * Removes coatings, excess material, and surface ...

V2X

Surface Prep Technician

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

We are looking for a Surface Prep Technician (2nd shift) to support the Modernization and Sustainment site in Indianapolis, Indiana. Responsibilities * Removes coatings, excess material, and surface ...

APX Company

Material Prep Technician

Mercersburg, PA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

APX is seeking a Material Prep Technician responsible for preparing aluminum and steel parts for ... This role focuses on grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure optimal coating adhesion ...

APX Company

Material Prep Technician

Saint Thomas, PA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

APX is seeking a Material Prep Technician responsible for preparing aluminum and steel parts for ... This role focuses on grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure optimal coating adhesion ...

APX Company

Material Prep Technician

Greencastle, PA · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

APX is seeking a Material Prep Technician responsible for preparing aluminum and steel parts for ... This role focuses on grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure optimal coating adhesion ...

Ultra Clean Technology

$60 - $80/hr

Blasting & Surface Prep Technician (2nd Shift) Job Category : Operations Requisition Number : TECHN021115 * Full-Time Locations Showing 1 location Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA Description Join UCT and be ...

AvL Technologies

Prep Technician

Asheville, NC · On-site

Summary The Prep Technician position is essential in ensuring products are properly prepared for ... Prepare components for painting by cleaning, sanding, and masking surfaces to ensure a smooth ...

APX Company

2nd Shift Material Prep

Greencastle, PA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

APX is seeking a Material Prep Technician responsible for preparing aluminum and steel parts for powder coating. This role focuses on grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure optimal ...

APX Company

2nd Shift Material Prep

Greencastle, PA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

APX is seeking a Material Prep Technician responsible for preparing aluminum and steel parts for powder coating. This role focuses on grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure optimal ...

APR and R LLC

Paint Prep Technician

Bow, NH · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

PAINT PREP TECHNICIAN GREAT PAINT STARTS WITH GREAT PREP. 📍 Bow, NH 💰 $18-$30/Hour, Based on ... Before the painter picks up the spray gun, the surface needs to be right. That means: No missed ...

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Surface Prep Technician information

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How much do surface prep technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface prep technician in the United States is $14.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surface prep technician?

Surface Prep Technicians are skilled workers responsible for preparing surfaces such as metal, concrete, or wood before they undergo finishing processes like painting, coating, or sealing. Their duties typically include cleaning, sanding, grinding, or blasting surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth final result. Surface prep is a critical step in industries like automotive, construction, and manufacturing, as it directly impacts the durability and appearance of the finished product. Technicians must follow safety protocols and use specialized equipment to achieve the best results.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a surface prep technician?

To excel as a Surface Prep Technician, you need a solid understanding of surface preparation processes, familiarity with safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with tools such as sanders, grinders, shot blasters, and sometimes certifications in OSHA safety or specific surface treatment methods are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that set top technicians apart. These skills ensure surfaces are properly prepared for coatings or finishes, leading to high-quality results and workplace safety.

What challenges does a surface prep technician face?

Surface Prep Technicians often encounter challenges such as working with a variety of materials and coatings, adapting to different surface conditions, and maintaining safety while handling tools and chemicals. The role can also involve physically demanding tasks like sanding, grinding, or cleaning in confined spaces or at heights. Staying updated on industry best practices and safety protocols is essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring high-quality results.

What is the difference between Surface Prep Technician vs Paint Technician?

AspectSurface Prep TechnicianPaint Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, surface preparation certificationsOSHA safety training, painting certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, manufacturing plants, construction sitesIndustrial facilities, automotive shops, manufacturing plants
Job FocusPreparing surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and primingApplying paint and coatings to surfaces
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, aerospaceAutomotive, industrial coatings, manufacturing

The main difference between a Surface Prep Technician and a Paint Technician lies in their focus: the Surface Prep Technician prepares surfaces for painting or coating, while the Paint Technician applies the paint or coating. Both roles often require similar safety certifications and work in related industrial environments, but their specific tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Surface Prep Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Surface Prep Technician job openings:

What states have the most Surface Prep Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surface Prep Technician jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Surface Prep Technician jobs?

For Surface Prep Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Surface Prep Technician jobs near you

Surface Prep Technician

Cordova, TN • On-site

Surface Experts - Memphis
See more jobs at Surface Experts - Memphisexternal

$17 - $21/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Our Mission at Surface Experts, is to develop outstanding teams by investing in strong relationships. Together we work to solve our customers’ problems by reducing the waste of time, money and materials which end up in landfills. To establish and lead a nationally recognized market for surface repair as an alternative to replacement. We are a national franchise and are in the process of growing our local team. 
  • Competitive compensation with commission/bonus opportunity
  • Paid training
  • Fast Growing Company 
SURFACE PREP TECHNICIAN:
 
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare surfaces through sanding, masking and priming procedures, ensuring smooth and flawless surfaces
  • Use tools to perform necessary repairs 
  • Using a process for surface primer, filler material, sandpaper grit, masking tape, etc. 
  • Assist in maintaining a clean and organized work environment, adhering to safety protocols and company guidelines
Must be capable of tasks such as, but not limited to masking and taping protected areas, cleaning surfaces, applying paint stripper, scraping paint stripper, using DA sanders, and sanding by hand. They will also be required to help clean up around the shop, procure  & stock inventory, and help in other areas on an as needed basis.
Requirements:
  • Experience of working with your hands, whether that’s in construction, manufacturing or even a hobby.
  • Having experience working in facilities maintenance can be very helpful.
  • Surface Prep a Plus but not required 
  • Automotive Prep and Painting a Plus
  • The training process is extensive so we are only interested in hiring someone who can make at least a 2-year commitment.
We are also looking for individuals with:
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently 
  • Commitment to meet project timelines.
  • Customer service experience.
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Strong work ethic and commitment to delivering high-quality results