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Surface Prep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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 ... This role focuses on grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure optimal coating adhesion ...

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 ... This role focuses on grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure optimal coating adhesion ...

APX

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 ... This role focuses on grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure optimal coating adhesion ...

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Surface Prep information

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How much do surface prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface prep 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?

A Surface Prep worker is responsible for preparing surfaces for painting, coating, or other finishing processes. This job involves cleaning, sanding, grinding, or blasting surfaces to remove dirt, rust, old paint, or other contaminants to ensure proper adhesion of new materials. Surface Prep workers typically use hand and power tools, as well as specialized equipment, to complete their tasks. Their work is essential in industries like manufacturing, construction, and automotive repair to ensure finished products are durable and meet quality standards.

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

To excel as a Surface Prep, you need a solid understanding of surface preparation techniques, knowledge of materials, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as sanders, grinders, and cleaning equipment, as well as compliance with safety regulations, is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong teamwork skills are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure surfaces are properly prepared for finishing, leading to high-quality end products and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced in a surface prep role, and how can they be effectively managed?

Surface Prep professionals often encounter challenges such as working with a variety of materials, dealing with tight project deadlines, and maintaining high-quality standards under physically demanding conditions. Adhering to safety protocols, using the appropriate tools for each surface type, and staying organized can help manage these difficulties. Effective communication with team members and supervisors ensures that any issues are addressed promptly, which is crucial for maintaining workflow efficiency and safety. Continuous learning about new prep techniques and equipment also supports skill development and job satisfaction.

What is the difference between Surface Prep vs Floor Technician?

AspectSurface PrepFloor Technician
CertificationsOSHA, safety training, surface-specific certificationsOSHA, floor care certifications, equipment operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilities, renovation projectsCommercial and residential buildings, cleaning and maintenance sites
Job FocusPreparing surfaces for finishing, repair, or coatingCleaning, maintaining, and restoring floors
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, renovationCleaning services, property management, janitorial services

Surface Prep involves preparing surfaces for finishing or coating, often in construction or renovation settings, requiring specialized skills and certifications. Floor Technicians focus on cleaning and maintaining floors in commercial or residential spaces. While both roles may require OSHA safety training, Surface Prep emphasizes surface treatment, whereas Floor Technicians concentrate on cleaning and restoration.

More about Surface Prep jobs

What job categories do people searching Surface Prep jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Surface Prep jobs are:

Surface Prep jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Prep job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,765 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Surface Prep Plant Mechanic

Warrior Met Coal

Brookwood, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Warrior Met Coal rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 41 rated mining

Job description

We are seeking a Plant Mechanic for our operations near Brookwood, Alabama. We expect this person to be a role model for the "Warrior Way" and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork.

Who We Are:

All teammates are required to work in a manner that exemplifies the "Warrior Way" - Safer, Accountability, Follow Through, Excellence, Responsibility. Mining positions may be required to work various shifts, rotating schedules, weekends, and holidays as scheduled. We provide a generous compensation and benefits package, including incentive plans, 401(k), paid time off and company paid medical, dental and vision care.

About the Role:

As a Plant Mechanic, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that heavy machinery operates efficiently and safely around prep plants and surface areas that support production and related processes. The Plant Mechanic will work closely with supervisors and other team members to maintain a safe work environment while adhering to company policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

  • Diagnosing mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues in diesel and gasoline engines.

  • Conducting routine maintenance, inspections, and servicing of heavy machinery.

  • Repairing faulty components of equipment

  • Testing and inspecting equipment and systems to ensure proper performance.

  • Maintaining maintenance records for preventive maintenance as well as component life expectancy.

  • Ordering and maintaining parts inventory.

  • Adhere to all safety procedures and regulations.

  • Preserves a safe and clean work environment by keeping trash picked up and practicing good housekeeping standards in work areas.

  • May be required to operate equipment on a temporary basis.

  • Other duties that may be assigned by supervisor.

Who You are:

  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

  • Proficient in with troubleshooting software such as CAT ET, CAT SIS and Cummins Insite)

  • Maintain good punctuality and attendance.

  • Ability to work safely and effectively in a mining environment.

  • Must be able to communicate effectively with other team members and supervisors.

  • Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail

  • Good organizational, time management and multitasking skills.

  • Prior job skills and experience related to position required.

  • Must be able to pass a written skills assessment.

Environment and Safety

  • Ensure adherence to State, Federal and Company workplace policies and standard work procedures for risk identification, risk assessment and risk control.

  • Maintain a high level of Safety performance through effective communication, monitoring, and revision of standard work procedures.

  • Identify and report safety risks, accidents, incidents, injuries, and property damage at the workplace.

  • Attend and participate in all scheduled safety meetings and training.

  • Ensure adherence to environmental policy, work standards, management plans and regulatory obligations and requirements.

Physical Requirements - Mining Operations:

  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time on uneven, rocky surfaces.

  • Must be able to sit for up to 4 hours to operate equipment or vehicles.

  • Must be able to walk for up to 4 hours at a time.

  • Will need to walk through different sections of the mine with different amounts of clearance and headroom.

  • Walking ability will be based on SCSR emergency evacuation plan required and approved by MSHA.

  • Must be able to wear the required protective footwear, hearing and eye protection, and other personal protective equipment as required by Company and MSHA.

  • Must be able to bend or stoop for a full work period because of varying work heights.

  • Must be able to climb up and down stairs/steps and climb on and off equipment and ladders.

  • Must be able to do repetitive hand and wrist motions (push, pull, twist, handle), and have quick reflex movements of the arms and legs as well as good hand to eye coordination.

  • Must be able to lift 25 to 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift items weighing up to 75 pounds.

  • Must be able to work in extreme conditions, including but not limited to changing weather conditions, dust, mud, varying levels of noise from low to high decibels, varying degrees of light and dark, in and around artificial light and in a confined work area.

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