ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Vehicle Prep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marshall

Vehicle Prep Technician

North Rose, NY · On-site

$17.92 - $26.10/hr

Vehicles Ready for Next Use A. Monitors the shipping schedule and ensures that tasks are performed in such a way that trucks are ready as needed. B. Maintains high appearance standard of vehicles ...

DeNooyer Chevrolet

NEW VEHICLE PREP TECHNICIAN

Albany, NY

$13 - $16/hr

DENOOYER CHEVROLET IS SEEKING TO FILL A POSITION IN OUR NEW CAR PREP DEPARTMENT.WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR SHOP AND ARE LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON TO JOIN OUR TEAM. THE POSITION WILL INVOLVE CHECKING NEW ...

DeNooyer Chevrolet

NEW VEHICLE PREP TECHNICIAN

Albany, NY

$13 - $16/hr

DENOOYER CHEVROLET IS SEEKING TO FILL A POSITION IN OUR NEW CAR PREP DEPARTMENT.WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR SHOP AND ARE LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON TO JOIN OUR TEAM. THE POSITION WILL INVOLVE CHECKING NEW ...

National Powersport Auctions

Vehicle Prep/Detailer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Motorcycles, ATVs, Side X Sides, Utility Vehicles, Personal Watercraft, Snowmobiles, Trailers, Recreational Vehicles and Boats. As the leading powersports remarketing company in the U.S., NPA serves ...

Bob Weaver Auto

Car Wash & Vehicle Prep Specialist

Pottsville, PA · On-site

$12.25 - $14.75/hr

Part-Time Car Wash & Vehicle Prep Specialist Collision Center Bob Weaver Auto | Pottsville, PA Looking for steady part-time work during the week? Bob Weaver Auto is hiring a dependable person to wash ...

Apply Early

Krieger Ford

Automotive Detailer-Prep Technician

Columbus, OH

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

If you take pride in keeping vehicles clean, presentation-ready, and customer-ready, we want to hear from you. This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in auto detailing, vehicle prep ...

Apply Early

Krieger Ford

Automotive Detailer-Prep Technician

Columbus, OH · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

If you take pride in keeping vehicles clean, presentation-ready, and customer-ready, we want to hear from you. This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in auto detailing, vehicle prep ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVehicle Prep Jobs

Vehicle Prep information

See salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do vehicle prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle 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 the difference between Vehicle Prep vs Vehicle Detailer?

AspectVehicle PrepVehicle Detailer
CertificationsBasic automotive or safety certifications often requiredAdvanced detailing certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentAuto shops, dealerships, collision centersAuto salons, dealerships, specialty detailing shops
Job FocusPreparing vehicles for sale or repair, including cleaning and minor repairsDeep cleaning, polishing, and cosmetic enhancement of vehicles
Common UsageUsed in auto repair and sales industriesUsed in automotive detailing and luxury car services

Vehicle Prep primarily involves preparing vehicles for sale or repair, focusing on cleaning and minor repairs. Vehicle Detailer emphasizes detailed cleaning and cosmetic work to enhance vehicle appearance. While both roles require cleaning skills, Vehicle Prep is more about readiness, whereas Vehicle Detailer focuses on aesthetic enhancement.

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

In a Vehicle Prep role, common challenges include managing tight deadlines to ensure vehicles are ready for customers or the sales floor, maintaining high attention to detail during cleaning and inspection, and safely handling various cleaning chemicals and equipment. Effective time management and teamwork are crucial, as you may need to coordinate with sales, service, or detailing teams to prioritize vehicles. Staying organized, following safety protocols, and communicating clearly with colleagues can help overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth workflow.

How to make money if you love cars?

A vehicle prep job involves cleaning, detailing, and preparing cars for sale or delivery, which can be a way to earn money if you love cars. Developing skills in detailing, understanding vehicle parts, and gaining certifications can increase earning potential. Working in auto shops or dealerships often provides steady income and opportunities for advancement.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Prep, you need attention to detail, basic automotive knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning equipment, detailing chemicals, and sometimes inventory management systems is often required. Strong time management, reliability, and teamwork help you excel in fast-paced environments and ensure customer satisfaction. These skills are crucial for consistently delivering clean, safe, and ready-to-use vehicles that meet company standards.

What is a chassis prep job description?

A chassis prep job involves preparing a vehicle's chassis for assembly or modification by cleaning, inspecting, and ensuring all components are properly aligned and functional. It often requires knowledge of automotive systems, use of hand tools, and adherence to safety standards to ensure the vehicle is ready for further work or testing.

What is the highest paying job in the automotive industry?

In the automotive industry, high-paying roles include automotive engineers, especially those specializing in research and development or advanced vehicle systems, and automotive design directors. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and extensive experience, and they often involve leadership responsibilities and working with cutting-edge technology.

What is a Vehicle Prep?

A Vehicle Prep, short for Vehicle Preparation Specialist, is responsible for cleaning, inspecting, and preparing vehicles for delivery to customers or for display on a sales lot. This role typically involves washing, vacuuming, detailing, and sometimes performing minor maintenance tasks to ensure vehicles look their best. Vehicle Preps may also move vehicles around the lot and report any issues they find to supervisors. The job is important for maintaining a dealership's reputation and ensuring customer satisfaction.

What is the highest paying job working with cars?

The highest paying jobs in the automotive industry often include automotive engineers, vehicle design managers, and specialized technicians such as collision repair shop owners or high-level customizers. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and can offer six-figure salaries depending on the level of expertise and location.
More about Vehicle Prep jobs
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Prep jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Prep jobs are:
Vehicle Prep jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Prep job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 62% Physical, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,765 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Vehicle Prep Detailer (FT Seasonal)

Wheelhouse West Inc

Tooele, UT • On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Description:

Why choose Wheelhouse:

Wheelhouse (formerly the Ford Performance Racing School) fills a unique role between the motorsports and car culture worlds. We are not a dealership. We provide once-in-a-lifetime automotive experiences for car enthusiasts through performance driving programs, using performance vehicles (Ford Raptors as well as other manufacturers, makes & models). All while enjoying a regular work schedule! You can be part of a great team performing fun work, with an opportunity to continue learning and growing in your career.

  • Strong, consistent hourly pay—no flat rate
  • Work on well-maintained fleets—no customer vehicles
  • Seasonal bonus potential
  • Employee discounts


Job Summary: The Full-Time Seasonal Vehicle Prep Detailer is responsible for the cleanliness of all program and support vehicles. This position is expected to last from March 1st – November 30th and is a 30-40 hour per week position. He or she will champion the company’s mission and vision and model the company values.


Specific Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the thorough washing and cleaning of all vehicles
  • Ability to use a pressure washer
  • Ability to transport vehicles safely between staging areas
  • Assist in the cleanliness and organization of the Detail Bay
  • Aid with the maintenance of all courses, course supplies and buildings
  • Understanding of car cleaning products and chemicals
  • Develop and maintain a strong knowledge of FPRS West, its vehicles and programs
  • Protect the moral, legal and financial well-being of FPRS West
  • Continually work with other team members to find new and better ways of doing business with an emphasis on safety, accountability, leadership, and guest service
  • Perform any other job duties as assigned by management


Requirements:

Knowledge and Skills

  • High School Graduate a plus
  • Outstanding ability to interact well with customers and fellow employees
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Ability to prioritize tasks in the most productive and/or appropriate manner
  • Demonstrate outstanding customer service and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to drive a manual transmission a plus
  • Ability to maintain safe and organized working areas
  • Knowledge of cars, car cleaning products and chemicals preferred


Supervision Received and Exercised

  • Reports to and receives assignments from the Vehicle Prep Supervisor
  • Reports to the Race Shop Manager when the Vehicle Prep Supervisor is off site


Expectations

  • Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis Monday – Friday, some weekends and holidays, and varying shifts normally ranging from 7AM-9PM
  • Adhere to all company policies and procedures
  • Professionally represent the company in community and industry organizations and events
  • Use proper and professional language in the workplace when interfacing with guests or potential clients and when representing the company in an official capacity
  • Must be able to make quick, sound decisions that match the FPRS West’s values and standards
  • Show respect for others
  • Maintain a positive attitude
  • Maintain a current valid driver’s license, clean driving record, pass a background check and drug screening


Physical Demands

  • Often required to work long hours and be available when needed or as business requires
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted
  • Able to be on your feet for long periods of time
  • Able to work in all types of weather
  • Moderate to high levels of stress may be associated with this position


Language Skills

  • Must be able to communicate in English