Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for automotive paint technicians in the United States
Are automotive paint technician jobs in demand?
Automotive paint technician job and salary trends over time
Automotive paint technician jobs over time
Automotive paint technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 357 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 351 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 371 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 367 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 362 | 0.00% |
Average automotive paint technician salary over time
Automotive paint technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,939 | $17.76 | +4.7% |
| 2024 | $35,295 | $16.97 | +3.4% |
| 2023 | $34,138 | $16.41 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $33,165 | $15.94 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $32,260 | $15.51 | +1.6% |
Automotive paint technician jobs by state
Most common states for automotive paint technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 199 | 15% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 140 | 15% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 193 | 14% |
| 4 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,391 | 13% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 877 | 13% |
| 6 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 739 | 13% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 731 | 13% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 397 | 13% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 94 | 13% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 84 | 13% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,052 | 12% |
| 12 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 793 | 12% |
| 13 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 787 | 12% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 702 | 12% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 649 | 12% |
| 16 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 543 | 12% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 129 | 12% |
| 18 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 2,360 | 11% |
| 19 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,239 | 11% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 408 | 11% |
Most common cities for automotive paint technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrollton | 1 | 1% | $37,034 |
| 2 | Clearwater | 1 | 1% | $39,398 |
| 3 | Davie | 1 | 1% | $40,194 |
Automotive Paint Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of automotive paint technician experts
Weber State University
Caid Kroeger
Associates Degree Coordinator/InstructorWeber State University
Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Technologies/Technicians
What will help Automotive Paint Technicians increase their earning potential?
Caid Kroeger: Some advice I can give is embrace learning, work on your soft skills, and develop a strong understanding of electrical systems. With the continuous advancement of technology in the automotive industry, marked by the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and connected car technologies, it is crucial for technicians to embrace continuous learning. Keeping pace with these advancements requires not only additional training and certifications but also a detailed understanding of the increasingly complex electrical systems that modern vehicles rely on. Enhancing electrical knowledge and troubleshooting skills has become more important than ever. Alongside these technical proficiencies, the cultivation of soft skills cannot be recommended enough. Effective communication, adept problem-solving, and superior customer service are essential, especially when it comes to explaining technical issues to customers who may lack technical expertise.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Automotive Paint Technician job market given the pandemic?
Trish Serratore: The biggest trends facing the automotive service repair market are the need to help car owners understand that they still need to service their vehicles, even if they are not driving them as much due to remote working situations.
Smaller shops will have difficulties staying in business due to shutdowns and prior technician furloughs. Finding good technicians in this pandemic is just as complicated as before. Keeping technicians trained and updated will also be a factor in the repair business as shops get used to virtual and distance learning.
New graduates entering the field will need to showcase their credentials (ASE Certifications) and be able to quantify their experience. We are still hearing about a technician shortage, but many shops are still wary of an inexperienced individual.