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What is a paint prepper and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
introduction image
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a paint prepper. For example, did you know that they make an average of $19.91 an hour? That's $41,414 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 5,000 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScorePaint PrepperUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $41,414

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.8

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.68%

Asian 2.02%

Black or African American 6.87%

Hispanic or Latino 22.08%

Unknown 4.36%

White 63.99%

Gender

female 8.54%

male 91.46%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.9

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Paint prepper career paths

Key steps to become a paint prepper

  1. Explore paint prepper education requirements

    Most common paint prepper degrees

    High School Diploma

    50.0 %

    Associate

    20.6 %

    Diploma

    13.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific paint prepper skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Body Shop19.88%
    Hand Tools19.65%
    Windows12.03%
    Coats11.92%
    Painting Process8.01%
  3. Complete relevant paint prepper training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New paint preppers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a paint prepper based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real paint prepper resumes.
  4. Research paint prepper duties and responsibilities

    • Paint primer, undercoats, top layer and clear coats as needed.
    • Operate compress air equipment and gun to apply prime and final coats of paint.
    • Wait for the primer surface to dry then proceed to sand and wash the vehicle.
    • Spray different finishes inside and out, this include primer, flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, high-gloss, lacquer and stain
  5. Prepare your paint prepper resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your paint prepper resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a paint prepper resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable paint prepper resume templates

    Build a professional paint prepper resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your paint prepper resume.
    Paint Prepper Resume
    Paint Prepper Resume
    Paint Prepper Resume
    Paint Prepper Resume
    Paint Prepper Resume
    Paint Prepper Resume
    Paint Prepper Resume
    Paint Prepper Resume
    Paint Prepper Resume
  6. Apply for paint prepper jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a paint prepper job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first paint prepper job

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Average paint prepper salary

The average paint prepper salary in the United States is $41,414 per year or $20 per hour. Paint prepper salaries range between $29,000 and $58,000 per year.

Average paint prepper salary
$41,414 Yearly
$19.91 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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