How much does a Automotive Painter make?
Automotive painters play a key role in the automotive industry. They use their skills to paint cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The average yearly salary for an automotive painter is around $62,429. This means that, on average, automotive painters earn a good amount each year.
The salary for automotive painters can vary based on experience and location. Some painters earn less, while others earn more. The lowest 10 percent of earners make about $34,100 a year. The highest 10 percent make around $107,500. Most automotive painters fall somewhere in between these numbers. This range shows that there are good opportunities for people who work hard and gain experience.
What are the highest paying cities for a Automotive Painter?

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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $106,477
In Albany, automotive painters enjoy a vibrant job market with opportunities in various car dealerships and body shops. Companies like Capital Auto Body and Albany Collision Center offer stable positions. Painters here work on a range of vehicles, ensuring high-quality finishes.
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Salem, OR
Average Salary: $85,916
Salem provides a thriving environment for automotive painters, with prominent employers such as Salem Collision Center and West Coast Collision. Painters in Salem benefit from a strong community and a steady demand for their skills, focusing on both repair and aesthetic enhancements.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $85,280
Seattle offers a dynamic job market for automotive painters, with companies like Seattle Auto Body and Collision Center seeking skilled professionals. Painters in Seattle enjoy a mix of urban and suburban projects, working on a variety of vehicles to meet diverse customer needs.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $79,800
San Jose presents a bustling environment for automotive painters, with opportunities at companies like Silicon Valley Auto Body and Collision Center. Painters here work on both classic and modern vehicles, contributing to the city's automotive innovation.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $79,500
Pittsburgh offers a robust job market for automotive painters, with well-known employers such as Pittsburgh Auto Body and Collision Center. Painters in Pittsburgh enjoy a mix of industrial and personal vehicle projects, ensuring a steady flow of work.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $76,325
Portland provides a vibrant job market for automotive painters, with opportunities at companies like Portland Collision Center and Northwest Auto Body. Painters in Portland work on a variety of vehicles, contributing to the city's eco-friendly and artistic automotive scene.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $75,539
Los Angeles offers a dynamic job market for automotive painters, with prominent companies like LA Auto Body and Collision Center. Painters in Los Angeles work on a wide range of vehicles, from classic cars to modern luxury models, catering to the city's diverse automotive needs.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $74,961
Denver provides a thriving job market for automotive painters, with opportunities at companies like Denver Auto Body and Collision Center. Painters in Denver enjoy a mix of urban and outdoor projects, working on a variety of vehicles to meet the city's diverse demands.
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Fayetteville, NC
Average Salary: $72,121
Fayetteville offers a stable job market for automotive painters, with opportunities at companies like Fayetteville Auto Body and Collision Center. Painters in Fayetteville work on a range of vehicles, ensuring high-quality finishes in a supportive community environment.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $71,882
Columbus provides a vibrant job market for automotive painters, with prominent employers such as Columbus Auto Body and Collision Center. Painters in Columbus enjoy a mix of urban and suburban projects, working on a variety of vehicles to meet the city's diverse needs.
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What are the best companies a Automotive Painter can work for?

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Instant Auto Body
Average Salary: $96,481
Instant Auto Body offers competitive salaries for Automotive Painters. They have locations in various cities, providing opportunities for skilled painters. Their focus on quality and customer satisfaction makes them a top choice for professionals.
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Caliber Collision
Average Salary: $91,207
Caliber Collision is known for its high-paying jobs for Automotive Painters. With numerous locations across the country, they offer a stable work environment. Their commitment to excellence attracts top talent in the industry.
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Tesla
Average Salary: $90,435
Tesla provides attractive salaries for Automotive Painters. They operate in several locations, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Working at Tesla offers the chance to be part of a cutting-edge company.
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DENT WIZARD
Average Salary: $79,707
DENT WIZARD offers good compensation for Automotive Painters. They have multiple locations, providing diverse opportunities. Their dedication to customer service and quality makes them a respected employer.
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Kindle Auto Plaza
Average Salary: $75,000
Kindle Auto Plaza provides competitive salaries for Automotive Painters. They have locations in various regions, offering a range of job opportunities. Their focus on customer satisfaction and quality work is well-regarded.
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Dealer Tire
Average Salary: $62,577
Dealer Tire offers reasonable salaries for Automotive Painters. They have locations in many areas, providing steady employment. Their commitment to quality and customer service is a strong point.
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Music City Recon
Average Salary: $59,461
Music City Recon provides fair compensation for Automotive Painters. They have locations in select cities, offering a good work environment. Their focus on quality and customer satisfaction is notable.
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Gerber Collision & Glass
Average Salary: $58,229
Gerber Collision & Glass offers decent salaries for Automotive Painters. They have numerous locations, providing various job opportunities. Their dedication to quality and customer service is well-known.
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Rosenbauer
Average Salary: $56,830
Rosenbauer provides fair compensation for Automotive Painters. They have locations in several areas, offering stable employment. Their focus on quality and innovation is a strong point.
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MAACO
Average Salary: $50,886
MAACO offers competitive salaries for Automotive Painters. They have locations in many regions, providing diverse job opportunities. Their commitment to quality and customer service is well-regarded.
How to earn more as a Automotive Painter?
Automotive painters can increase their earnings through various strategies. Gaining specialized skills can lead to higher pay. For example, mastering techniques like color matching and using advanced spray equipment can set a painter apart. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends can also enhance job opportunities and salary potential.
Experience plays a crucial role in earning more. Painters with more years in the field often command higher wages. Working in high-demand areas or for reputable companies can also lead to better pay. Networking and building a strong reputation within the industry can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Seeking out certifications and training programs can further boost earning potential.
Here are five factors to consider for increasing earnings as an automotive painter:
- Specialized Skills: Learn advanced techniques and technologies.
- Experience: Gain more years in the industry to increase your value.
- Location: Work in areas with high demand for automotive painters.
- Reputation: Build a strong professional reputation.
- Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications and training.



