How much does a Automotive Painter make?
Automotive painters play a crucial role in the automotive industry. They make sure cars and trucks look great with smooth, shiny coats of paint. The salary for automotive painters varies based on experience and location. The average yearly salary is about $64,118. This is a solid income for those who have honed their painting skills.
Salaries for automotive painters can range widely. New painters just starting out might earn around $34,000 a year. Those with more experience and expertise can earn much more. The top earners in this field make about $108,000 each year. This wide range shows that there are many opportunities for growth and advancement in this career.
In general, automotive painters with more years of experience and specialized skills tend to earn more. This makes the field rewarding for those willing to invest time in their craft.
What are the highest paying cities for a Automotive Painter?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $83,832
In San Jose, a hub for tech and innovation, automotive painting offers stable work. Companies like Tesla and various auto dealerships need skilled painters. The competitive salary and good benefits make this a sought-after job.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $81,241
Salt Lake City provides a balanced work environment for automotive painters. Local companies like Zions Bank and various dealerships offer great opportunities. The reasonable cost of living and beautiful surroundings add to its appeal.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $80,770
Denver offers a mix of outdoor beauty and urban opportunities for automotive painters. With major employers like Toyota and Honda, the city provides a stable job market. The average salary is attractive, and the lifestyle is vibrant.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $78,333
Pittsburgh, known for its manufacturing roots, is a great place for automotive painters. Companies like General Motors and Ford create steady demand. The city's rich culture and lower cost of living add to the job's appeal.
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Salem, OR
Average Salary: $77,833
Salem, with its smaller city feel, offers a quieter work environment for automotive painters. Local businesses and dealerships offer stable job opportunities. The cost of living is moderate, making it a good place to work and live.
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Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $77,455
Des Moines provides a welcoming environment for automotive painters. Local companies and dealerships offer good job opportunities. The moderate cost of living and friendly community make it a pleasant place to work.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $76,490
Portland offers a vibrant atmosphere for automotive painters. Local companies and dealerships need skilled professionals. The city’s laid-back vibe and strong community make it a great place to work and live.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $74,552
Seattle's tech-driven economy offers many opportunities for automotive painters. Companies like Boeing and local dealerships need skilled workers. The city’s high quality of life and beautiful surroundings add to the appeal.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $73,868
Atlanta provides a dynamic work environment for automotive painters. Companies like Mercedes-Benz and local dealerships offer steady job opportunities. The reasonable cost of living and growing economy make it an attractive place to work.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $71,486
Las Vegas offers an exciting work environment for automotive painters. Companies like BMW and local dealerships need skilled professionals. The city’s lively atmosphere and moderate cost of living add to its appeal.
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What are the best companies a Automotive Painter can work for?

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Advantage Equipment Inspections
Average Salary: $100,000
Advantage Equipment Inspections offers top-tier Automotive Painter roles with a strong focus on quality. This company operates across various locations, ensuring ample opportunities for skilled professionals.
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Dent Wizard International
Average Salary: $96,736
Dent Wizard International provides exceptional career growth for Automotive Painters. They have multiple locations nationwide, offering diverse job opportunities.
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Tesla
Average Salary: $92,412
At Tesla, Automotive Painters enjoy working on cutting-edge vehicles. With facilities spread across the country, there are numerous locations where skilled professionals can thrive.
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Instant Auto body
Average Salary: $89,750
Instant Auto body provides a competitive salary for Automotive Painters. This company has several locations, ensuring a range of job opportunities for qualified candidates.
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Caliber Collision
Average Salary: $75,503
Caliber Collision values its Automotive Painters and offers rewarding career paths. They have many locations across the U.S., providing diverse job options.
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Music City Recon
Average Salary: $66,150
Music City Recon offers an excellent working environment for Automotive Painters. They operate in select locations, offering stable job opportunities.
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VIVE Collision
Average Salary: $65,726
VIVE Collision is known for its supportive workplace culture. They have locations across various regions, providing numerous job opportunities for Automotive Painters.
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CarMax
Average Salary: $64,735
CarMax provides Automotive Painters with competitive salaries. With locations in many states, it offers diverse job opportunities and career growth.
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Maaco Corporation
Average Salary: $61,369
Maaco Corporation offers a solid salary for Automotive Painters. They have multiple locations, providing ample job opportunities across the country.
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Xcite Automotive
Average Salary: $60,977
Xcite Automotive values its Automotive Painters, offering a good salary. They operate in several locations, providing diverse job options for professionals.
How to earn more as a Automotive Painter?
Becoming an automotive painter offers the chance to earn a good income. The right skills and experience can lead to higher pay. Here are some ways an automotive painter can earn more.
First, specialized training and certification can boost earnings. Completing courses in spray painting, color matching, and refinishing techniques can lead to higher-paying jobs. Second, gaining experience with advanced painting equipment can make a painter more valuable. Skills with airless spray systems and professional paint booths can set an individual apart. Third, mastering the art of color matching can lead to higher pay. This skill is in high demand for custom and classic car restorations. Fourth, working on high-end vehicles can also increase income. Painters who specialize in luxury car brands earn more. Finally, developing a strong reputation in the industry can lead to more job opportunities. Word of mouth and a portfolio of quality work can attract higher-paying clients.
Here are some factors that can help automotive painters earn more:
- Specialized training and certification
- Experience with advanced painting equipment
- Skills in color matching
- Specialization in luxury vehicle painting
- A strong industry reputation



