How much does a Paint Prepper make?
The role of a Paint Prepper includes a variety of tasks that prepare surfaces for painting. This position requires attention to detail and skill in sanding, masking, and priming surfaces. People in this job earn an average yearly salary of $44,851. This means that over a year, a Paint Prepper can expect to make around $44,851.
Salary can vary based on experience, location, and other factors. For instance, those with more experience may earn higher salaries. Paint Preppers can find work in many industries, including automotive, construction, and manufacturing. This can affect how much they earn. A new Paint Prepper might start closer to the lower end of the salary range. As they gain experience, they can work toward higher pay. It’s important to consider these factors when looking for a job as a Paint Prepper.
What are the highest paying cities for a Paint Prepper?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $55,907
In San Jose, working as a Paint Prepper offers a steady demand in the tech industry. With companies like Apple and Tesla, opportunities abound for those skilled in preparing surfaces for painting and coating.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $55,809
Austin's booming tech scene presents a vibrant environment for Paint Preppers. The city's growth attracts companies like Dell and IBM, offering solid career growth and competitive wages.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $53,832
Pittsburgh's industrial sector remains strong, providing numerous jobs for Paint Preppers. Local firms like U.S. Steel and PPG Industries offer stability and potential advancement in this craft.
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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $49,836
San Antonio's diverse economy provides a range of opportunities for Paint Preppers. With prominent employers such as H-E-B and Boeing, job seekers can find a supportive community and career growth.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $48,765
San Diego's beautiful climate and thriving economy make it a great place for Paint Preppers. Companies like Qualcomm and Scripps provide excellent opportunities for those in this field.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $48,073
Dallas offers a dynamic market for Paint Preppers, with major corporations such as AT&T and ExxonMobil. The city's growth ensures a steady demand for skilled professionals.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $47,927
Phoenix's expanding tech and manufacturing sectors are great for Paint Preppers. With companies like Intel and APS, job seekers can expect a stable and rewarding career.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $45,294
Las Vegas's construction boom offers numerous opportunities for Paint Preppers. The city's growth means there are many projects needing skilled workers in this field.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $41,629
Houston's energy sector is a key employer for Paint Preppers. Companies like ExxonMobil and Halliburton provide stable and well-paying jobs for those in this trade.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $38,218
Wichita's diverse industrial base creates a steady demand for Paint Preppers. With major players like Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, job seekers can find plenty of opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Paint Prepper can work for?

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Tesla
Average Salary: $69,677
Tesla offers exciting opportunities for Paint Prepper roles. Tesla is known for its innovative approach to electric vehicles. This company operates globally, including its headquarters in Austin, Texas, and many other locations.
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Crash Champions Collision Repair Team
Average Salary: $66,621
Crash Champions provides a stable environment for Paint Prepper jobs. This company focuses on collision repair services and has several locations across the United States.
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CarMax
Average Salary: $46,202
CarMax offers a range of automotive services and jobs for Paint Preppers. They have numerous locations across the United States, providing ample opportunities for career growth.
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McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing
Average Salary: $41,547
McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing offers solid opportunities for Paint Prepper roles. This company operates in the heavy-duty truck manufacturing industry and is based in Washington, Pennsylvania.
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Aerotek
Average Salary: $41,060
Aerotek is a staffing agency that places Paint Preppers in various industries. With multiple locations nationwide, Aerotek offers dynamic job opportunities and competitive salaries.
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Classic Collision
Average Salary: $40,013
Classic Collision provides jobs for Paint Preppers across its network of collision centers. They have locations in several states, offering a variety of career paths.
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Chilton Auto Body
Average Salary: $40,000
Chilton Auto Body offers Paint Prepper roles in various locations. They focus on providing top-notch auto body repair services and have multiple sites across the country.
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Gerber Collision & Glass
Average Salary: $39,806
Gerber Collision & Glass offers rewarding careers for Paint Preppers. They operate in numerous locations and focus on delivering exceptional auto repair services.
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Owens Corning
Average Salary: $39,091
Owens Corning provides diverse opportunities for Paint Preppers, particularly in the manufacturing sector. This company is based in Toledo, Ohio, with various locations around the U.S.
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JOE HUDSON'S COLLISION CENTER
Average Salary: $36,952
JOE HUDSON'S COLLISION CENTER offers a range of career opportunities for Paint Preppers. They focus on collision repair and have locations in various states.
How to earn more as a Paint Prepper?
Becoming a Paint Prepper with a higher earning potential involves a mix of skills, dedication, and strategic choices. Increasing earning potential starts with gaining experience and expertise in the field. This means mastering the techniques of surface preparation, understanding different types of paints and coatings, and staying updated on industry trends. Investing time in learning and practicing these skills will lead to better job performance and open up higher-paying opportunities.
Beyond skills, building a good reputation plays a crucial role. Employers often seek out Paint Preppers with a track record of high-quality work and reliability. Word of mouth and professional references can significantly impact earning potential. Attending industry conferences and joining professional associations can also provide networking opportunities. These connections can lead to better job offers and career advancements. Additionally, obtaining certifications in specialized areas of paint prep can boost earning potential. Employers often value certifications as proof of advanced skills and knowledge.
Seeking out employers who offer competitive pay and benefits is another key factor. Researching companies known for fair compensation and good benefits can help a Paint Prepper find a more lucrative position. Negotiation skills also play an important role. Being prepared to discuss salary expectations and benefits during the hiring process can lead to better offers. Lastly, considering roles in areas with higher demand for skilled Paint Preppers can increase earning potential. Urban areas or industries with growing needs often offer better compensation for skilled workers.
In summary, a Paint Prepper can increase their earning potential by focusing on the following factors:
- Gain experience and expertise in surface preparation.
- Build a strong professional reputation.
- Obtain relevant certifications.
- Seek out employers offering competitive pay and benefits.
- Consider roles in high-demand areas.



