Automotive Painter

Print

Work Tasks

• Mix paint to match the original color of a car
• Remove old paint with a sander or sandpaper and fill scratches
• Cover parts that will not be painted and apply primer and sealer
• Put on the color paint and clear coat
• Most work in shops that fix cars which have been in accidents
• Work with paint mixing machines, painting machines, sanders, heat lamps, protective masks, and paint guns

Salary, Size & Growth

• $47,000 average per year ($22.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (43,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training, good vision, and eye-hand coordination
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma and courses in auto body repair
• Skills/Courses: Courses in chemistry, applied math, auto body repair, and mixing and applying different types of paint
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available after 2 years of work and passing a test.