If you are looking at an Automotive Painter job in the United States, salary can be a big part of the decision. An automotive painter, also called an auto painter or auto body painter in many shops, works on vehicles after body damage, repair work, or when a car needs a new finish. The automotive painter salary can change quite a bit depending on the state, experience, shop, type of repair work and the speed and quality of the painter. For a general national picture, automotive body and related repairers had a median annual wage of about $54,890 in May 2025, while the median hourly wage was about $26.39. This makes the automotive painter salary in USA a useful career topic for people checking auto body jobs, paint technician jobs, and collision repair work. In this guide, we look at the average automotive painter pay, automotive painter salary by state, hourly pay, entry level earnings, and what can help an auto painter make more money over time.
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Automotive Painter Salary in the USA
Automotive painting is not always listed as its own separate occupation in federal wage tables. It is commonly included with automotive body and related repair work. The job itself can include sanding damaged areas, preparing surfaces, masking vehicle parts, applying primer and paint, matching colors, and checking the final finish. Because of this, an automotive painter salary can be different from one shop to another. Some workers are paid by the hour, while many auto body and repair shops also use incentive or production-based pay.
As of the latest available May 2025 data, the national median pay for automotive body and related repairers was $54,890 per year. The middle 50 percent of workers were around $45,750 to $69,200 a year. At the higher end, the top 10 percent earned more than $87,940. These numbers are useful when looking at an auto body painter salary, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed starting salary for a new painter.
Location also matters. A painter working in California, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Nevada or another higher-paying market may see a different pay level than someone doing the same type of work in a lower-paying area. Experience, paint skills, certifications, type of shop, workload and whether the worker is on an incentive pay system can also change actual earnings.
State Wise Automotive Painter Salary
The table below shows the median annual salary for automotive body and related repairers by state. These figures are useful for understanding the state-level market for automotive painter and auto body painting jobs. Automotive painter pay may be different at an individual shop because employer pay systems, experience and job duties are not the same everywhere.
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $52,040 |
| Alaska | $61,680 |
| Arizona | $54,510 |
| Arkansas | $49,310 |
| California | $66,860 |
| Colorado | $59,880 |
| Connecticut | $58,220 |
| Delaware | $48,780 |
| District of Columbia | $62,640 |
| Florida | $48,600 |
| Georgia | $51,190 |
| Hawaii | $60,540 |
| Idaho | $49,200 |
| Illinois | $52,020 |
| Indiana | $51,160 |
| Iowa | $49,400 |
| Kansas | $48,920 |
| Kentucky | $46,080 |
| Louisiana | $47,150 |
| Maine | $50,350 |
| Maryland | $56,100 |
| Massachusetts | $59,300 |
| Michigan | $56,880 |
| Minnesota | $60,970 |
| Mississippi | $49,500 |
| Missouri | $60,540 |
| Montana | $57,500 |
| Nebraska | $54,130 |
| Nevada | $60,520 |
| New Hampshire | $52,790 |
| New Jersey | $62,400 |
| New Mexico | $48,260 |
| New York | $47,670 |
| North Carolina | $50,520 |
| North Dakota | $55,160 |
| Ohio | $49,080 |
| Oklahoma | $48,810 |
| Oregon | $60,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $53,660 |
| Rhode Island | $72,490 |
| South Carolina | $53,290 |
| South Dakota | $49,460 |
| Tennessee | $47,460 |
| Texas | $51,700 |
| Utah | $50,200 |
| Vermont | $50,900 |
| Virginia | $57,760 |
| Washington | $58,340 |
| West Virginia | $47,090 |
| Wisconsin | $56,660 |
| Wyoming | $49,200 |
Automotive Painter Salary in Alabama
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in Alabama was about $52,040 in May 2025. For someone searching for an automotive painter salary in Alabama, this gives a useful idea of the local pay market. Actual auto painter salary can still move up or down based on the repair shop, experience and type of painting work.
- Auto body shops are a common place for this type of work.
- Collision repair experience can help when applying for better-paying jobs.
- Workers with good color matching and finishing skills may have more options.
Automotive Painter Salary in Alaska
Alaska reported a median annual wage of around $61,680 for automotive body and related repairers in May 2025. The state figure is useful for people checking an automotive painter job or auto body painter salary in Alaska. Pay for an individual job can be different, especially when the employer uses hourly wages, production pay or other incentive arrangements.
Experience can be important in this job because a painter needs to prepare the vehicle properly before the final paint is applied. A clean finish, correct color match and less rework can make a difference to an experienced worker's earning potential.
Automotive Painter Salary in Arizona
In Arizona, the median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers was about $54,510. This puts the state around the national median level for this occupation. People searching for automotive painter salary Arizona or auto body painter salary Arizona should remember that the published figure covers the broader automotive body and related repair occupation.
- Collision repair shops hire workers for body and paint related jobs.
- Vehicle refinishing is an important part of many repair jobs.
- Experience with modern paint systems can be useful when looking for work.
Automotive Painter Salary in Arkansas
The May 2025 median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in Arkansas was about $49,310. A new automotive painter may start below the occupation's median, while a more experienced worker can earn higher depending on the employer and job setup. The actual automotive painter hourly rate can also vary from one city or shop to another.
For people starting in the trade, learning proper sanding, masking, priming and paint application is important. These are basic skills, but doing them properly helps reduce mistakes and gives a better final finish.
Automotive Painter Salary in California
California is one of the states where automotive body and related repairers have a relatively high published median wage. The May 2025 median annual wage was about $66,860. For searches such as automotive painter salary California, auto painter salary California and car painter salary California, this state figure gives a useful starting point for understanding the market.
The salary does not mean every automotive painter in California makes $66,860. New workers can earn less, while experienced painters with strong collision repair and refinishing skills may earn more. California also has a large automotive market, so pay can change by city, employer and type of repair facility.
- Collision repair and auto body shops are common employers.
- Dealership body shops can have different pay structures than independent shops.
- Experienced painters may handle difficult color matching and full vehicle refinishing.
- Production speed and quality can matter when incentive pay is used.
Automotive Painter Salary in Colorado
Colorado had a median annual wage of about $59,880 for automotive body and related repairers in May 2025. This makes Colorado an important state to include when researching automotive painter pay. Someone looking for an auto body painter job should compare the offered hourly rate with the local cost of living and also check if the shop offers production or incentive pay.
A painter's daily work can include surface preparation, sanding, masking, primer application and final paint work. Good attention to small details is important because even a small paint problem can be easy for a customer to notice.
Automotive Painter Salary in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the median annual wage was about $58,220 for automotive body and related repairers. This figure can be useful for anyone searching for automotive painter salary in Connecticut or checking auto body painting jobs in the state.
The actual salary offered by a shop depends on experience and the type of work. Someone who can prepare damaged panels, match colors and complete refinishing work with less supervision may have access to different job opportunities than a beginner.
Automotive Painter Salary in Delaware
Delaware had a median annual wage of approximately $48,780 in May 2025 for automotive body and related repairers. People searching for an automotive painter salary in Delaware should use this as a market reference, not as a fixed salary for every painter.
- Entry-level workers may earn below the state median.
- Experienced auto body painters can have higher earning opportunities.
- Shop type and incentive pay can change total yearly income.
Automotive Painter Salary in Florida
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in Florida was around $48,600. Florida has a large number of vehicle owners and repair businesses, so there are different types of automotive repair workplaces. For the search term automotive painter salary Florida, this state median gives a useful wage reference.
For a new painter, the first job may focus more on preparation work such as sanding and masking before moving into more advanced refinishing tasks. With more hands-on experience, workers can take on more of the complete paint process.
Automotive Painter Salary in Georgia
Georgia reported a median annual wage of about $51,190 for automotive body and related repairers in May 2025. An automotive painter in Georgia may work in a collision repair shop, dealership or another automotive repair business. The actual auto painter salary depends on the employer, experience and the type of work handled.
Color matching is one skill that can become more important as a painter gets more experienced. A customer normally expects the repaired panel to blend with the rest of the vehicle, so careful preparation and paint application matters a lot.
Automotive Painter Salary in Hawaii
Hawaii had a median annual wage of about $60,540 for automotive body and related repairers. This is the published state median for the broader occupation that includes automotive body repair and refinishing work. It should not be read as a guaranteed automotive painter starting salary.
For workers checking automotive painting jobs in Hawaii, the employer and exact job duties are important to compare. A job that includes more advanced refinishing work may have a different pay structure from a position mainly focused on preparation.
Automotive Painter Salary in Idaho
The median annual wage in Idaho was about $49,200 for automotive body and related repairers. This can help people searching for automotive painter salary Idaho, auto painter jobs or auto body painter pay understand the general wage level in the state.
- Surface preparation is a major part of the work.
- Paint mixing and color matching can require extra skill.
- Experience can improve job options over time.
Automotive Painter Salary in Illinois
Illinois had a median annual wage of about $52,020 in May 2025. For someone checking an automotive painter salary in Illinois, this provides a statewide reference point. Pay can be different in larger metro areas and at individual employers, so a job offer should always be checked on its own terms.
Automotive painters often work around other body repair technicians. The painter may receive a vehicle after dents or damaged panels have already been repaired and then prepare the surface for refinishing. Good teamwork can make the complete repair process move faster.
Automotive Painter Salary in Indiana
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in Indiana was approximately $51,160. This is useful for people researching automotive painter salary Indiana and related auto body jobs. A worker's actual pay can depend on experience, employer, location and whether the shop uses incentive-based compensation.
For someone entering the trade, learning the full preparation process can be just as important as learning how to spray paint. Sanding, masking, surface cleaning and primer work all affect the final result.
Automotive Painter Salary in Iowa
In Iowa, the median annual wage was around $49,400 for automotive body and related repairers. This gives a general picture for people searching for automotive painter salary Iowa or auto body painter salary in the state.
As with other states, the median is not the same thing as an entry-level salary. A beginner may start at a lower rate and build skills on the job. Workers who become comfortable with complete refinishing work, color matching and quality checks may move into higher-paying roles as their experience grows.
Automotive Painter Salary in Kansas
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in Kansas was about $48,920 in May 2025. For people searching for automotive painter salary Kansas or auto body painter salary Kansas, this gives a general idea of the local pay level. The actual amount offered by a repair shop can be lower or higher depending on experience, location and how the shop pays its painters.
A beginner in automotive painting may spend a good amount of time preparing panels before doing the final paint work. As skills improve, the worker may handle more difficult repairs, color matching and complete refinishing jobs.
Automotive Painter Salary in Kentucky
Kentucky had a median annual wage of around $46,080 for automotive body and related repairers in May 2025. If you are looking for an automotive painter salary in Kentucky, this number can be used as a statewide reference, but it does not mean every auto painter will receive the same pay.
- Entry-level painters may start at a lower hourly rate.
- Experience in collision repair can help with better job opportunities.
- Paint preparation and color matching are useful skills for long-term growth.
- Some repair shops may use incentive or production-based pay.
Automotive Painter Salary in Louisiana
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in Louisiana was approximately $47,150. People searching for automotive painter salary Louisiana or auto painter salary Louisiana can use this figure to understand the general market. Individual job offers can vary based on the shop, experience and type of vehicle repair.
Automotive painting is more than simply spraying paint on a vehicle. A painter needs to prepare the surface correctly, protect areas that should not be painted and make sure the repaired area blends with the original finish.
Automotive Painter Salary in Maine
Maine reported a median annual wage of about $50,350 for automotive body and related repairers in May 2025. This gives a useful reference for someone researching automotive painter salary Maine or looking for auto body painting jobs in the state.
Workers with experience in surface preparation, paint mixing and finishing may qualify for jobs with more responsibility. A clean final finish is important in collision repair because customers usually want the repaired area to look as close to the original vehicle as possible.
Automotive Painter Salary in Maryland
The median annual wage in Maryland was around $56,100 for automotive body and related repairers. For searches such as automotive painter salary Maryland, auto body painter salary Maryland and car painter salary Maryland, the state median gives a starting point for understanding the local market.
Maryland workers may find automotive painting jobs in collision repair centers, dealerships and independent body shops. The pay can change depending on whether the position is mainly preparation work or includes complete refinishing and paint matching.
Automotive Painter Salary in Massachusetts
Massachusetts had a median annual wage of approximately $59,300 for automotive body and related repairers. Someone checking an automotive painter salary in Massachusetts should also look at the exact job description because some positions can include body repair along with painting and refinishing.
- Surface preparation is an important part of the job.
- Color matching becomes more important with advanced repair work.
- Dealership and independent body shops can have different pay systems.
- Experienced workers may take on more complex refinishing jobs.
Automotive Painter Salary in Michigan
In Michigan, the median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers was about $56,880. The state has a strong connection with the automotive industry, but an automotive painter salary can still vary widely between employers.
For someone searching for automotive painter salary Michigan or auto painter jobs Michigan, it is useful to compare the hourly wage, overtime rules, benefits and any production-based pay before accepting a job.
Automotive Painter Salary in Minnesota
Minnesota reported a median annual wage of around $60,970 for automotive body and related repairers in May 2025. This can be useful for people checking automotive painter salary Minnesota and related collision repair jobs.
Experienced painters may work on everything from individual repaired panels to larger refinishing jobs. Good preparation and consistent spray technique can make a big difference in the quality of the finished vehicle.
Automotive Painter Salary in Mississippi
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in Mississippi was about $49,500. This is a useful state-level reference for anyone searching for automotive painter salary Mississippi or auto body painter salary Mississippi.
New workers may first learn the preparation side of the trade before taking responsibility for complete paint jobs. With hands-on practice, a painter can become more comfortable with paint mixing, blending and final finishing.
Automotive Painter Salary in Missouri
Missouri had a median annual wage of approximately $60,540 for automotive body and related repairers. People researching automotive painter salary Missouri can use this figure as a broad market reference.
The actual automotive painter pay at a particular shop may depend on the worker's production level and experience. Some shops may pay hourly while others can use a flat-rate or incentive system, so the annual income can look very different from one job to another.
Automotive Painter Salary in Montana
Montana reported a median annual wage of around $57,500. For an automotive painter, the job can include repairing the appearance of damaged vehicle panels, preparing surfaces and applying paint and clear coat.
People searching for automotive painter salary Montana should compare the published state wage with the actual hourly rate offered by the employer. Benefits, overtime and incentive pay can also affect total yearly earnings.
Automotive Painter Salary in Nebraska
The median annual wage in Nebraska was about $54,130 for automotive body and related repairers. This provides a useful benchmark for searches such as automotive painter salary Nebraska and auto painter salary Nebraska.
A painter who can handle both basic preparation and more advanced refinishing may have a wider range of job opportunities. Attention to small details is especially important when matching a new paint area to the existing vehicle finish.
Automotive Painter Salary in Nevada
Nevada had a median annual wage of approximately $60,520. For people searching automotive painter salary Nevada, this gives a general idea of the wage level for the broader automotive body and related repair occupation.
- Auto body and collision repair shops are common workplaces.
- Experienced painters can handle more detailed refinishing work.
- Color matching and blending are valuable technical skills.
- The employer's pay system can affect the final yearly income.
Automotive Painter Salary in New Hampshire
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in New Hampshire was around $52,790. If you are checking automotive painter salary New Hampshire, this figure gives a statewide reference rather than a fixed salary for every individual painter.
Pay can change based on the worker's experience and whether the job involves basic preparation or complete vehicle refinishing. A painter with strong repair-shop experience may be able to take on more complicated work.
Automotive Painter Salary in New Jersey
New Jersey had a median annual wage of about $62,400 for automotive body and related repairers. This makes the state an important market to look at when researching automotive painter salary New Jersey and auto body painter salary New Jersey.
Automotive painters may work at collision centers, dealerships and independent repair shops. The salary offered can depend on the shop's workload, the painter's speed, experience and whether compensation includes production incentives.
Automotive Painter Salary in New Mexico
The median annual wage in New Mexico was approximately $48,260. For people searching for automotive painter salary New Mexico, this number provides a general statewide benchmark.
Starting workers may receive training while working under an experienced technician. Learning proper masking, sanding, primer application and paint blending can help build the skills needed for more advanced automotive painting work.
Automotive Painter Salary in New York
New York reported a median annual wage of around $47,670 for automotive body and related repairers. When looking at automotive painter salary New York, it is important to check the exact city and employer because wages can differ considerably between local labor markets.
An automotive painter's income may also depend on the type of shop. A large collision repair center can have a different workflow and compensation system than a small independent body shop.
Automotive Painter Salary in North Carolina
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in North Carolina was about $50,520. This can be used as a reference when researching automotive painter salary North Carolina and auto body painting jobs.
- Collision repair experience can be useful for finding work.
- Good paint preparation helps reduce rework.
- Color matching is an important skill for experienced painters.
Automotive Painter Salary in North Dakota
North Dakota had a median annual wage of approximately $55,160. The state figure is useful for people checking automotive painter salary North Dakota, although individual job offers can have different hourly rates and benefits.
A worker's experience can have a strong effect on pay. Someone who can complete a repair from preparation through final finishing may have different earning opportunities than a worker who is still learning the basic steps.
Automotive Painter Salary in Ohio
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in Ohio was around $49,080. People searching for automotive painter salary Ohio or auto body painter salary Ohio can use this figure as a general wage benchmark.
Automotive painters in Ohio may work for dealerships, independent repair shops and collision centers. Before comparing two jobs, it is worth checking whether the listed pay is hourly, flat-rate or based partly on production.
Automotive Painter Salary in Oklahoma
Oklahoma reported a median annual wage of about $48,810 for automotive body and related repairers. This is a useful reference for someone searching for automotive painter salary Oklahoma or automotive painting jobs in the state.
New painters often build their experience by working on preparation tasks before moving into more advanced paint work. As confidence and technical skill improve, they may handle more of the complete refinishing process.
Automotive Painter Salary in Oregon
The median annual wage in Oregon was approximately $60,000. For searches such as automotive painter salary Oregon and auto painter salary Oregon, this gives a useful picture of the statewide wage level for the broader automotive body and related repair occupation.
Paint quality is important in collision repair. A painter needs to make sure the repaired section blends properly with the rest of the vehicle, which can require careful color matching and controlled application.
Automotive Painter Salary in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania had a median annual wage of about $53,660 for automotive body and related repairers. Someone researching automotive painter salary Pennsylvania should remember that this is a statewide median and actual pay depends on the employer and the worker's experience.
- Auto body shops are common employers.
- Dealership repair departments can have different compensation systems.
- Experienced painters may handle difficult color matching and blending.
- Overtime or incentive pay can change yearly earnings.
Automotive Painter Salary in Rhode Island
Rhode Island reported a median annual wage of around $72,490 for automotive body and related repairers in May 2025. For people searching automotive painter salary Rhode Island, this is the published state median for the broader occupation and should not be treated as a guaranteed salary for an automotive painter.
The difference between an individual job and a statewide median can be large. Experience, shop type, production level and the exact responsibilities of the painter all matter when looking at an actual job offer.
Automotive Painter Salary in South Carolina
The median annual wage in South Carolina was about $53,290. This provides a useful reference for searches including automotive painter salary South Carolina and auto body painter salary South Carolina.
A painter who develops strong skills in surface preparation, paint application and color blending can take on more advanced work. These skills can matter when moving from entry-level work into a more experienced automotive painter position.
Automotive Painter Salary in South Dakota
South Dakota had a median annual wage of approximately $49,460 for automotive body and related repairers. People searching for automotive painter salary South Dakota can use this figure to understand the general wage market.
Actual automotive painter hourly pay may be different at each repair facility. Some employers may offer benefits and steady hourly pay, while others may use a production-based compensation system.
Automotive Painter Salary in Tennessee
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in Tennessee was around $47,460. For searches such as automotive painter salary Tennessee, this provides a statewide reference point.
Automotive painting can be a hands-on career where experience matters a lot. A worker who learns how to prepare surfaces properly and produce a consistent finish can gradually move into more skilled painting work.
Automotive Painter Salary in Texas
Texas reported a median annual wage of about $51,700 for automotive body and related repairers. People searching automotive painter salary Texas, auto painter salary Texas or auto body painter salary Texas can use this as a broad statewide benchmark.
Texas has many different automotive repair markets, so pay can vary between employers and locations. A large collision center, dealership and small independent body shop may all use different pay structures.
- Experience with collision repair can help when applying for jobs.
- Color matching and blending are useful advanced skills.
- Production-based pay may increase earnings for some workers.
- Benefits should be included when comparing two job offers.
Automotive Painter Salary in Utah
The median annual wage in Utah was approximately $50,200. This can help people researching automotive painter salary Utah and automotive paint technician jobs understand the general pay level.
Entry-level workers may start with preparation duties before taking on complete paint jobs. With more experience, the worker may become responsible for more of the refinishing process and difficult color matching work.
Automotive Painter Salary in Vermont
Vermont had a median annual wage of around $50,900 for automotive body and related repairers. This figure gives a useful reference for anyone checking automotive painter salary Vermont.
Because actual pay is set by individual employers, workers should compare the hourly wage, benefits, overtime and any incentive pay when looking at available automotive painting jobs.
Automotive Painter Salary in Virginia
The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers in Virginia was about $57,760. For people searching for automotive painter salary Virginia or auto body painter salary Virginia, this provides a general statewide wage reference.
Experienced painters may have opportunities to work on larger collision repairs or more demanding refinishing jobs. A strong understanding of paint preparation and color blending can be useful when moving into higher-skill positions.
Automotive Painter Salary in Washington
Washington reported a median annual wage of approximately $58,340. People researching automotive painter salary Washington can use this figure to get a general idea of the state's pay market.
The actual automotive painter pay depends on the employer, experience and job duties. A worker doing complete refinishing work may have a different compensation package than someone mainly assigned to sanding, masking and preparation.
Automotive Painter Salary in West Virginia
The median annual wage in West Virginia was around $47,090. This gives a useful reference for people searching for automotive painter salary West Virginia and related auto body repair jobs.
For a beginner, learning the preparation process is often an important first step. Proper sanding, cleaning and masking can help produce a better final finish and reduce problems during painting.
Automotive Painter Salary in Wisconsin
Wisconsin had a median annual wage of approximately $56,660 for automotive body and related repairers. Someone searching for automotive painter salary Wisconsin can use this statewide number as a general benchmark.
- Collision repair shops may employ automotive painters.
- Dealerships can offer different job structures than independent shops.
- Advanced paint matching skills can be valuable.
- Experience can affect both hourly pay and job opportunities.
Automotive Painter Salary in Wyoming
Wyoming reported a median annual wage of about $49,200. For someone researching automotive painter salary Wyoming, this is a useful statewide reference for the broader automotive body and related repair occupation.
Like other states, the actual pay can depend on the employer and the worker's skill level. A painter with several years of hands-on experience may have a different earning level than someone just entering the trade.
How Much Does an Automotive Painter Make?
So, how much does an automotive painter make in the USA? The answer depends on what type of automotive painting job the person has, where they work and how much experience they have. The latest national BLS median for automotive body and related repairers was about $54,890 per year, or about $26.39 per hour, in May 2025.
This number is a median, not a promise of what every automotive painter will make. A new worker may earn less while learning the trade, while an experienced painter working in a strong market or under a production-based pay system may earn considerably more.
Automotive Painter Hourly Pay
Automotive painter hourly pay is another common way people compare these jobs. The national median hourly wage for automotive body and related repairers was about $26.39 in May 2025. If this rate were worked for 40 hours each week for 52 weeks, it would equal roughly $54,890 before taxes, which matches the annual median.
Actual hourly pay can be different because some automotive shops use flat-rate or incentive compensation instead of a simple hourly system. Overtime, bonuses and production pay can also change the amount a worker receives in a year.
Entry Level Automotive Painter Salary
An entry level automotive painter salary is usually lower than the median pay for the full occupation because the national median includes workers with different levels of experience. Someone new to the trade may start with preparation work and gradually learn more advanced painting duties.
Common skills an entry-level painter may learn include:
- Sanding and surface preparation
- Masking vehicle parts before painting
- Primer preparation and application
- Basic paint mixing
- Using spray equipment safely
- Blending and finishing techniques
Experienced Automotive Painter Salary
An experienced automotive painter salary can be higher than beginner pay because experienced workers can usually take on more complicated jobs with less supervision. A skilled painter may work on color matching, blending, full refinishing and difficult collision repairs.
Experience is especially useful in this trade because paint work can be very noticeable when something is not right. A good painter needs patience and a steady process, from preparing the panel to checking the final finish.
Auto Body Painter Salary
The term auto body painter salary is often used for the same type of work as automotive painter salary. An auto body painter usually works after a vehicle has had body damage repaired. The painter prepares the repaired area, applies primer and paint, blends the color and checks the finish before the vehicle goes back to the customer.
Because auto body painter jobs are part of the wider automotive body and related repair field, salary numbers can vary. Experience, location and the type of repair shop all play a role. Someone working on more complex collision repairs may have a different pay level than a worker who is still learning basic preparation and painting.
Automotive Paint Technician Salary
An automotive paint technician salary can also vary depending on the technician's experience and responsibilities. In some shops, the paint technician handles most of the refinishing process, while in other shops the work may be divided between several employees.
A paint technician may be expected to prepare the vehicle, mix paint, operate spray equipment, match colors and complete the final finish. These extra skills can be important when comparing an entry-level automotive painter job with a more experienced paint technician position.
- Vehicle surface preparation
- Primer and paint application
- Paint mixing and color matching
- Blending repaired areas
- Final finish inspection
- Cleaning and maintaining paint equipment
Automotive Painter Starting Salary
The automotive painter starting salary is normally different from the national median because a beginner does not have the same experience as the whole occupation. A new painter may start with basic preparation work and learn the painting process from a more experienced technician.
The first few months or years can be important for building practical skills. Someone who learns how to prepare surfaces correctly, use spray equipment and match colors can gradually move into more advanced work.
When checking a starting job, it is useful to look beyond the advertised hourly number. Benefits, overtime, paid training and the shop's pay structure can make a difference in the total value of the job.
What Affects an Automotive Painter Salary?
There is no single salary for every automotive painter. Two people doing similar work can have different pay because they work in different states, shops or pay systems. Experience is one factor, but it is not the only one.
Experience
Experience can make a big difference in automotive painting. A beginner may need supervision for paint preparation and application, while an experienced painter can often complete a larger part of the job independently.
Location
Automotive painter salary by state can be quite different. Local demand for repair workers, wages in the area and the number of collision repair businesses can all affect the pay available to workers.
Type of Employer
A painter may work at an independent auto body shop, dealership, collision center or another repair facility. Each employer can have its own wage and incentive system.
Skill Level
Basic painting and advanced refinishing are not always the same type of work. Skills such as difficult color matching, blending, spray technique and final finishing can be valuable for an experienced automotive painter.
Pay Structure
Some automotive repair shops pay an hourly wage, while others use flat-rate or production-based compensation. This means the advertised hourly rate does not always tell the full story about yearly earnings.
Automotive Painter Job Duties
An automotive painter does much more than simply spray paint on a car. The preparation before painting is a major part of the job. If the surface is not prepared correctly, even good paint and equipment may not produce a good result.
Typical automotive painter duties can include:
- Inspecting the area that needs refinishing
- Sanding and preparing vehicle surfaces
- Removing or protecting parts that should not be painted
- Masking windows, trim and other vehicle areas
- Preparing primer and paint
- Mixing colors according to the required finish
- Using spray guns and other painting equipment
- Blending new paint into the existing finish
- Applying clear coat when required
- Checking the final paint finish for defects
- Cleaning and maintaining painting equipment
Skills Needed to Become an Automotive Painter
Someone who wants to become an automotive painter does not only need painting experience. The job requires patience, hand control and attention to small details. A painter can spend a lot of time preparing one area before the actual paint is applied.
Some useful skills for this career include:
- Good hand and eye coordination
- Understanding of sanding and surface preparation
- Basic knowledge of automotive paint products
- Color matching ability
- Careful masking techniques
- Ability to use spray painting equipment
- Attention to small defects
- Ability to work with a repair team
- Following workplace safety rules
How to Become an Automotive Painter
There is more than one way to enter the automotive painting trade. Some people learn through an auto body shop and gain experience while working. Others complete a vocational or technical training program before looking for their first automotive painting job.
For a beginner, getting practical experience can be very useful. Automotive painting is a hands-on job, so knowing the theory is helpful, but actually preparing and refinishing vehicle panels is where many of the important skills are developed.
A common path can look like this:
- Learn basic automotive body and paint skills.
- Get vocational, technical or on-the-job training.
- Start with an entry-level auto body or paint position.
- Build experience with preparation and refinishing work.
- Learn advanced color matching and blending.
- Move toward more independent automotive painter work.
Automotive Painter vs Auto Body Technician
An automotive painter and an auto body technician can work together, but their main duties are not exactly the same. An auto body technician generally focuses more on repairing the physical structure and appearance of damaged vehicle parts. The automotive painter focuses mainly on preparing and refinishing those repaired areas.
On a collision repair job, the body technician may repair a damaged panel first. After the panel is ready, the painter prepares the surface and completes the paint and finishing work. In smaller shops, one worker may sometimes handle more than one part of the repair process.
| Job | Main Work |
|---|---|
| Automotive Painter | Vehicle paint, refinishing, color matching and finishing |
| Auto Body Technician | Body repair, panel repair and vehicle restoration |
Automotive Painter Hourly Rate
The automotive painter hourly rate depends on the worker, employer and pay system. The May 2025 national median hourly wage for automotive body and related repairers was about $26.39 per hour.
That figure is a useful national benchmark, but it should not be confused with a guaranteed automotive painter hourly wage. A new worker can be below the median, while an experienced painter may earn more. Flat-rate and incentive pay can also make direct hourly comparisons harder.
How Much Does an Automotive Painter Make a Year?
So, how much does an automotive painter make a year? The latest national median for the broader automotive body and related repair occupation was about $54,890 per year in May 2025. The actual annual income of an automotive painter can be different based on experience, state, employer and compensation method.
For example, a new painter may be building skills and earning below the occupation median. An experienced painter in a higher-paying market may earn above the median. This is why looking at both state salary information and the exact job offer is important.
Do Automotive Painters Make Good Money?
Automotive painting can provide a solid skilled-trade career for people who like hands-on work and are willing to build technical skills. The income can improve as a worker gains experience and becomes comfortable with more complicated refinishing jobs.
There are also practical things to consider. The job can involve standing for long periods, working around paint products and spending time in a repair-shop environment. Safety procedures and proper protective equipment are important parts of the work.
Automotive Painter Career Growth
A person does not necessarily have to stay at an entry-level paint position for their entire career. With experience, a worker can take on more advanced refinishing tasks or move into other areas of collision repair and automotive service.
Possible career directions can include:
- Experienced Automotive Painter
- Auto Body Paint Technician
- Senior Refinishing Technician
- Collision Repair Technician
- Auto Body Shop Supervisor
- Shop Manager
The exact opportunities depend on the employer, training and the worker's experience. Some people may prefer to stay focused on painting and become highly skilled in vehicle refinishing, while others may move into management or broader collision repair work.
Final Thoughts on Automotive Painter Salary
The automotive painter salary in the United States depends on several things, and there is no one number that fits every worker. The latest national median wage for automotive body and related repairers was about $54,890 per year, or $26.39 per hour, in May 2025. State wages also show noticeable differences, with some states reporting higher median wages and others lower ones.
For someone considering this career, the most important things to look at are experience, location, employer, job duties and pay structure. A beginner should not expect the national median as a starting salary. Over time, skills in surface preparation, color matching, blending and complete vehicle refinishing can help a worker qualify for more advanced automotive painting jobs.
If you are comparing an automotive painter job, check the actual hourly or flat-rate pay, overtime, benefits and training offered by the employer. Salary is important, but the full job package and the opportunity to build useful trade skills also matter when choosing an automotive painting career.
Automotive Painter Salary Sources
The salary information in this article is based primarily on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Automotive Body and Related Repairers, which is the broader occupation that includes automotive body and paint-related repair work. State-level figures should be treated as wage benchmarks rather than guaranteed automotive painter salaries for every employer.