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Paint sprayer

Alternative titles for this job include Automotive refinisher, bodyshop worker, paint technician

Paint sprayers apply coatings and protective finishes to cars, vans, motorbikes and other vehicles.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 48 a week

You could work

weekends on shifts

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could take a college course that will teach you some of the skills you'll need to get a trainee position.

Courses include:

  • body and paint maintenance
  • accident repair - paint
  • vehicle accident repair paint principles

You might also be able to do paint spraying and finishing as part of an engineering course. Check with local colleges for more details.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an advanced apprenticeship with a paint spraying workshop, including:

  • Accident Repair Technician Level 3
  • Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Level 3
  • Surface Finisher Level 3

These take between 2 and 3 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply for jobs in vehicle paint spraying if you've got experience and a qualification in:

  • vehicle accident and repair
  • motor manufacturing
  • engineering

More information

You can get more details about paint spraying careers in the motor industry from Autocity.

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to repair machines or systems
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a paint sprayer, you'll:

  • set up spray equipment and prepare vehicle work areas
  • match and mix colours based on manufacturers' technical data
  • apply primer coats, main coats and finishes
  • use paint drying methods and carry out quality checks
  • clean and maintain spray equipment and paint booths
  • follow health and safety guidelines

Working environment

You could work in a workshop.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

  • get an IMI accreditation and move into senior paint technician roles
  • become a shift supervisor, quality control inspector or workshop manager
  • set up your own paint spraying business
  • specialise in customising cars

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Multi-Skill Accident Repair Technician Apprenticeship - Yeovil

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Yeovil

Multi-Skill Accident Repair Technician Apprenticeship - Peterborough

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Peterborough
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Level 3 Vehicle Accident Repair - Paint Principles

  • Provider: NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: NORTHAMPTON

Accident Repair Body & Paint Principles Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 26 September 2025
  • Location: Birmingham
Find courses near you

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