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Paint sprayer

Alternative titles for this job include Car paint sprayer, vehicle paint sprayer, body shop worker, paint technician

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

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 48 a week

You could work

weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a paint sprayer

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 in this job. 

Courses include:

  • Level 1 Diploma in Accident Repair Paint
  • Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a level 3 advanced apprenticeship to become a paint sprayer. 

Apprenticeships include:

  • accident repair technician
  • surface finisher 
  • vehicle damage paint technician

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 find out more about paint spraying careers in the motor industry through the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Autocity.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

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

What you’ll do

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 painting equipment, sand down and prepare the outside of the vehicle
  • match and mix colours and shades
  • apply primer coats, main coats and finishes
  • use paint drying methods and carry out quality checks
  • clean and maintain spraying equipment and paint booths
  • follow health and safety guidelines

Working environment

You could work in a workshop.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Vehicle body Paint apprentice - Plymouth

  • Wage: £10,982.40 Annually
  • Location: Exeter, Devon

Apprentice Vehicle Damage Paint Technician - Norwich North, Norfolk

  • Wage: £10,982.40 Annually
  • Location: Airport Industrial Estate, Norwich, Norfolk
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Level 2 Diploma in Accident Repair Paint

  • Provider: DN COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Scunthorpe

Level 3 Accident Repair (Paint)

  • Provider: TAMESIDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 September 2024
  • Location: Ashton-Under-Lyne
Find courses near you

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