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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

How to become a paint sprayer

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You can take a college course that will teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job. Useful courses include:

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

Some colleges offer 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 an accident repair technician or vehicle damage paint technician advanced apprenticeship.

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 or engineering.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about a career in paint spraying in the motor industry through Autocity.

What it takes

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a paint sprayer, you'll:

  • set up painting equipment
  • sand down and prepare bodywork
  • select, match and mix colours and shades
  • apply primer coats, main coats and finishes
  • use appropriate paint drying methods
  • carry out quality checks
  • clean and maintain spraying equipment and paint booths
  • follow health and safety guidelines at all times

Working environment

You could work in a workshop.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Career path and progression

Your employer may offer you the chance to work towards IMI Accreditation. This could allow you to move onto senior paint technician roles.

You could also become a shift supervisor, quality control inspector or workshop manager.

You may be able to set up your own paint spraying business or specialise in car customisation.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

L3 Accident Repair Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £190.00 - £320.00 Weekly
  • Location: Cirencester

Apprentice Vehicle Damage Paint Technician

  • Wage: £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: Bristol
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Hull

Vehicle Accident Repair (Paint) - Level 2

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Blackpool
Find courses near you

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