Isabella Flores
Auto body painters are in charge of painting and polishing vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, boats, and ships. They are also responsible for preparing the surfaces that need to be painted on and formulating all refinish coatings. The average salary for an auto body painter varies depending on location and level of experience. In 2022, the median salary for an auto body painter was $42,280 per year, with hourly wages ranging from $13.14 to $34.06. The average salary has increased over the years, with auto body painters earning $36,508 per year in 2025. The salary range for auto body painters can vary from $30,000 to $60,000, with the highest-paying states being Vermont, New Jersey, and Alaska.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $36,508 to $61,846 |
| Average Salary in 2022 | $42,280 |
| Average Salary in 2014 | $31,271 |
| Average Salary in San Jose, CA | $85,734 |
| Average Salary in Lodi, NJ | $50,000 |
| Average Salary in San Francisco, CA | $50,000 |
| Average Salary in Mundelein, IL | $50,000 |
| Highest-Paying Industries | Local government, couriers and express delivery services, aerospace manufacturing, companies and enterprises |
| Highest-Paying States | Vermont, New Jersey, Alaska, Colorado, Virginia, Connecticut, Michigan, California, Minnesota, Washington |
| Lowest-Paying States | North Carolina, Arkansas, Florida, New York, New Mexico, Montana, West Virginia, South Dakota |
| Highest-Paying Cities | Lodi, NJ, San Francisco, CA, Mundelein, IL |
| Minimum Education Requirement | High school diploma |
| Additional Requirements | Valid driving license, experience in auto body painting or certification in auto body and paint technology |
| Job Description | Prepare surfaces of vehicles for painting, formulate refinish coatings, apply paint using brushes or spray, clean and maintain equipment, check for dents and cavities |
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What You'll Learn
Salary range: from $30k to $60k annually
Salary estimates for auto body painters vary depending on several factors, including experience, skills, industry, company size, and location. Data from Salary.com shows that in Florida, the salary range for this profession is between $41,044 and $49,363, with a median annual salary of $45,620. An entry-level auto body painter with under one year of experience can expect to earn around $45,202, while those with 8 or more years of experience can earn an average of $48,581.
According to Zippia, the average salary for an auto body painter typically falls between $36,508 and $61,846. This is supported by another source that places the salary range within \$30,000 to \$60,000. The average auto body painter salary has risen over the years, with a \$5,237 increase since 2014.
Location also plays a significant factor in salary levels. For example, auto body painters in San Jose, CA, earn an average of $85,734, while those in Miami, FL, earn 3.9% less than the national average. The highest-paying states for this profession are Vermont, New Jersey, and Alaska, while the lowest-paying states include North Carolina, Arkansas, and Florida. When considering salary, it is essential to take into account the cost of living in different areas, as this can impact your overall standard of living.
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Average salary: $43,423 annually
The average salary for an auto body painter in the US is $43,423 per year. This figure can vary depending on several factors, such as experience level, specific skills, industry, company size, and location.
Experience plays a significant role in determining the salary of an auto body painter. Entry-level positions with less than a year of experience can expect an average salary of around $45,202 annually. As painters gain more experience, their pay increases. Those with 2 to 4 years of experience may earn about $46,943, while senior painters with 5 to 8 years of experience can make around $48,471. Auto body painters with 8 or more years of experience are likely to earn an average of $48,581 or higher.
The industry in which auto body painters work also impacts their earnings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest-paying industries for painters include local government, couriers and express delivery services, aerospace manufacturing, and companies and enterprises, with average salaries ranging from $55,650 to $66,410. Within the transportation painting industry, auto body painters typically fall under the category of "Painters, Transportation Equipment." Industries with a high concentration of employment for auto body painters include automotive repair and maintenance, motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing, and ship and boat building.
Location is another critical factor influencing the salary of auto body painters. The highest-paying states for this profession are Vermont, New Jersey, and Alaska, while the lowest-paying states include North Carolina, Arkansas, and Florida. However, even within states, salaries can vary by city. For example, in Florida, the lowest salary for auto body painters is in Miami, while the national average is higher. On the other hand, San Francisco, California, is the highest-paying city for auto body painters, with salaries 24.9% above the national average. San Jose, California, stands out with an even higher average salary of $85,734, showcasing the impact of location on earning potential.
It's worth noting that salary estimates for auto body painters can vary across sources and may change over time. Some sources provide a broader range of $30,000 to $60,000 per year, while others report a range of $36,508 to $61,846. The median wage in 2018 was $42,280 per year, and the average salary in 2025 is reported as $36,508, reflecting a steady increase in pay over time.
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Salary by state: Vermont, New Jersey, and Alaska pay the most
The average salary for an auto body painter in the United States is $36,508 per year, which is a $5,237 increase from 2014. The hourly rate is $17.55 to $18 per hour. However, auto body painter salaries vary depending on location, education, and experience.
The highest-paying states for auto body painters are Vermont, New Jersey, and Alaska. Vermont, in particular, has the highest average salary for auto body painters. On the other hand, the lowest-paying states are North Carolina, Arkansas, and Florida.
The average salary for auto body painters typically falls between $36,508 and $61,846. At the 10th percentile, an auto body painter's salary can be as low as $26,000 per year, while at the 90th percentile, it can reach $50,000 per year.
The highest-paying cities for auto body painters are Lodi, New Jersey; San Francisco, California; and Mundelein, Illinois. Auto body painters in these cities may earn salaries closer to, or even above, the 90th percentile.
Therefore, when considering what is reasonable to pay an auto body painter, it is essential to take into account the location, with states like Vermont, New Jersey, and Alaska commanding higher salaries, while also factoring in experience and education, which can influence an auto body painter's earning potential.
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Salary by city: San Francisco, CA, pays the most
Salary by city can vary for auto body painters, and San Francisco, CA, is currently the highest-paying city for this profession. As of July 1, 2025, the average yearly salary for an automotive painter in San Francisco is $77,795. This is a significant increase from the median salary of $53,221 in 2023.
The salary of an auto body painter in the United States depends on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trends, and company size. The national average salary for an automotive painter in the United States is $62,291, with most professionals earning between $51,951 and $72,443. An entry-level automotive painter with less than one year of experience earns about $60,341, while those with over eight years of experience can expect an average salary of $65,032.
In California, the average yearly salary for an automotive painter is $68,707. This is higher than the national average, likely due to factors such as a higher cost of living and stronger local economies. The salary range for auto body painters across the United States is generally between $36,508 and $61,846, with the highest-paying states being Vermont, New Jersey, and Alaska.
Auto body painters in San Francisco can expect to earn a higher salary than the national average and the statewide average in California. This is likely due to the high cost of living in the city and the demand for skilled labor. The job requirements for an auto body painter in San Francisco include possessing a valid class C driver's license and having at least two years of full-time journey-level work experience.
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Salary by experience: Senior painters with 5-8 years of experience earn $48,471 on average
The salary of an auto body painter varies depending on several factors, including experience level, specific skills, industry differences, company size, and location. As of July 2025, the average annual salary for an auto body painter in the United States is $36,508, with a range between $26,000 and $50,000. The salary estimates provided by Salary.com indicate that an entry-level auto body painter with under one year of experience earns approximately $45,202 annually. With increased experience, the pay also rises. Auto body painters with 2 to 4 years of experience can expect to earn around $46,943 per year.
Senior auto body painters with 5 to 8 years of experience have a higher earning potential, with an average salary of $48,471. This reflects the value and expertise that comes with several years of experience in the field. It is worth noting that the salary for senior-level painters with 8 or more years of experience does not increase significantly, with an average salary of $48,581. This slight decrease in salary growth could be influenced by various factors, such as company budgets, industry trends, or geographical location.
The salary for auto body painters can vary significantly from state to state. For example, the lowest salary for auto body painters is in Miami, Florida, which is 3.9% lower than the national average. In contrast, San Francisco, California, offers the highest salary for auto body painters, with compensation 24.9% above the national average. Additionally, states like Vermont, New Jersey, and Alaska are known for paying higher wages to auto body painters, while states like North Carolina, Arkansas, and Florida tend to have lower average salaries for this profession.
When considering salary by experience, it is important to note that auto body painters with 5 to 8 years of experience have likely honed their skills, developed a strong understanding of the trade, and built a solid network within the industry. Their extensive experience allows them to command a higher salary and positions them as valuable assets to their employers. Senior-level painters are often sought after for their expertise, problem-solving abilities, and efficiency in completing complex tasks.
While the provided information offers insights into the salary range for auto body painters with 5 to 8 years of experience, it is worth noting that salary negotiations and variations may exist based on unique job requirements, personal qualifications, and cost of living in different regions. Online resources, such as salary calculators and employment websites, can provide valuable insights into the specific salary estimates for senior-level auto body painters in various locations.
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Frequently asked questions
An auto body painter applies paint to various vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats, and ships. They are responsible for polishing old or damaged surfaces and coating new cars.
The average salary for an auto body painter varies depending on location and experience. In 2022, the median salary was $42,280 per year, with hourly wages ranging from $13.14 to $34.06. In 2025, the average salary is $43,423 per year, with a range of $36,508 to $61,846.
In addition to location and experience, the salary of an auto body painter can be influenced by the industry they work in. Auto body painters working in local government, couriers and express delivery services, and aerospace manufacturing tend to earn higher salaries. Additionally, the cost of living in the area and the specific employer can also impact their pay.
