Priya Kapoor
The hourly rate for automotive painting varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and skill level. As of 2025, the average hourly rate for automotive painters in the United States ranges from $29 to $36, with an average of $32 per hour. Entry-level automotive painters with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average of $14.58 per hour, while those with 1-4 years of experience can earn around $19.45. Senior-level professionals with over 8 years of experience can earn an average of $65,032 per year, with salaries varying across different states and cities. The cost of painting a car can also vary widely, ranging from $500 for basic jobs to over $10,000 for high-quality or custom work, with vehicle size, paint quality, and preparation requirements influencing the price.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $32 |
| Hourly Rate Range | $29–$36 |
| Entry-level Hourly Rate | $14.58 |
| Early Career (1-4 years of experience) Hourly Rate | $19.45 |
| Average Annual Salary | $62,291 |
| Annual Salary Range | $56,879–$67,605 |
| Entry-level Annual Salary | $60,341 |
| 1-2 years of experience Annual Salary | $60,518 |
| 2-4 years of experience Annual Salary | $62,292 |
| 5-8 years of experience Annual Salary | $64,249 |
| Over 8 years of experience Annual Salary | $65,032 |
| Average Salary in Industries with Highest Employment | Railroad rolling stock manufacturing ($46,650), automotive repair and maintenance ($46,980), motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing ($38,400), ship and boat building ($43,800), support activities for air transportation ($46,980) |
| Industries with Highest Average Salaries | Local government ($66,410), couriers and express delivery services ($62,500), aerospace manufacturing ($56,240), companies and enterprises ($55,650) |
| Median Salary (as of July 1, 2025) | $52,554 |
| Median Salary (2023) | $53,221 |
| Median Salary (2018) | $42,280 |
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What You'll Learn
Hourly rate for automotive painters: $29-$36 per hour
The hourly rate for automotive painters can vary depending on several factors, with the average hourly rate falling between $29 and $36 per hour. As of May 1, 2025, the average hourly wage for automotive painters in the United States is $32 per hour. However, this rate can be influenced by factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience.
Entry-level automotive painters with less than a year of experience can expect a lower hourly wage, averaging $14.58 per hour, according to some sources. This rate increases with experience, with early-career painters (1-4 years of experience) earning an average of $19.45 per hour.
The salary for automotive painters also varies based on location and industry. For example, the average yearly salary for an automotive painter in California is $68,707, while in New Jersey, it is $67,517. In terms of industries, automotive painters in local government earn the highest average salary of $66,410, followed by couriers and express delivery services at $62,500.
It's worth noting that the median wage for automotive painters in 2018 was $20.33 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This range has increased over time, with current rates offering more competitive salaries for automotive painters.
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Entry-level automotive painter wage: $14.58 per hour
An entry-level automotive painter with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $14.58 per hour. This includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay and is based on 9 salaries. The average hourly rate for automotive painters in the United States is $32, with salary ranges typically falling between $29 and $36. However, pay can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth. For example, in California, the average yearly salary for an automotive painter is $68,707, while in New York, the average annual salary is $72,189.
Entry-level automotive painters can increase their pay over time by gaining more experience, pursuing advanced degrees, or considering a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher wages for their skills. Additionally, managing experience, such as overseeing more junior automotive painters, can also impact earnings.
According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for an automotive painter in the United States as of July 1, 2025, is $62,291, with pay ranging from $56,879 to $67,605. The median salary for an automotive painter with a high school diploma or technical certificate is between $60,825 and $65,246.
It is important to note that the hourly rate for automotive painters can vary, and there may be opportunities to earn higher wages depending on the specific circumstances and demand for the skill.
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Highest-paying industries for automotive painters
The average hourly rate for automotive painters in the United States ranges from $29 to $36 per hour, with the average being $32 per hour. However, the hourly rate can vary depending on factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), automotive painters earn the highest average salaries in the following industries:
- Local government: $66,410 per year
- Couriers and express delivery services: $62,500 per year
- Aerospace manufacturing: $56,240 per year
- Companies and enterprises: $55,650 per year
The industries with the highest concentration of employment for automotive painters include:
- Railroad rolling stock manufacturing: $46,650 per year
- Automotive repair and maintenance: $46,980 per year
- Motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing: $38,400 per year
- Ship and boat building: $43,800 per year
- Support activities for air transportation: $46,980 per year
Additionally, specific companies may offer higher salaries for automotive painters. For example, the top-paying companies in construction, repair, and maintenance services include Gerber Collision & Glass, Caliber Collision, and Dent Wizard. In contrast, the top-paying companies in retail and wholesale are CARVANA and CarMax.
Furthermore, certain states and cities offer higher salaries for automotive painters. For instance, the highest-paying states include Vermont, New Jersey, and Alaska, while the highest-paying cities include Lodi, NJ, San Francisco, CA, and Mundelein, IL.
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How experience impacts an automotive painter's salary
The hourly rate for automotive painters can vary depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, and company size. As of 2025, the average hourly rate for automotive painters in the United States is $32, with the salary range typically falling between $29 and $36 per hour.
Experience plays a significant role in determining the salary of an automotive painter. Entry-level automotive painters with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $60,341. This is just the basic pay and doesn't include any bonuses or overtime pay. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases slightly to $60,518. As painters gain more experience, their pay also rises. Automotive painters with 2-4 years of experience can expect an average annual salary of $62,292.
Senior-level professionals with more advanced skills and extensive experience in the field command higher salaries. For instance, automotive painters with 5-8 years of experience earn around $64,249 per year. Those with over eight years of experience and a high level of expertise can expect an average salary of $65,032. It's important to note that these salaries can vary depending on the state and city due to factors such as the cost of living and local economies. For example, in California, the average yearly salary for an automotive painter is $68,707, while in Massachusetts, it is $67,791.
In addition to experience, other factors can also impact an automotive painter's salary. For instance, gaining advanced degrees or certifications can increase income potential and qualify individuals for promotions. Automotive painters who oversee more junior staff and have management responsibilities may also be able to negotiate higher salaries. Furthermore, changing employers or finding an employer who values their skills can also lead to higher pay.
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Cost of painting a car
The cost of painting a car varies depending on several factors, such as the level of quality desired, vehicle size, paint colour and quality, the extent of prepaint repairs, and the type of paint finish. Basic paint jobs typically range from $300 to $1,000, while high-quality paint jobs can cost anywhere from $5,000 to upwards of $10,000. The average cost to paint a car is around $3,000, but prices can vary from $500 for a basic job to over $20,000 for custom work.
The size of the vehicle is a significant factor in determining the cost of painting. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs or trucks, require more paint and labour, resulting in higher costs. The type of paint selected also influences the price, with standard colours like white, grey, and black being the most budget-friendly options. Changing the colour of your car can also add to the cost, as it requires more time and labour to achieve the desired result.
Prepaint repairs, such as addressing rust, dents, or scratches, are essential for a flawless finish and can add to the overall expense. Advanced rust repair, in particular, can cost thousands of dollars. Additionally, the number of paint layers and the choice of clearcoat finish affect both the appearance and cost of the paint job.
The hourly rate for automotive painters in the United States ranges from $15.95 to $32 per hour, with the average being $32 per hour. The salary for automotive painters can also vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry demand.
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Frequently asked questions
The average hourly rate for automotive painting ranges from $29 to $36 per hour, with the average being $32 per hour. This rate can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and additional skills.
Entry-level automotive painters with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average of $14.58 per hour. With 1 to 4 years of experience, the average hourly rate increases to $19.45. Senior-level professionals with 5 to 8 years of experience can earn around $64,249 per year, which equates to approximately $31 per hour.
Salaries for automotive painters can vary significantly across different states and cities in the United States. For example, the average yearly salary in California is $68,707, while in New York, it is $72,189. This equates to an hourly rate of approximately $32.67 in California and $34.42 in New York.
Yes, factors such as education, certifications, and the specific industry can also impact the hourly rate. For instance, automotive painters with advanced degrees or certifications may have higher income potential. Additionally, automotive painters working in local government or aerospace manufacturing tend to earn higher salaries, with average yearly wages of $66,410 and $56,240, respectively.
