How to become a Vehicle Painter

Also called: Vehicle Refinisher

Prepares surfaces of vehicles, matches and mixes colours, and applies paint.

Main tasks

• Prepares surfaces of vehicles for painting by cleaning, sanding and masking
• Matches and mixes paint colours to vehicle specifications
• Applies paint to vehicles using spray guns, brushes or rollers, ensuring paint coverage is even and smooth
• Applies clear coat and other protective finishes to vehicles
• Inspects painted vehicles for quality and makes any necessary touch-ups or repairs

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32420)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $97,760 a year
• About 9,800 people work in this job group now, and about 9,800 are projected by 2035. (+0.2%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Automotive Technician (General)
• Automotive Electrician
• Panelbeater
• Agricultural Mechanic
• Bicycle Technician
• Diesel Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Vehicle Painter?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology.

How much does a Vehicle Painter earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $97,760 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Vehicle Painter a growing career in Australia?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 9,800 people now and 9,800 later (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Vehicle Painter?

Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology.

Will AI change the work of a Vehicle Painter?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04