Aircraft Painter Jobs
Aircraft Painter jobs are open across commercial aviation, defense contracting, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facilities, with specializations in structural painting, composite coating, and military livery, from entry-level prep work to lead painter and inspector roles. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Aircraft Painter JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 34+ Aircraft Painter jobs
IAC PDX – We are hiring!
We are looking for Painters to join our team!
$1,500 - $2,500 Sign-On Bonus
Competitive Pay & Benefits
Starting rate will depend on demonstrated experience $22.00 - $26.80 per hour. Our career progression program offers opportunities for frequent pay increases after training sections are completed.
About Us
International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) is a global leader in aircraft painting and aviation services. At our Portland facility, we're looking for experienced automotive, commercial, and industrial painters who want to learn something new and exciting—painting aircraft.
If you're great with a roller or spray gun, love hands-on work, and want to join a high-growth industry, this could be your next career move.
Job Summary
We’re hiring Aircraft Painters with backgrounds in automotive painting, house painting, industrial painting, or commercial painting. You’ll prep and paint aircraft exteriors using spray equipment, working in a clean, professional facility with training and safety gear provided.
No aviation experience required – we’ll train you!
Responsibilities
- Prepare aircraft surfaces by masking, sanding, and cleaning
- Apply paint using Electrostatic paint systems
- Mix and match coatings and finishes
- Follow safety and FAA guidelines
- Work with a team to meet production schedules
- Maintain a clean, organized work area
Qualifications
- 1+ years of experience in automotive painting, house painting, commercial painting, or industrial painting
- Experience with rollers, brushes, or spray guns
- Comfortable working on ladders, lifts, or scaffolds
- Detail-oriented and safety-conscious
- Willingness to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
- High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
Why work for IAC:
- Supportive team to help you obtain your career goals with IAC
- Internal growth opportunities
- Paid on-the-job training with a career progression program designed to produce the world’s best aircraft painters
- PTO starting at 80 hours in a full year worked
- Paid holidays
- Overtime available
- 401K with 4% match, dollar to dollar with the Roth option
- Employee referral program
- Choice of four medical plans including PPO’s and HSA plans starting at $19.39 twice a month
- Company-paid life insurance and employee assistance program
- Our employees enjoy a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, accidental death, supplemental life, and pet insurance.
- Benefits start the first of the month after 60-days of employment
- Work is conducted inside aircraft hangers, so we are not out in the weather
Benefits
- Full paid training provided
- Competitive hourly pay
- 401k 4% match
- Overtime opportunities
- Shift differentials for evening work
- Paid time off and holiday pay
- Stable, long-term employment with career growth potential
Why You Should Apply
- Start a new hands-on career in aviation
- Build in-demand skills in a growing industry
- Use your painting experience in a high-paying trade
- Work with a supportive team in a climate-controlled environment
Apply Today!
Don’t just paint walls—paint jets.
If you’re ready to bring your painting experience to new heights, apply now.
Submit your resume on Indeed or email: careers@iac.aero
Here are some of the things you will learn while being paid:
- The best aviation industry paint prepping practices including preparing surfaces for painting and protecting surfaces and components from chemical erosion during the paint stripping and sanding process. Including sealing and masking surfaces and components to prevent damage.
- Fundamentals of aerospace coating (painting) applications by top aerospace painters.
- Application of livery markings (paint design).
- Equipment operation, such as boom-lifts.
- The basic safety protocol for working on/around aircraft.
- Learn to properly use and disposal of chemicals and materials according to OSHA regulations.
You do need to pass a background check and drug test prior to employment!
IAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $26.80 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 4% Match
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
IAC PDX – We are hiring!
We are looking for Painters to join our team!
$1,500 - $2,500 Sign-On Bonus
Competitive Pay & Benefits
Starting rate will depend on demonstrated experience $22.00 - $26.80 per hour. Our career progression program offers opportunities for frequent pay increases after training sections are completed.
About Us
International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) is a global leader in aircraft painting and aviation services. At our Portland facility, we're looking for experienced automotive, commercial, and industrial painters who want to learn something new and exciting—painting aircraft.
If you're great with a roller or spray gun, love hands-on work, and want to join a high-growth industry, this could be your next career move.
Job Summary
We’re hiring Aircraft Painters with backgrounds in automotive painting, house painting, industrial painting, or commercial painting. You’ll prep and paint aircraft exteriors using spray equipment, working in a clean, professional facility with training and safety gear provided.
No aviation experience required – we’ll train you!
Responsibilities
- Prepare aircraft surfaces by masking, sanding, and cleaning
- Apply paint using Electrostatic paint systems
- Mix and match coatings and finishes
- Follow safety and FAA guidelines
- Work with a team to meet production schedules
- Maintain a clean, organized work area
Qualifications
- 1+ years of experience in automotive painting, house painting, commercial painting, or industrial painting
- Experience with rollers, brushes, or spray guns
- Comfortable working on ladders, lifts, or scaffolds
- Detail-oriented and safety-conscious
- Willingness to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
- High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
Why work for IAC:
- Supportive team to help you obtain your career goals with IAC
- Internal growth opportunities
- Paid on-the-job training with a career progression program designed to produce the world’s best aircraft painters
- PTO starting at 80 hours in a full year worked
- Paid holidays
- Overtime available
- 401K with 4% match, dollar to dollar with the Roth option
- Employee referral program
- Choice of four medical plans including PPO’s and HSA plans starting at $19.39 twice a month
- Company-paid life insurance and employee assistance program
- Our employees enjoy a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, accidental death, supplemental life, and pet insurance.
- Benefits start the first of the month after 60-days of employment
- Work is conducted inside aircraft hangers, so we are not out in the weather
Benefits
- Full paid training provided
- Competitive hourly pay
- 401k 4% match
- Overtime opportunities
- Shift differentials for evening work
- Paid time off and holiday pay
- Stable, long-term employment with career growth potential
Why You Should Apply
- Start a new hands-on career in aviation
- Build in-demand skills in a growing industry
- Use your painting experience in a high-paying trade
- Work with a supportive team in a climate-controlled environment
Apply Today!
Don’t just paint walls—paint jets.
If you’re ready to bring your painting experience to new heights, apply now.
Submit your resume on Indeed or email: careers@iac.aero
Here are some of the things you will learn while being paid:
- The best aviation industry paint prepping practices including preparing surfaces for painting and protecting surfaces and components from chemical erosion during the paint stripping and sanding process. Including sealing and masking surfaces and components to prevent damage.
- Fundamentals of aerospace coating (painting) applications by top aerospace painters.
- Application of livery markings (paint design).
- Equipment operation, such as boom-lifts.
- The basic safety protocol for working on/around aircraft.
- Learn to properly use and disposal of chemicals and materials according to OSHA regulations.
You do need to pass a background check and drug test prior to employment!
IAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $26.80 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 4% Match
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 34 Aircraft Painter Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Aircraft Painter JobsAircraft Painter Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Aerospace & Defense
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in aircraft painter jobs.
- Two or more years of experience applying aerospace coatings on fixed-wing or rotary aircraft
- Proficiency with HVLP and conventional spray equipment in temperature- and humidity-controlled paint booths
- Ability to read and follow aircraft maintenance manuals, work orders, and technical data sheets
- EPA or state-level spray operator certification and NESHAP compliance training
- Physical ability to work on elevated platforms, scaffolding, and in confined spaces while wearing full PPE
- High school diploma or GED, with vocational training in automotive, aerospace, or industrial painting preferred
Tips for Your Aircraft Painter Job Search
List every coating system you know
Recruiters filter resumes by material type, so name the specific primers, topcoats, and sealants you've applied, such as epoxy, polyurethane, chromate, or Skydrol-resistant coatings. Vague terms like 'industrial paint' won't get you past automated screening.
Earn your NESHAP and spray certifications early
Many aviation painting postings require proof of NESHAP compliance training and EPA spray equipment certification before your first interview. If you don't have both, check your local community college or trade association for short certification courses before applying.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists aircraft painter openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Tailor your resume to defense versus commercial
Defense contractors want to see CAGE codes, DD Form 250 familiarity, and security clearance eligibility, while commercial MRO shops prioritize FAA repair station experience. Running the same resume to both without adjusting almost always results in a rejection.
Prepare a photo record of your finished work
Hiring managers in aviation painting frequently ask candidates to show examples of masking quality, edge coverage, and color-match results. A phone gallery of before-and-after shots on actual aircraft surfaces is far more convincing than a written description.
Negotiate shift differential, not just base pay
Aircraft painting is heavily second- and third-shift work because hangars run around the clock. Ask about overnight and weekend differential rates during the offer stage, since those adjustments can make a significant difference to your total compensation.
Aircraft Painter Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most aircraft painters?
AAA USA, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Boeing are hiring the most aircraft painters right now, with openings concentrated in Kansas, Georgia, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Defense MRO contractors and large commercial airline maintenance operations tend to post the highest volume of openings year-round.
How many aircraft painter jobs are remote?
About 0% of aircraft painter openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, because most of the work requires physical access to aircraft in hangars or paint facilities. Roles with any remote component are typically limited to technical writing, quality documentation review, or paint process engineering positions rather than hands-on application work.
How do you become an aircraft painter?
Start by completing a vocational program in automotive, industrial, or aerospace finishing to learn spray technique, surface prep, and coating chemistry. Then apply for entry-level positions at MRO shops or aviation ground support facilities to build hands-on aircraft experience. Pursue EPA spray certification and NESHAP compliance training as soon as possible, since most aviation employers require both before they'll assign you to aircraft. Progressing to lead or inspector roles typically requires demonstrating consistent finish quality and familiarity with technical data sheets.
Can you get hired as an aircraft painter with little or no experience?
Yes, some MRO shops and regional maintenance facilities hire entry-level painters for prep work like sanding, masking, and surface cleaning, which is how most aircraft painters break into the field. Automotive body shop or industrial spray experience transfers well and gives you a concrete starting point on your resume. Getting your EPA spray certification before applying removes one common barrier that causes employers to pass on candidates who are otherwise trainable.
What does the aircraft painter interview process look like?
Most aircraft painter interviews begin with a phone or video screen focused on your coating experience and certifications, followed by an in-person interview at the facility. Expect a tour of the paint booth and questions about specific materials you've worked with, your approach to masking complex geometry, and how you handle finish defects. Some employers, particularly defense contractors, include a practical skills assessment where you demonstrate spray technique or surface preparation on a test panel before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to aircraft painter jobs?
You can find and apply to aircraft painter jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from facilities across the United States. Search the available roles, find the listings that match your experience and location, and apply directly to each one that fits. New postings are added regularly, so checking back frequently gives you the best shot at catching openings as soon as they go live.
See All 34 Aircraft Painter Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Aircraft Painter Jobs