Entry Level Paint Line Operator Jobs
New grad paint line operator jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where hands-on shop floor exposure or a vocational certificate can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Automotive, Retail, and Manufacturing, with employers like K&K Technical, Lowe's Home Improvement, and Tetra Tech hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 13+ Entry Level Paint Line Operator jobs
Career Area:
OperationsJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
What you will do:
As a Production Associate (Paint), you will complete various tasks to meet production schedules, which can include masker/demasker, load/unload, caulker, pre-inspection, blow off operator, shot blast operator, and other duties as assigned. Additional training may be provided for qualified candidates to drive forklifts. This position does not require associates to have prior experience painting in an industrial setting. You must follow required safety procedures at all times; all required personal protective equipment for these roles are provided by Caterpillar.
What you have:
- Prior work experience
- Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods
- Ability to perform repetitive operations
- Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
Top candidates will also have:
- Experience with Forklifts
- Experience in masking/demasking, loading/unloading, shot blasting, etc
- Experience in equipment paint processing
- Experience in top coat, prime coat and electrostatic paint
- Ability to read blueprints / engineering drawings
What you will get:
You have a lot to offer, so we offer a commitment in return to you as a professional – and as a person. We offer competitive wages, quarterly bonus, comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) paid holidays, paid time off and paid training that begin on day one of employment!
2nd Shift: $20.82/hour (includes 8%-night shift premium)
- Monday-Thursday 4 day/10-hour shift schedule
- Start time determined by role, ten-hour shift beginning at either 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.
3rd Shift: $20.82/hour (includes 8%-night shift premium)
- Sunday-Thursday 4 day/10-hour shift schedule Start time determined by role, eight-hour shift beginning at either 9 p.m., 10 p.m. or 1 a.m.
**Role requires overtime as needed to support business needs**
Additional Information:
- Resumes are encouraged. Do not submit a blank application (no work history / resume). This may lead to disqualification.
- Successful candidates must pass an online assessment, interview, background check, drug screen and medical review.
About Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
Summary Pay Range:
$19.28 - $24.12Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
- These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
July 7, 2026 - September 29, 2026Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Career Area:
OperationsJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
What you will do:
As a Production Associate (Paint), you will complete various tasks to meet production schedules, which can include masker/demasker, load/unload, caulker, pre-inspection, blow off operator, shot blast operator, and other duties as assigned. Additional training may be provided for qualified candidates to drive forklifts. This position does not require associates to have prior experience painting in an industrial setting. You must follow required safety procedures at all times; all required personal protective equipment for these roles are provided by Caterpillar.
What you have:
- Prior work experience
- Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods
- Ability to perform repetitive operations
- Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
Top candidates will also have:
- Experience with Forklifts
- Experience in masking/demasking, loading/unloading, shot blasting, etc
- Experience in equipment paint processing
- Experience in top coat, prime coat and electrostatic paint
- Ability to read blueprints / engineering drawings
What you will get:
You have a lot to offer, so we offer a commitment in return to you as a professional – and as a person. We offer competitive wages, quarterly bonus, comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) paid holidays, paid time off and paid training that begin on day one of employment!
2nd Shift: $20.82/hour (includes 8%-night shift premium)
- Monday-Thursday 4 day/10-hour shift schedule
- Start time determined by role, ten-hour shift beginning at either 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.
3rd Shift: $20.82/hour (includes 8%-night shift premium)
- Sunday-Thursday 4 day/10-hour shift schedule Start time determined by role, eight-hour shift beginning at either 9 p.m., 10 p.m. or 1 a.m.
**Role requires overtime as needed to support business needs**
Additional Information:
- Resumes are encouraged. Do not submit a blank application (no work history / resume). This may lead to disqualification.
- Successful candidates must pass an online assessment, interview, background check, drug screen and medical review.
About Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
Summary Pay Range:
$19.28 - $24.12Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
- These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
July 7, 2026 - September 29, 2026Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
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Entry Level Paint Line Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level paint line operator job?
Start by highlighting any hands-on experience with spray equipment, surface prep, or quality inspection, even from a vocational program or shop class. Employers at this level prioritize candidates who understand basic coating processes, can follow safety protocols, and are comfortable standing on a production line for a full shift. A forklift certification or OSHA 10 card gives your application a concrete edge.
Which companies hire entry level paint line operators?
Companies hiring entry level paint line operators right now include K&K Technical, Lowe's Home Improvement, and Tetra Tech, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from manufacturers, automotive suppliers, and industrial fabricators that run structured onboarding and are willing to train candidates who show up with the right attitude and basic mechanical aptitude.
Are there remote entry level paint line operator jobs?
Yes, though the vast majority of paint line operator roles require in-person work on a production floor. About 0% of entry level paint line operator openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those tend to cover adjacent roles like quality documentation or scheduling support rather than hands-on coating work. Most production positions are fully on-site.
Are these new grad paint line operator jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior paint line operator roles that explicitly welcome candidates with little or no professional experience. A new grad friendly posting typically accepts zero to two years of experience, counts internships or vocational training toward that threshold, and values a portfolio of coursework or shop projects over a lengthy work history.
Which industries hire the most entry level paint line operators?
Entry Level paint line operator roles concentrate in Automotive, Retail, and Manufacturing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Those sectors drive entry level hiring because they run high-volume production lines that need a steady pipeline of trained operators, making them especially open to candidates who bring foundational skills and a willingness to learn on the floor.