A new paint job can add a significant amount to the value of your car. And, it can help restore a vehicle to showroom condition after an accident or to simply make it look like new. It's important to understand how much it can cost on average for a good-quality paint job, so you can decide whether this is something that you need for your vehicle.

The average auto painter makes $50,000 a year. This includes taxable wages, tips, and bonuses. It also accounts for the cost of supplies and equipment, as well as the cost of insurance and other taxes. Aircraft painters earn slightly more than auto body painters, but not by much.

Painters use a variety of tools to prepare metal surfaces and apply primers, paints, enamels, and urethanes. Some of these are hand-held, including sanders and spray guns. They also need to be able to work patiently and carefully, with fine detail. This is a good career choice for people who find satisfaction in doing meticulous work.

The location where a person works can influence how much they make as an auto painter. The top three cities for this profession are Brooklyn, Queens, and Bronx, which all pay above the national average of $50,796. However, the average salary in New York City is a bit lower at $56,576. This is mainly due to the higher cost of living in the city.