SOC 2020 · 5233
Vehicle paint technicians
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Shortage list only
Below the usual skill level, but listed.
Salary floor
£41,700
The general threshold, £41,700, is the higher of the two.
Shortage lists
Temporary Shortage List
Listed roles carry their own restrictions — check GOV.UK.
Shortage list conditions
Temporary Shortage List: all jobs in this code. Certificate of sponsorship must be issued before 31 Dec 2026.
Shortage-list jobs are below the usual skill level, so employers face restrictions such as no dependants and no salary discount. Check GOV.UK for the current conditions.
Salary the job must pay
A Skilled Worker job must pay at least the higher of the general threshold and the going rate for its occupation code.
Going rate (standard)
£33,400
General threshold
£41,700
Visa thresholds from
Minimum for this role
£41,700
Home Office going rates from
New entrants and some other cases can use 70% of the going rate, £33,400, subject to the lower general threshold of £33,400.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
ONS has not published enough of the pay distribution for Vehicle paint technicians in UK to draw it. The figures we do hold are shown above.
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | — | — | £34,531 | — | — |
| East 2025 | — | — | £31,050 | — | — |
| East Midlands 2025 | — | — | £42,323 | — | — |
| North West 2025 | — | — | £24,256 | — | — |
| Yorkshire and The Humber 2025 | — | — | £42,258 | — | — |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Vehicle paint technicians prepare, repair and refinish vehicle surfaces using modern paint systems, coatings, wraps and associated technologies to restore or enhance vehicle appearance, protection and functionality.
Typical tasks
applies masking material to protect areas not to be coated and removes any external fixtures
consults vehicle colour code, chooses appropriate paint or mixes paint to achieve desired consistency and colour
uses hand or electrostatic spray gun to coat surfaces, adjusting nozzle and pressure valves of the gun as required
applies vinyl stickers and wraps to the bodywork of vehicles
removes masking materials and refits external fittings after completion of spraying
cleans and maintains spray equipment, protective clothing and spraying booth
Entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification. Off and on-the-job training is provided. Apprenticeships at NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3 are also available and take between three to four years to complete.