5233 Vehicle paint technicians

In short

• ONS unit group 5233, in minor group 523 (Vehicle trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £33,400 (£17.13 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £29,600 (£15.18 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

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 entry routes

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.

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

Related job titles

• Car paint sprayer
• Coach painter
• Graphic applicator (vehicles)
• Paint technician (vehicles)
• Sprayer (vehicle trades)
• Vehicle refinisher
• Vehicle wrapper

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5233 Vehicle paint technicians

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Vehicle paint technicians

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5233 Vehicle paint technicians

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

5232, 5234

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Vehicle paint technicians

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£29,600 (£15.18 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 523

• 5231 Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians
• 5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
• 5234 Aircraft maintenance and related trades
• 5235 Boat and ship builders and repairers
• 5236 Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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