Painting and Coating Workers

Painting and coating workers apply finishes, often using machines, to products such as cars, jewelry, and ceramics.

Duties

Painting and coating workers typically do the following:

• Set up and operate machines that paint or coat products
• Select the paint or coating needed for the job
• Clean and prepare products to be painted or coated
• Determine the required flow of paint and the quality of the coating
• Apply paint or coating
• Measure the thickness of paint or coating material applied
• Clean and maintain tools, equipment, and work areas

Painting and coating workers apply paint, varnish, rustproofing, or other types of liquid treatments to finish and protect products. They often use machines to spread the liquid over large surfaces but may use handtools on small items or hard-to-reach surfaces.

Before workers apply the paint or other coating, they prepare the surface by sanding or cleaning it to prevent dust from becoming trapped under the paint. They also may cover portions of the product with tape and paper to prevent the paint or coating from touching those areas.

After the product is prepared, workers may use a number of techniques to apply the paint or coating. Common techniques include spraying products with paint or coating and dipping items in a large vat of paint or other coating. Many factories use automated painting systems. Workers may measure the paint thickness using a coating thickness gauge or painter meter.

The following are examples of types of painting and coating workers:

Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders use spraying or rolling machines to apply lacquer, enamel, or other coatings to a variety of products, such as cars, boats, and glassware. These workers position the spray guns, set the nozzles, and synchronize the action of the guns with the speed of the conveyor carrying products through the machine. During the process, they program the machine, tend the equipment, watch gauges on the control panel, and check products to ensure that they are being painted evenly. The operator may use a manual spray gun to touch up flaws.

Painting, coating, and decorating workers use manual spray guns, pens, or brushes to apply various coatings to furniture, glass, pottery, toys, books, and other products. They also may immerse pieces into the liquid and place the coated items into ovens or dryers to harden the finishes. In addition, these workers examine products to be sure that they meet specifications.

For information about workers who paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structures, see the profile on construction and maintenance painters.

Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders held about 165,500 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders were as follows:

Painting, coating, and decorating workers held about 8,800 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of painting, coating, and decorating workers were as follows:

Painting and coating is usually done in specially ventilated areas. Workers wear masks or respirators to protect themselves from inhaling microscopic particles or harmful chemicals. They also may wear gloves and other protective equipment to shield their skin and clothing.

Painting and coating workers often stand for long periods. They also may have to bend, stoop, or crouch in uncomfortable positions to reach different parts of the products they work on.

Work Schedules

Most painting and coating workers are employed full time.

Painting and coating workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. New workers usually train on the job for several months.

The median annual wage for coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders was $47,590 in May 2024.

The median annual wage for painting, coating, and decorating workers was $40,860 in May 2024.

Overall employment of painting and coating workers is projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034.

Despite limited employment growth, about 16,700 openings for painting and coating workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.