Painting and coating workers apply finishes, often using machines, to products such as cars, jewelry, and ceramics.
Painting and coating workers typically do the following:
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 160,000 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders were as follows:
| Fabricated metal product manufacturing | 19% |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 17 |
| Automotive body, paint, interior, and glass repair | 14 |
| Machinery manufacturing | 8 |
| Furniture and related product manufacturing | 3 |
Painting, coating, and decorating workers held about 13,000 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of painting, coating, and decorating workers were as follows:
| Fabricated metal product manufacturing | 15% |
| Miscellaneous manufacturing | 13 |
| Furniture and related product manufacturing | 7 |
| Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing | 5 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 5 |
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.
Painting, coating, and decorating workers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Hazards include muscle strains and exposure to toxic materials. Factories have installed sophisticated paint booths and fresh-air ventilation systems to create a safe work environment.
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 to attain competency.
Painting and coating workers usually need a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions. However, some employers hire candidates who do not have formal educational credentials.
Some automotive painters attend vocational-technical programs in which they receive practical instruction in mixing and applying different types of paint.
To attain competency, painting and coating workers typically receive on-the-job training. Sometimes this training lasts only a few days, but it usually lasts several months.
Workers who operate computer-controlled equipment may require additional training in computer programming.
Artistic ability. Some painting and coating workers make elaborate or decorative designs.
Color vision. Workers must be able to blend new paint colors in order to match existing colors on a surface.
Mechanical skills. Workers must be able to operate and maintain sprayers that apply paints and coatings.
Physical stamina. Workers may have to squat or bend frequently and stand for extended periods.
Physical strength. Workers may need to lift heavy objects. Some products that are painted or coated may weigh more than 50 pounds.
Median annual wages, May 2021
The median annual wage for coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders was $39,130 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,330.
The median annual wage for painting, coating, and decorating workers was $37,330 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,190, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $50,720.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Automotive body, paint, interior, and glass repair | $47,500 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 47,340 |
| Machinery manufacturing | 38,370 |
| Fabricated metal product manufacturing | 37,330 |
| Furniture and related product manufacturing | 37,270 |
In May 2021, the median annual wages for painting, coating, and decorating workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | $37,630 |
| Miscellaneous manufacturing | 37,460 |
| Furniture and related product manufacturing | 36,360 |
| Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing | 35,370 |
| Fabricated metal product manufacturing | 30,750 |
Automotive painters in repair shops may receive a bonus or commission in addition to their wages.
Most painting and coating workers are employed full time.
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Overall employment of painting and coating workers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 17,900 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.
Employment of painting and coating workers is projected to grow as many consumer, commercial, and industrial products require their services. Painting and coating workers are expected to be in demand in automotive repair shops, where their expertise is needed for complicated automotive paint repair. In addition, these workers will be needed in the manufacturing of goods that require painting or coating in the production process. However, automation is expected to limit opportunities for these workers in some manufacturing establishments.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Painting and coating workers |
— | 172,900 | 177,800 | 3 | 4,800 | — | |
Painting, coating, and decorating workers |
51-9123 | 13,000 | 13,400 | 3 | 400 | Get data | |
Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders |
51-9124 | 160,000 | 164,400 | 3 | 4,400 | Get data | |
For more information about job opportunities for painting and coating workers, visit
For a directory of certified automotive painting programs, visit
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders