Information on jobs, careers, salaries and education (2023)

Oh, what are they doing: Paint and paint workers paint and coat a wide range of products, often using machines.

Desktop: Most paint and paint workers work full-time. They often remain for long periods in specially ventilated areas.

How to become a: Most paint and paint workers learn on the job after obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent. The training of new employees usually takes several months.

Salary: The average annual salary for painting, painting and spraying machine assemblers, operators and foremen is $39,130. The median annual salary for painting, coating and decorating workers is $37,330.

job prospects: Employment of paint and paint workers is projected to grow 3% over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.

Related Careers: Compare the roles, training, job development and pay of paint and paint workers with similar occupations.

Here's everything you need to know about a career as a paint and paint worker in great detail. As a first step, check out some of the jobs below, which are real jobs with real employers. You'll be able to see actual career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so you can return to this page to continue reading about the career:

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What do paint and paint workers do?[About this section] [at the top]

Paint and paint workers paint and coat a wide range of products, including automobiles, jewelry, and ceramics, often using machines.

Duties of Paint and Paint Workers

Paint and paint workers typically do the following:

• Set up and operate machines that paint or coat products
• Choose the color or coating you need for the job
• Clean and prepare products for painting or coating
• Determine required paint flow and coating quality
• Apply paint or coating
• Clean and maintain tools, equipment and work areas

Paint and paint workers paint items ranging from cars to furniture. They apply paint, varnish, rust protection, or other liquid applications to make a product more attractive and protect it from the elements. Painting a car, for example, makes the vehicle more attractive and protects against corrosion.

Before workers begin applying the paint or other coating, they usually prepare the surface by carefully sanding or cleaning it to prevent dust from being trapped under the paint. Workers may also mask or cover parts of the product with tape and paper before painting the product.

Once the product is primed, workers can use a variety of techniques to apply the paint or coating. A common technique is to dip an object into a large pool of paint or some other coating. Spraying products with paint or other coating is also common. Many factories use automated painting systems.

Here are examples of types of paint and paint workers:

Painter, Painter and Sprayer Assemblers, Operators and Supervisorsposition the spray guns, adjust the nozzles and synchronize the action of the guns with the speed of the belt that carries the products through the machine. During the process, these workers program the machine, tend to the equipment, monitor the gauges on the control panel, and check the products to ensure they are dyed evenly. The operator can use a hand gun to cover imperfections.

Painters, painters and decoratorsapply coatings to furniture, glass, ceramics, toys, books and other products. The paper is usually coated for gloss. Solutions of silver, tin and copper are often sprayed onto glass to make mirrors.

Transport equipment paintersis the best known group of paint and dye workers. They paint various types of transportation equipment, including cars, planes, and boats.

Work environment for paint and paint workers[About this section] [at the top]

Painting, painting and spraying machine assemblers, operators and supervisors maintain approximately 160,000 jobs. The largest employers of painting, painting and spraying machine installers, operators and foremen are:

Painting, painting and decorating workers account for about 13,000 jobs. The largest employers of painting, decorating and decorating workers were:

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

Dye and paint workers are often standing for long periods. They may also need to bend, stoop or stoop in awkward positions to reach different parts of the products they are working on.

Injuries and Illnesses for Paint and Paint Workers

Painting, painting and decorating workers have one of the highest rates of injury and illness of any occupation. Hazards include muscle strains and exposure to toxic materials. Factories installed sophisticated paint booths and fresh air ventilation systems to create a safe working environment.

Painting and paint worker hours

Most paint and paint workers work full-time.

How to Become a Paint and Paint Worker[About this section] [at the top]

Get the training you need: Find Paint and Paint Workers schools near you!

Most paint and paint workers learn on the job after earning a high school diploma or equivalent. The training of new employees usually takes several months.

Training for paint and paint workers

Dye and paint workers generally must have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers hire workers who do not have a high school diploma.

Taking high school classes in car painting can be helpful.

Some automotive painters attend a technical or vocational school, where they receive hands-on training and learn the ins and outs of mixing and applying different types of paint.

Training of Painting and Paint Workers

While some employee trainings may last only a few days, most entry-level employees receive on-the-job training that can last anywhere from 1 month to several months.

Workers who operate computer-controlled equipment may need additional training in computer programming.

Important properties for paint and paint workers

Artistic ability.Some dye and dye workers do elaborate or decorative designs. For example, some car painters specialize in doing custom designs for vehicles.

Color projection.Workers must be able to mix new paint colors to match existing colors on a surface.

Engineering skills.Workers must be able to operate and maintain sprayers that apply paints and coatings.

Physical resistance.Some workers must remain in their positions for extended periods. Constant standing or activity can be tiring.

Physical strength.Workers may be required to lift heavy objects. Some painted or coated products may weigh more than 50 kg.

Wages of Painters and Painters[About this section] [More information on salaries/wages] [at the top]

The average annual salary for paint, painting and spraying machine assemblers, operators and foremen is $39,130. The median wage is the wage at which half of the workers in an occupation earn more than that amount and half earn less. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,460 and the top 10% earned more than $60,330.

The median annual salary for painting, coating and decorating workers is $37,330. The lowest 10% earned less than $26,190 and the top 10% earned more than $50,720.

The average annual wages for painting, painting and spraying machine assemblers, operators and foremen in the main industries in which they worked are as follows:

The average annual salary for paint, painting and decorating workers in the major industries they work in is as follows:

Auto body painters at auto repair shops may receive a bonus or commission in addition to their wages.

Most paint and paint workers work full-time.

Job Prospects for Paint and Paint Workers[About this section] [at the top]

Total employment for paint and paint workers is projected to grow 3% over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite the limited job growth, about 17,900 jobs are projected for paint and paint workers each year, averaged over the decade. It is expected that the majority of these vacancies will result from the need to replace workers who move into different occupations or leave the workforce, such as retirement.

Employment of Painting and Paint Workers

Employment of paint and paint workers is expected to increase as many consumer, commercial and industrial products require their services. Paint and paint workers are expected to be in demand in auto repair shops where their expertise is required for complex auto paint repairs. Also, these workers will be needed to manufacture goods that require painting or coating in the production process. However, automation is expected to limit opportunities for these workers in some manufacturing facilities.

Careers Related to Painting and Paint Workers[About this section] [at the top]

Car body and glass repairers

Auto body and glass repairers restore, repaint, and replace vehicle bodies and frames, windshields, and glass.

Metal and plastic machinery workers

Metal and plastic machine workers assemble and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or parts.

Painters (Construction and Maintenance)

Painters apply paints, stains, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, bridges, and other structures.

More information about paint and paint workers[About this section] [at the top]

For more information on job opportunities for paint and paint workers, visit

• local manufacturers
• Car body shops
• Car dealers
• vocational schools
• Local unions representing paint and dye workers
• Local offices of state employment services

For a list of certified automotive paint programs, visit

National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence