Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using precise hand and finger movements to control tools, equipment, or materials.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
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. PayThe median annual wage for coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders was $48,250 in May 2025.The median annual wage for painting, coating, and decorating workers was $41,600 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of painting and coating workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 16,100 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for painting and coating workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of painting and coating workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about painting and coating workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders was $48,250 in May 2025.The median annual wage for painting, coating, and decorating workers was $41,600 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of painting and coating workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 16,100 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for painting and coating workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of painting and coating workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about painting and coating workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of painting and coating workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 16,100 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for painting and coating workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of painting and coating workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about painting and coating workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Painting and coating workers apply finishes, often using machines, to a range of products.
Work Environment
Most painting and coating workers are employed full time. They frequently stand for long periods in specially ventilated areas.
How to Become a Painting and Coating Worker
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders was $48,250 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for painting, coating, and decorating workers was $41,600 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of painting and coating workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 16,100 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for painting and coating workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of painting and coating workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about painting and coating workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most painting and coating workers are employed full time. They frequently stand for long periods in specially ventilated areas.
How to Become a Painting and Coating Worker
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders was $48,250 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for painting, coating, and decorating workers was $41,600 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of painting and coating workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 16,100 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for painting and coating workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of painting and coating workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about painting and coating workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for painting and coating workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of painting and coating workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about painting and coating workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about painting and coating workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.