Painting and Coating Machine Operators

At a Glance

Control, clean, and maintain their machines
Work alone most of the time
Typically work a standard work week
Stand for long periods of time
Usually train on the job

Career summary

Painting and coating machine operators set up and run machines that coat or paint products.

Painting and coating machine operators may also be called powder coating workers, spray painters, or industrial painters.

Painting and coating machine operators control, clean, and maintain their machines. These machines apply coatings and paints to a wide variety of products, such as:

Food
Vehicles
Paper
Glassware
Mirrors
Fabric

Operators mix solutions, coatings, and paints. They select and load materials into machines. They monitor the machines and make adjustments to regulate speed, temperature, and air circulation. They also control the flow and thickness of the coating or paint. Operators perform test runs to make sure that everything is set up properly.

Painting and coating machine operators remove products from the machines and take them to drying or storage areas. They test and measure the thickness and quality of the coating to be sure that requirements are met. In some cases they prepare and apply stencils and decals. Operators record data about the products.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to painting and coating machine operators.

Set up and operate coating and painting machines.
Measure chemicals, coatings, or paints and add them to machines.
Select and load materials, parts, and work pieces onto machines.
Turn valves and adjust controls to regulate speed of conveyor, temperature, and air circulation. Also control flow or spray of coating or paint.
Observe and adjust machines while they apply coatings.
Examine and test paints, products, and work pieces to determine if they meet requirements.
Measure thickness and quality of coatings.
Remove materials, parts, or work pieces from machines and transfer them to drying or storage areas.
Record data about products.
Clean and maintain coating and painting machines.

Common work activities

Painting and coating machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Get information needed to do the job
Identify objects, actions, and events
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Evaluate information against standards
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Handle and move objects
Make decisions and solve problems
Process information
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Control machines and processes
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Document and record information
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, painting and coating machine operators:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a low level of social contact. They work alone most of the time. When they talk to others, it is usually done in person.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
Have limited responsibility for the work done by other operators.
May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

Wear protective or safety attire on a daily basis.
Nearly always work indoors. Work sites may not have heating or air conditioning.
Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions. There is only a low likelihood of slight injury.
Sometimes have to work in very bright or very dim lighting conditions.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. There is only a low likelihood of slight injury.

Work performance

Must be very exact in their work and be sure that all details of the job are done. Errors may result in products that do not meet standards.
Must allow the work pace to be determined by the speed of equipment or machinery.
Make some of their decisions independently. They may seek advice from supervisors for larger decisions.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Usually set their daily tasks and goals with input from a supervisor.

Hours/travel

Usually work a 40-hour week. Schedules are usually regular.

Physical demands

Painting and coating machine operators frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Repeat the same movements.
Stand for long periods of time.
Walk or run for long periods of time.
Bend or twist their body.

It is important for painting and coating machine operators to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for painting and coating machine operators to be able to:

Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Determine the distance between objects.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Understand the speech of another person.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
See objects in very bright or glaring light.
While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Painting and coating machine operators need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Recognize the nature of a problem.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a painting and coating machine operator, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education beyond high school is required for this job.

On-the-job training

Painting and coating machine operators usually learn their skills on the job. You generally learn from experienced workers or painting machine manufacturers. During training you begin as a helper. As you get more experience you learn how to set and operate painting machines. Over time, you can learn how to operate computer-controlled painting machines. Training may last up to one year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Computer Fundamentals
Physical Education
Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers require machine operators to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers look for applicants who have keen eyesight and a good sense of color.

Workers also should be in good physical condition. Previous experience is preferred.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders (SOC 51-9121)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$13.08	$15.19	$17.68	$20.92	$24.02
	Monthly	$2,267	$2,632	$3,064	$3,625	$4,163
	Yearly	$27,210	$31,600	$36,770	$43,510	$49,960
Bellingham	Hourly	$13.19	$14.42	$17.10	$20.12	$25.88
	Monthly	$2,286	$2,499	$2,963	$3,487	$4,485
	Yearly	$27,436	$29,996	$35,569	$41,858	$53,817
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$15.45	$16.51	$18.02	$20.04	$24.91
	Monthly	$2,677	$2,861	$3,123	$3,473	$4,317
	Yearly	$32,150	$34,340	$37,490	$41,676	$51,796
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$12.96	$13.52	$14.44	$15.38	$17.00
	Monthly	$2,246	$2,343	$2,502	$2,665	$2,946
	Yearly	$26,962	$28,118	$30,046	$31,995	$35,357
Longview	Hourly	$13.48	$15.08	$17.33	$20.13	$23.65
	Monthly	$2,336	$2,613	$3,003	$3,489	$4,099
	Yearly	$28,039	$31,362	$36,050	$41,870	$49,196
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$12.53	$13.85	$15.89	$19.17	$25.52
	Monthly	$2,171	$2,400	$2,754	$3,322	$4,423
	Yearly	$26,058	$28,796	$33,061	$39,863	$53,074
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$14.19	$16.19	$18.53	$21.93	$25.14
	Monthly	$2,459	$2,806	$3,211	$3,800	$4,357
	Yearly	$29,517	$33,682	$38,553	$45,614	$52,303
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$12.36	$14.05	$17.28	$20.98	$24.17
	Monthly	$2,142	$2,435	$2,995	$3,636	$4,189
	Yearly	$25,700	$29,224	$35,942	$43,626	$50,270
Vancouver	Hourly	$13.18	$15.20	$18.28	$22.59	$26.04
	Monthly	$2,284	$2,634	$3,168	$3,915	$4,513
	Yearly	$27,417	$31,616	$38,018	$47,001	$54,160
Wenatchee	Hourly	$12.45	$12.97	$14.01	$15.06	$15.93
	Monthly	$2,158	$2,248	$2,428	$2,610	$2,761
	Yearly	$25,897	$26,966	$29,145	$31,322	$33,118
Yakima	Hourly	$12.10	$12.58	$15.04	$18.17	$21.39
	Monthly	$2,097	$2,180	$2,606	$3,149	$3,707
	Yearly	$25,178	$26,162	$31,274	$37,779	$44,478
United States	Hourly	$11.47	$13.54	$16.73	$20.77	$25.12
	Monthly	$1,988	$2,346	$2,899	$3,599	$4,353
	Yearly	$23,860	$28,160	$34,800	$43,210	$52,240

Wages vary by employer, the type of machine operated, and the type of item being painted or coated.

Painting and coating machine operators who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (SOC 51-9121)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,883	9.4%	16.1%	240
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	22	0.0%	13.4%	2
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	33	6.1%	8.6%	4
Benton and Franklin Counties	20	5.0%	15.0%	2
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	26	-3.8%	11.9%	3
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	110	11.8%	15.2%	14
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	47	2.1%	14.1%	5
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	41	4.9%	14.6%	5
King County	1,015	8.2%	19.6%	126
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	108	10.2%	13.8%	14
Pierce County	96	16.7%	15.2%	14
Snohomish County	283	12.7%	12.4%	39
Spokane County	289	7.6%	13.9%	35
United States	92,300	-0.1%	5.2%	10,000

National employment

Major employers:

Structural metals manufacturers
Plastic products manufacturers
Paper product manufacturers
Furniture and cabinet manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will show little to no change. This is due to improvements in the automation of painting and coating. Jobs for those who paint transportation equipment such as cars and trucks will grow.

Openings will occur as current workers leave the occupation. Job prospects are best for those with experience.

Other resources

American Coatings Association
1500 Rhode Island Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
202.462.6272

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Manufacturing

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-9121.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.