|
Set up, operate, or tend machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products including food, glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials.
Select a State
|
U.S.
|
$22,890
($11.00)
|
$35,290
($16.97)
|
$29,680
($14.27)
|
Annual figures are on top. Hourly figures are below in parentheses.
N/A = Information not available
|
|
|
Overall employment of painting and coating workers is expected to decline slowly, but employment change will vary by specialty. Good job prospects are expected for those with painting experience.
Employment change. Overall employment of painting and coating workers is expected to decline slowly by 4 percent from 2006 to 2016. Declining employment is expected because better spraying and coating machines and techniques allow fewer workers to produce the same amount of work. But employment change will vary by specialty.
Employment of coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders is expected to decline 13 percent as improvements in the automation of paint and coating applications raise worker productivity, allowing fewer workers to accomplish the same work. For example, operators will be able to coat goods more rapidly as sophisticated industrial machinery moves and aims spray guns more efficiently.
Employment of transportation equipment painters is projected to grow 8 percent. Many transportation equipment painters work in autobody repair and the need for these workers is expected to increase as the number of cars on the road goes up. Growth in the ship building industry is expected to create additional openings for those who paint ships.
Painting, coating, and decorating workers are projected to grow 4 percent. Growth will be driven by growing employment in retail operations. In manufacturing, competition from imports and automation should reduce employment. However, the specialized skills required by these workers should limit job losses from automation.
Job prospects. Like many manufacturing occupations, employers report difficulty finding qualified workers. Opportunities should be good for those with painting experience. Excellent opportunities will exist for experienced painters in the oil and gas industry and the ship building industry over the next decade.
Painting and coating workers held about 192,000 jobs in 2006. Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders accounted for about 106,000 jobs, while transportation equipment painters constituted about 54,000. Another 31,000 jobs were held by painting, coating, and decorating workers.
Approximately 7 out of 10 wage-and-salary workers were employed by manufacturing establishments, particularly those that manufacture fabricated metal products, transportation equipment, industrial machines, household and office furniture, and plastic, wood, and paper products. Outside of manufacturing, workers were employed by independent automotive repair shops and by motor vehicle dealers. Less than 4 percent were self-employed.
Overall Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience maybe helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer could benefit from experience in installing dry wall, but an inexperienced person could learn the job fairly easily.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job related course work. In some cases, you may need an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Examples
Drywall installers, fire inspectors, flight attendants, pharmacy technicians, retail salespersons, and bank tellers.
In these occupations you can often use your knowledge and skills to help others.
[Back to Top]
| 1. | |
| 2. | |
| 3. | |
| 4. | |
| 5. | |
| 6. | |
| 7. | |
| 8. | |
| 9. | |
| 10. | |
For more details about work opportunities, contact local manufacturers, automotive body repair shops, motor vehicle dealers, vocational schools, locals of unions representing painting and coating workers, or the local offices of the State employment service. The State employment service also may be a source of information about training programs.
For a directory of certified automotive painting programs, contact:
- National Automotive Technician Education Foundation, 101 Blue Seal Dr., SE., Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175. Internet: http://www.natef.org
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
[Back to Top]