Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.
Common Job Titles
- Decorator
- Glazer
- Painter
- Pottery Decorator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform painting, coating, and decorating techniques on diverse articles using spray guns, brushes, and specialized applicators in production settings.Developing
- Hands-onHandle objects during coating and finishing processes with precision to prevent damage to surfaces and ensure uniform application.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify surface defects and quality issues on coated articles through visual inspection during and after application processes.Developing
- Hands-onOperate screen printing machines and curing equipment following production specifications and safety protocols.Developing
- KnowledgeApply knowledge of paint chemistry and coating properties to select appropriate materials and mixing ratios for specific substrates.Developing
- Hands-onExecute surface preparation techniques including cleaning, sanding, and priming using hand tools and power equipment to achieve optimal adhesion.Developing
- KnowledgeEstimate material quantities and application rates based on project specifications and production schedules.Developing
- MindsetEngage in collaborative communication with team members and supervisors to coordinate workflow and resolve production issues.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate safe handling of coatings and solvents in compliance with hazardous material regulations and workplace safety standards.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate spray equipment and application tools to maintain consistent coating thickness and finish quality.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
8,470
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $28,490. 25th percentile: U.S. $34,540. 50th percentile: U.S. $40,860. 75th percentile: U.S. $50,700. 90th percentile: U.S. $62,770. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $28,490 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $62,770 |
| Workers on average earn | $44,130 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing3.1/5
- English Language3.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.8/5
- Education and Training2.5/5
- Design2.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
Technology Skills
- Adobe FreeHand MX
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Tools & Equipment
- Banding wheels
- Belt dryers
- Cleaning brushes
- Cleaning scrapers
- Computer inkjet printers
- Computer laser printers
- Cordless power sanders
- Decorating wheels