Painting, coating, and decorating workers
SOC Code: 51-9123Also known as:
Air Brush Decorator, Air Brush Operator, Airbrush Painter, Art Gilder, Babbitter
Median Annual Salary
$40,860
+1.4% growth (2024-2034)
800
Openings/Year
9K
Current Jobs
What Painting, coating, and decorating workers Do
Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.
💰 Salary
$40,860
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.4%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
800
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
8,800
Projected Employment (2034)
8,900
Related Careers
Painters, construction and maintenance
$48,660 •
+3.8% growth
Furniture finishers
$42,530 •
-3.3% growth
Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders
$47,590 •
+0.7% growth
Etchers and engravers
$40,450 •
-0.7% growth
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
$45,690 •
+6.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Monitoring
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Apply coatings, such as paint, ink, or lacquer, to protect or decorate workpiece surfaces, using spray guns, pens, or brushes.
- Examine finished surfaces of workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and retouch any defective areas.
- Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags.
- Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do painting, coating, and decorating workers make?
The median annual salary for painting, coating, and decorating workers is $40,860.
What education do painting, coating, and decorating workers need?
Most painting, coating, and decorating workers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming painting, coating, and decorating workers a good career choice?
Painting, coating, and decorating workers is projected to see +1.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for painting, coating, and decorating workers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to painting, coating, and decorating workers?
Painting, coating, and decorating workers may also be known as: Air Brush Decorator, Air Brush Operator, Airbrush Painter, Art Gilder, Babbitter, Bake Off Decorator, Bakery Decorator, Balloon Dipper, Banner Painter, Barrel Coater, Barrel Liner, Battery Container Finishing Hand, Bisque Ware Dipper, Blocker, Bottom Painter, Bowling Pin Refinisher, Braze Applicator, Brush Hand, Brush Painter, Brusher.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.