Set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials. Includes painters of transportation vehicles such as painters in auto body repair facilities.
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
SOC: 51-9124 O*NET: 51-9124.00
Median Salary
$48,250
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
15.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials. Includes painters of transportation vehicles such as painters in auto body repair facilities.
What does a Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$36,260
10th percentile
Early Career
$40,590
25th percentile
Median
$48,250
50th percentile
Experienced
$59,680
75th percentile
Top Earners
$74,730
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$36,260
25th
$40,590
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$48,250
Mean: $52,620
75th
$59,680
90th
$74,730
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $38,470 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $40,590 and $59,680
- •Salary spread is 39.6% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 158,740 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:164,800
Top Industries
Manufacturing67.5%
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing21.7%
Repair and Maintenance18.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.5%
Annual Openings:15,300
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)164,800
Current
2035 (Projected)168,900
+2.5%
+4,100
Employment Change
+2.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
16,600 jobs$46,7501.16x
California
11,570 jobs$52,9500.62x
Ohio
8,320 jobs$48,5501.47x
Indiana
8,030 jobs$47,3202.46x
Michigan
7,050 jobs$44,6701.57x
Pennsylvania
6,790 jobs$48,3401.10x
Illinois
6,390 jobs$48,0001.03x
Florida
6,200 jobs$47,8600.61x
Wisconsin
6,120 jobs$49,1702.04x
Georgia
5,900 jobs$46,4501.18x
North Carolina
5,700 jobs$46,7301.13x
Alabama
5,250 jobs$44,2502.43x
Virginia
4,130 jobs$49,8800.98x
Washington
3,980 jobs$59,9801.10x
Tennessee
3,880 jobs$47,2101.16x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Near Vision
100%
#3
Visual Color Discrimination
92%
#4
Quality Control Analysis
88%
#5
Control Precision
82%
#6
Monitoring
76%
#7
Arm-Hand Steadiness
74%
#8
Manual Dexterity
66%
#9
Operation and Control
64%
#10
Finger Dexterity
58%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Near Vision
advanced5.0
100%
Visual Color Discrimination
advanced4.6
92%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate4.4
88%
Control Precision
intermediate4.1
82%
Monitoring
intermediate3.8
76%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
intermediate3.7
74%
Manual Dexterity
intermediate3.3
66%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Near Vision
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Visual Color Discrimination
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance88%
skills
4.4/5.0
Control Precision
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance76%
skills
3.8/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Manual Dexterity
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance64%
abilities
3.2/5.0
Finger Dexterity
basicImportance58%
abilities
2.9/5.0
Repairing
basicImportance52%
abilities
2.6/5.0
Far Vision
basicImportance48%
abilities
2.4/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand83%
5 shared skills
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers71%
5 shared skills
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners67%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Equipment Operators63%
5 shared skills
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic63%
5 shared skills
Logging Equipment Operators63%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Operation and Control
- →Repairing
- →Manual Dexterity
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
- ✓Near Vision
- ✓Visual Color Discrimination
- ✓Control Precision
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Near Vision
- ★Visual Color Discrimination
- ★Control Precision
- ★Arm-Hand Steadiness
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (16)Operations & Execution (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Observe machine gauges and equipment operation to detect defects or deviations from standards, and make adjustments as necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Determine paint flow, viscosity, and coating quality by performing visual inspections, or by using viscometers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution97% perform98%
3
Weigh or measure chemicals, coatings, or paints before adding them to machines.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Turn dials, handwheels, valves, or switches to regulate conveyor speeds, machine temperature, air pressure and circulation, and the flow or spray of coatings or paints.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Start and stop operation of machines, using levers or buttons.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Record operational data on specified forms.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Operate auxiliary machines or equipment used in coating or painting processes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution82% perform88%
8
Fill hoppers, reservoirs, troughs, or pans with material used to coat, paint, or spray, using conveyors or pails.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Thread or feed items or products through or around machine rollers and dryers.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Attach hoses or nozzles to machines, using wrenches and pliers, and make adjustments to obtain the proper dispersion of spray.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders professionals typically have a RCA Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
AArtistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.35
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.29
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.00
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.97
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.97
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.92
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Self-Control
4.0
Persistence
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Independence
3.9
Cooperation
3.9
Achievement/Effort
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.8
Initiative
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 33 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 7 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: SC (5) , TX (3) , DC (2) , IA (2) , IN (2)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.4k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.4k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.4k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Houston
Houston, TX
1.1k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
1.1k program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
863 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
789 program completions/year
Maysville Community and Technical College
Maysville, KY
776 program completions/year
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
685 program completions/year
Arclabs
Piedmont, SC
669 program completions/year
John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL
649 program completions/year