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
$47,590
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.7%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
15.8
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
$35,480
10th percentile
Early Career
$39,470
25th percentile
Median
$47,590
50th percentile
Experienced
$58,740
75th percentile
Top Earners
$72,800
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,480
25th
$39,470
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$47,590
Mean: $51,610
75th
$58,740
90th
$72,800
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $37,320 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $39,470 and $58,740
- •Salary spread is 40.5% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 159,500 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:165,500
Top Industries
Manufacturing67.5%
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing21.2%
Other Services (except Public Administration)18.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.7%
Annual Openings:15,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)165,500
Current
2034 (Projected)166,700
+0.7%
+1,200
Employment Change
+0.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than 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
16,220 jobs$46,6301.13x
California
11,190 jobs$51,7100.60x
Ohio
8,100 jobs$46,6501.42x
Wisconsin
8,040 jobs$48,1002.66x
Indiana
6,850 jobs$44,7602.08x
Illinois
6,840 jobs$45,6201.09x
Michigan
6,390 jobs$43,3101.41x
Pennsylvania
6,340 jobs$47,5601.02x
Florida
6,150 jobs$46,8000.61x
North Carolina
5,810 jobs$46,9701.15x
Tennessee
5,690 jobs$48,7801.68x
Georgia
5,520 jobs$45,3401.10x
Alabama
4,770 jobs$40,2202.20x
Virginia
4,310 jobs$50,0601.03x
Washington
4,260 jobs$56,6301.16x
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 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Quality Control Analysis
88%
#3
Monitoring
76%
#4
Operation and Control
64%
#5
Repairing
52%
#6
Equipment Maintenance
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate4.4
88%
Monitoring
intermediate3.8
76%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.2
64%
Repairing
basic2.6
52%
Equipment Maintenance
basic2.0
40%
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
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance88%
skills
4.4/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance76%
skills
3.8/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance64%
abilities
3.2/5.0
Repairing
basicImportance52%
abilities
2.6/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
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
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Quality Control Analysis
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
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