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Occupation AtlasPainting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

O*NET · 51-9123.00

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.

Also called Air Brush Decorator · Air Brush Operator · Airbrush Painter · Art Gilder · Auto Body Painter · Auto Body Painter (Automotive Body Painter) · Babbitter · Bake Off Decorator
182 more

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 · Bun Icer · Button Spindler · Cake Decorator · Carroter · Ceramic Painter · Chalker · China Decorator · Clip Coater · Clock Hands Dipper · Clock Hands Painter · Coater · Coater Operator · Coating Operator · Coating Technician · Colorer · Cork Painter · Decal Applier · Decal Decorator · Decal Maker · Decaler · Decorator · Design Painter · Dial Marker · Dial Painter · Dial Refinisher · Dipper · Drawer Waxer · Drier · Duller · Duster · Dyer · Edge Stainer · Electroless Plater · Electrostatic Painter · Embossed Lettering Painter · Enamel Applier · Enamel Finisher · Enameler · Enrobing Machine Corder · Filler · Film Coater · Finisher · Foam Gun Operator · Fur Blender · Furniture Stainer · Gilder · Glass Bulb Silverer · Glass Decorator · Glass Manufacturing Decorator · Glass Tinter · Glaze Sprayer · Glazer · Gold Letterer · Hand Bander · Hand Candle Dipper · Hand Candy Dipper · Hand Decorator · Hand Funnel Coater · Hand Painter · Hand Sign Writer · Hand Sprayer · Hand Striper · Hand Touch Up Painter · Hat Sprayer · Highlighter · Impressed Lettering Painter · In Mold Coater · Inker · Inlayer · Japanner · Jewelry Enameler · Keg Varnisher · Lacquer Sprayer · Lacquerer · Latexer · Leather Coater · Lens Coater · Lens Coating Technician · Letterer · Lighting Fixtures Decorator · Liner · Luster Applicator · Mannequin Coloring Artist · Mannequin Decorator · Mannequin Refinisher · Manugrapher · Map Colorer · Masker · Mirror Maker · Mirror Painter · Mirror Silverer · Neckties Painter · Neon Sign Maker · Opaquer · Optical Glass Silverer · Oxidizer · Painter · Painting Technician · Painting Worker · Panel Edge Painter · Panman · Paper Stripper · Paster · Pattern Painter · Pinner · Plate Painter · Porcelain Enamel Repairer · Porcelain Enameler · Porcelain Finish Sprayer · Pottery and Porcelain Liner · Pottery Decorator · Powder Coat Painter · Powder Coater · Powderer · Print Decorator · Production Metal Sprayer · Production Painter · Putty Glazer · Resin Coater · Rug Backing Stenciler · Rug Touch-Up Painter · Screen Printer · Shader · Shellacker · Sign Artist · Sign Fabricator · Sign Letterer · Sign Painter · Sign Writer · Silicator · Silk-Screen Operator · Silver Spray Worker · Silverer · Ski Edge Painter · Smoking Pipe Liner · Soaper · Spray Gun Operator · Spray Gun Striper · Spray Gunner · Spray Painter · Spray Tech · Spray Technician (Spray Tech) · Sprayer · Stager · Stainer · Starcher · Stenciler · Stiffener · Stove Refinisher · Striper · Stripper · Thermal Spray Operator · Tile Decorator · Tinter · Touch-Up Painter · Toy Painter · Tracer · Trademark Affixer · Under Seal Operator · Undercoater · Wallcovering Texturer · Watch Hands Dipper · Watch Hands Painter · Waxer · White Shoe Ragger · Window Tinter · Wiper · Wood Stainer

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RAC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Painters, Construction and Maintenance

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RACRealistic · Artistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.93
  • A Artistic3.42
  • C Conventional3.40
  • S Social1.57
  • I Investigative1.34
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma59%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent21%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate3%
  • Some College Courses17%
Related work experience
None (46%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (57%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (41%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Coordination2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Active Listeningbasic2.92.3Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Speakingbasic2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Time Management2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Service Orientation2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Writingbasic2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Operations Monitoring2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
Show the other 23
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Quality Control Analysis2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Active Learningbasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Complex Problem Solving2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Instructing2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Persuasion2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Troubleshooting2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Systems Analysis2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Mathematicsbasic1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Equipment Selection1.61.3Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Material Resources1.60.8
  • Operations Analysis1.60.6
  • Operation and Control1.51.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Equipment Maintenance1.50.9
  • Management of Financial Resources1.50.6
  • Technology Design1.50.5
  • Repairing1.40.5
  • Installation1.0—
  • Programming1.0—
  • Sciencebasic1.0—

Tasks

4 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Apply coatings, such as paint, ink, or lacquer, to protect or decorate workpiece surfaces, using spray guns, pens, or brushes.4.7
  2. Examine finished surfaces of workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and retouch any defective areas.4.5
  3. Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags.4.1
  4. Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required.4.1
Show the other 5
  1. Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers.4.4
  2. Place coated workpieces in ovens or dryers for specified times to dry or harden finishes.4.3
  3. Clean surfaces of workpieces in preparation for coating, using cleaning fluids, solvents, brushes, scrapers, steam, sandpaper, or cloth.4.1
  4. Conceal blemishes in workpieces, such as nicks and dents, using fillers such as putty.4.0
  5. Rinse, drain, or wipe coated workpieces to remove excess coating material or to facilitate setting of finish coats on workpieces.3.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing3.12.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • English Language3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Customer and Personal Service2.81.8Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Education and Training2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Chemistry2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Design2.41.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Administration and Management2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Public Safety and Security2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
Show all 33
  • Mathematics2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Computers and Electronics1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Fine Arts1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Mechanical1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.80.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Psychology1.71.9Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Administrative1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Biology1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Physics1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Telecommunications1.50.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Foreign Language1.4—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.4—
  • Communications and Media1.3—
  • Economics and Accounting1.3—
  • Engineering and Technology1.3—
  • Law and Government1.3—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—
  • Building and Construction1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Geography1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.63.8
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Manual Dexterity3.32.9
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Problem Sensitivity3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
  • Information Ordering2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Clarity2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Written Comprehension2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Deductive Reasoning2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Speech Recognition2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Control Precision2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Multilimb Coordination2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Category Flexibility2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
  • Selective Attention2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Trunk Strength2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Depth Perception2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Far Vision2.32.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Originality2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Visualization2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Fluency of Ideas2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Speed of Closure2.11.4
  • Static Strength2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Written Expression2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Auditory Attention2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Perceptual Speed2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Stamina2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Time Sharing2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Response Orientation1.80.9
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Explosive Strength1.50.9
  • Reaction Time1.50.6
  • Glare Sensitivity1.40.4
  • Rate Control1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.40.4
  • Spatial Orientation1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.24.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.12.9
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.85.9
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Getting Information3.52.9
  • Processing Information3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.42.7
Show all 41
  • Training and Teaching Others3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.12.7
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.02.6
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Exchange greetings with a coworker
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.92.6
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Thinking Creatively2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.72.9
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Developing and Building Teams2.41.7Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.11.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.5—
  • Working with Computers1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.4—
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.4—
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.4
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.0
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.0
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals3.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate3.9
  • Contact With Others3.8
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable3.8
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions3.8
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities3.7

Technology

5 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (3)

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Microsoft Excel
Other tools (2)
  • Adobe FreeHand MX
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  2. Etchers and Engravers
  3. Painters, Construction and Maintenance
  4. Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
  5. Furniture Finishers
  6. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  7. Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
  8. Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
  9. Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
  10. Foundry Mold and Coremakers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.