Summary Report for:
51-9124.00 - Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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.
The occupation code you requested, 51-9121.00 (Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 51-9124.00 (Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders) instead.
Sample of reported job titles: Automotive Painter (Auto Painter), Automotive Refinish Technician (Auto Refinish Tech), Coater Operator, Hand Sprayer, Industrial Painter, Paint Technician, Powder Coater, Silk Screen Operator, Spray Painter, Top Coater
Easy ReadTasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
- Hold or position spray guns to direct spray onto articles.
- Fill hoppers, reservoirs, troughs, or pans with material used to coat, paint, or spray, using conveyors or pails.
- Start and stop operation of machines, using levers or buttons.
- Determine paint flow, viscosity, and coating quality by performing visual inspections, or by using viscometers.
- Attach hoses or nozzles to machines, using wrenches and pliers, and make adjustments to obtain the proper dispersion of spray.
- 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.
- Observe machine gauges and equipment operation to detect defects or deviations from standards, and make adjustments as necessary.
- Examine, measure, weigh, or test sample products to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Thread or feed items or products through or around machine rollers and dryers.
- Weigh or measure chemicals, coatings, or paints before adding them to machines.
- Operate auxiliary machines or equipment used in coating or painting processes.
- Remove materials, parts, or workpieces from painting or coating machines, using hand tools.
- Record operational data on specified forms.
- Prepare and apply stencils, computer-generated decals, or other decorative items to finished products.
- Adjust controls on infrared ovens, heat lamps, portable ventilators, or exhaust units to speed the drying of surfaces between coats.
- Apply primer over any repairs made to surfaces.
- Apply rust-resistant undercoats and caulk and seal seams.
- Buff and wax the finished paintwork.
- Clean equipment and work areas.
- Disassemble, clean, and reassemble sprayers or power equipment, using solvents, wire brushes, and cloths.
- Dispose of hazardous waste in an appropriate manner.
- Fill small dents or scratches with body fillers and smooth surfaces to prepare for painting.
- Mix paints to match color specifications or original colors, stirring or thinning paints, using spatulas or power mixing equipment.
- Monitor painting operations to identify flaws, such as blisters or streaks, and correct their causes.
- Operate lifting or moving devices to move equipment or materials to access areas to be painted.
- Remove grease, dirt, paint, or rust from surfaces in preparation for paint application, using abrasives, solvents, brushes, blowtorches, washing tanks, or sandblasters.
- Sand and apply sealer to properly dried finish.
- Set up portable equipment, such as ventilators, exhaust units, ladders, or scaffolding.
- Spray prepared surfaces with specified amounts of primers and decorative or finish coatings.
- Use brush to hand-paint areas in need of retouching or unreachable with a spray gun.
Technology Skills
- Calendar and scheduling software — Scheduling software
- Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software
- Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook
- Facilities management software — Maintenance management software
- Industrial control software — Robotic painting software
- Inventory management software — Inventory control software
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software — Materials requirement planning MRP software
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Time accounting software — Time recording software
- Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
Tools Used
- Abrasive discs — Abrasive disc wheels
- Adjustable wrenches — Adjustable hand wrenches; Adjustable wrench sets
- Air compressors
- Air exhausters — Exhaust units
- Atomizers — Rotary atomizers
- Blow torch — Blow torches; Gas torches
- Claw hammer — Claw hammers
- Coating machines — Product coating machines
- Compressed air gun — Compressed air systems
- Desktop computers
- Forklifts — Wheeled forklifts
- Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus — Oxyacetylene welding equipment
- Goggles — Safety goggles
- Gravity pump — Airless gravity pumps
- Hand trucks or accessories — Handcarts
- Heat guns — Hot air guns
- Hoists — Electric hoists; Hoisting equipment
- Infrared lamps — Infrared drying lamps
- Jacks — Hydraulic jacks
- Ladders — Step ladders
- Mainframe console or dumb terminals — Computer terminals
- Manlift or personnel lift — Manlift buckets
- Metal inert gas welding machine — Metal inert gas MIG welding equipment
- Paint application system — Electrostatic paint systems; Paint booths
- Paint brushes — Paint application brushes; Specialized paint brushes
- Paint mixers — Automated paint mixing equipment; Power paint mixers
- Paint robots — Robotic paint equipment
- Paint rollers — Paint application rollers
- Paint sprayers — High volume low pressure HVLP spray guns; Low volume high pressure LVHP sprayers; Paint spray guns; Paint sprayguns (see all 6 examples)
- Pallet trucks — Pallet jacks
- Personal computers
- Plasma arc welding machine — Plasma cutters
- Pneumatic sanding machines — Sandblasters
- Power buffers — Portable buffers
- Power drills
- Power riveter — Rivet guns
- Power sanders
- Pressure or steam cleaners — Steam cleaners
- Protective gloves — Safety gloves
- Respirators — Protective respirators; Respiratory protection equipment
- Safety glasses
- Sand blasting machine — Sand blasters
- Scaffolding
- Screwdrivers — Straight screwdrivers
- Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine — Shielded arc welding tools
- Slip joint pliers
- Stencils or lettering aids — Paint stencils
- Thermal spray machine — Thermal spray systems
- Tungsten inert gas welding machine — Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment
- Vehicle lift — Trucklifts
- Viscosimeters — Paint viscometers; Viscosity meters
- Wire brushes — Wire cleaning brushes
- Workshop cranes
Skills
All 5 displayed- Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Abilities
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
- Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
- Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
- Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
- Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
- Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
- Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
- Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Work Activities
- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Detailed Work Activities
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
- Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
- Operate painting or coating equipment.
- Inspect finishes of workpieces or finished products.
- Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
- Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
- Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
- Connect supply lines to production equipment or tools.
- Record operational or production data.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
- Attach decorative or functional accessories to products.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Weigh finished products.
- Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
- Clean production equipment.
- Prepare surfaces for finishing.
- Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
- Clean work areas.
- Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
- Dispose of trash or waste materials.
- Fill cracks, imperfections, or holes in products or workpieces.
- Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products.
- Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities
Work Context
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 95% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 84% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 88% responded “Every day.”
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 20% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Spend Time Standing
- Time Pressure — 11% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
- Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 18% responded “Very important.”
- Spend Time Walking and Running
- Frequency of Decision Making — 12% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
- Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Work With Work Group or Team
- Contact With Others
- Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Physical Proximity — 52% responded “Moderately close (at arm's length).”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 30% responded “Moderate responsibility.”
- Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Duration of Typical Work Week — 48% responded “40 hours.”
- Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 24% responded “More than half the time.”
- Freedom to Make Decisions — 58% responded “Limited freedom.”
- Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 43% responded “Limited responsibility.”
Job Zone
| Title | Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed |
| Education | These occupations usually require a high school diploma. |
| Related Experience | Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public. |
| Job Training | Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. |
| Job Zone Examples | These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers. |
| SVP Range | (4.0 to < 6.0) |
Education
 Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Required |
|---|---|
57   |
High school diploma or equivalent  |
| 37 |
Less than high school diploma |
| 4 |
Some college, no degree |
Interests
Interest code: RCI Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.
- Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Work Styles
- Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
- Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Work Values
- Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
- Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Related Occupations
Wages & Employment Trends
| Median wages (2020) | $18.78 hourly, $39,060 annual |
| State wages | |
| Local wages | |
| Employment (2020) | 143,400 employees |
| Projected growth (2020-2030) | 
Average (5% to 10%)
|
| Projected job openings (2020-2030) | 15,900 |
| State trends | |
| Top industries (2020) | |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data
and 2020-2030 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
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