# Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

> Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-9123.00
- **Summary:** Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.

## Aliases

- Decorator
- Glazer
- Painter
- Pottery Decorator
- Decaler
- Glass Decorator
- In Mold Coater
- Silk-Screen Operator
- Spray Painter
- Sprayer
- Air Brush Decorator
- Air Brush Operator

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Apply coatings, such as paint, ink, or lacquer, to protect or decorate workpiece surfaces, using spray guns, pens, or brushes. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |
| Examine finished surfaces of workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and retouch any defective areas. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers. | Supplemental | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Place coated workpieces in ovens or dryers for specified times to dry or harden finishes. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Clean surfaces of workpieces in preparation for coating, using cleaning fluids, solvents, brushes, scrapers, steam, sandpaper, or cloth. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.h |
| Conceal blemishes in workpieces, such as nicks and dents, using fillers such as putty. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.am |
| Rinse, drain, or wipe coated workpieces to remove excess coating material or to facilitate setting of finish coats on workpieces. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.h |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products. | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |
| Inspect finishes of workpieces or finished products. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Operate painting or coating equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Clean production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Maintain production or processing equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Clean workpieces or finished products. | 4.A.3.a.1.h |
| Load items into ovens or furnaces. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Select production input materials. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Mix ingredients to create specific finishes. | 4.A.3.a.1.a |
| Fill cracks, imperfections, or holes in products or workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.am |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.62 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.5 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3.38 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.25 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.11 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3 |
| English Language | knowledge | 2.97 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 2.88 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 2.88 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 2.88 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 2.77 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 2.75 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 2.75 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 2.75 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 2.75 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.75 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 2.75 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 2.62 |
| Control Precision | ability | 2.62 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 2.62 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 2.54 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 2.5 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 2.5 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 2.5 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 2.5 |
| Design | knowledge | 2.41 |
| Service Orientation | transferable_skill | 2.38 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 2.38 |
| Chemistry | knowledge | 2.37 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 2.32 |
| Writing | essential_skill | 2.25 |
| Originality | ability | 2.25 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 2.25 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Adobe Photoshop | Specialized Skill |
| Adobe Illustrator | Specialized Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Adobe Illustrator | Graphics or photo imaging software | yes | no |
| Adobe Photoshop | Graphics or photo imaging software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Adobe FreeHand MX | Graphics or photo imaging software | no | no |
| Corel WordPerfect Office Suite | Office suite software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.76 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.4 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 3.95 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.91 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.85 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.83 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.81 |
| Contact With Others | 3.77 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.68 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.65 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.41 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.38 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.32 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 3.22 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.21 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.09 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 2.95 |
| E-Mail | 2.9 |
| Time Pressure | 2.86 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 2.82 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 2.79 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.74 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 2.66 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 2.58 |
| Level of Competition | 2.49 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 2.45 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 2.43 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.42 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.34 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 2.31 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 2.26 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.19 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.12 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.11 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.1 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.08 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.02 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 1.9 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 1.84 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 59.01 |
| High School Diploma | 21.21 |
| Some College Courses | 17.01 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 2.77 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.93 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 4 |
| Applied Arts and Design | specific_interest_area | 3.53 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 3.49 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 3.42 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.4 |
| Visual Arts | specific_interest_area | 3.26 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.11 |
| Dependability | work_style | 1.78 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.57 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 1.41 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 1.35 |
| Performing Arts | specific_interest_area | 1.35 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.34 |
| Culinary Art | specific_interest_area | 1.31 |
| Marketing/Advertising | specific_interest_area | 1.23 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-9124.00 | role-51-9124-00 | Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-9194.00 | role-51-9194-00 | Etchers and Engravers | Primary-Short |
| 47-2141.00 | role-47-2141-00 | Painters, Construction and Maintenance | Primary-Short |
| 51-9195.00 | role-51-9195-00 | Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-7021.00 | role-51-7021-00 | Furniture Finishers | Primary-Short |
| 51-9022.00 | role-51-9022-00 | Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 51-9031.00 | role-51-9031-00 | Cutters and Trimmers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 51-6011.00 | role-51-6011-00 | Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | Primary-Long |
| 51-6042.00 | role-51-6042-00 | Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-4071.00 | role-51-4071-00 | Foundry Mold and Coremakers | Primary-Long |
| 51-4193.00 | role-51-4193-00 | Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Supplemental |
| 51-9191.00 | role-51-9191-00 | Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Construction | construction |

## Education Level

- **Category:** No formal educational credential

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 40860
- **Mean Wage:** 44130
- **Pct10Wage:** 28490
- **Pct25Wage:** 34540
- **Pct75Wage:** 50700
- **Pct90Wage:** 62770
- **Employment:** 8470
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 5740 | 39440 | 8.19 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 750 | 45380 | 1.27 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 370 | 47050 | 0.43 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 330 | 44930 | 1.36 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 270 | 37140 | 0.81 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 240 | 36930 | 0.48 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 210 | 36380 | 1.44 |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 110 | 47900 | 7.71 |
| 339910 | 339910 | Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing | National industry | 80 | 35100 |  |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 80 | 34250 |  |
| 53 | 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Sector | 30 | 34490 |  |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector |  | 53620 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 5740 | 8.19 |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 110 | 7.71 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 210 | 1.44 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 330 | 1.36 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 750 | 1.27 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 270 | 0.81 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 240 | 0.48 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 370 | 0.43 |
- **Count:** 14

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.92 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.9705587 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.6129321 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.9510761 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 16
- **Percentile:** 13
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 19 | felten_aioe |
| 3 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 25 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.9705587 | 19 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0 | 3 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.08713701922111884 | 25 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.92
- **Percentile:** 82
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** yes

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0
- **Gamma:** 0

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 1.4
- **Growth Percentile:** 35
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.8
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 12
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 8.8
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 8.9

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 9
- **Skills:** 34
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 5
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 04692e08fc647ba1