# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-9124.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Automotive Painter (Auto Painter)
- Coater Operator
- Paint Technician (Paint Tech)
- Painter
- Automotive Refinish Technician (Auto Refinish Tech)
- Hand Sprayer
- Industrial Painter
- Powder Coater
- Spray Painter
- Top Coater
- Abrasive Coating Machine Operator
- Abrasive Coating Machine Setup Operator

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dispose of hazardous waste in an appropriate manner. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.e |
| Hold or position spray guns to direct spray onto articles. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Spray prepared surfaces with specified amounts of primers and decorative or finish coatings. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |
| Monitor painting operations to identify flaws, such as blisters or streaks, and correct their causes. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Fill hoppers, reservoirs, troughs, or pans with material used to coat, paint, or spray, using conveyors or pails. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Disassemble, clean, and reassemble sprayers or power equipment, using solvents, wire brushes, and cloths. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Thread or feed items or products through or around machine rollers and dryers. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Clean equipment and work areas. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Weigh or measure chemicals, coatings, or paints before adding them to machines. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Start and stop operation of machines, using levers or buttons. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Apply rust-resistant undercoats and caulk and seal seams. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |
| Operate auxiliary machines or equipment used in coating or painting processes. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.3.f |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Inspect finishes of workpieces or finished products. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Operate painting or coating equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Load materials into production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Feed materials or products into or through equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Connect supply lines to production equipment or tools. | 4.A.3.a.2.ah |
| Remove products or workpieces from production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.an |
| Weigh finished products. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products. | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |
| Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products. | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Clean work areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Clean production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair. | 4.A.3.a.2.s |
| Dispose of trash or waste materials. | 4.A.3.a.1.e |
| Smooth metal surfaces or edges. | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Fill cracks, imperfections, or holes in products or workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.am |
| Mix ingredients to create specific finishes. | 4.A.3.a.1.a |
| Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Prepare surfaces for finishing. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Assemble temporary equipment or structures. | 4.A.3.a.2.a |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.75 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.75 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3.75 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.62 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.25 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.25 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.12 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.12 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.12 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Repairing | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3 |
| Dynamic Strength | ability | 3 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 2.99 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Equipment Selection | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 2.88 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.88 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 2.88 |
| Rate Control | ability | 2.88 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 2.88 |
| Stamina | ability | 2.88 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 2.88 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 2.75 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 2.75 |

## Skills

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

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Inventory control software | Inventory management software | no | no |
| Inventory management systems | Inventory management software | no | no |
| Maintenance management software | Facilities management software | no | no |
| Materials requirement planning MRP software | Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software | no | no |
| Robotic painting software | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Scheduling software | Calendar and scheduling software | no | no |
| Time recording software | Time accounting software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.83 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.66 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.61 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.48 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.35 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.28 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.25 |
| Time Pressure | 4.23 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.19 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.1 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.04 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.96 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 3.84 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.8 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.79 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.77 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.69 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 3.67 |
| Contact With Others | 3.52 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.42 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.36 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.29 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.28 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.26 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.22 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.09 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 2.87 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 2.81 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 2.73 |
| Level of Competition | 2.64 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 2.48 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.37 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.35 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.34 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 2.32 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.32 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.3 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.22 |
| Exposed to High Places | 2.2 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 2.11 |

## 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 |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 62.67 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 26.66 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 7.07 |
| Some College Courses | 3.6 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.98 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 4.94 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.64 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 2.84 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 2.76 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.16 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 2.11 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.07 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.06 |
| Applied Arts and Design | specific_interest_area | 1.94 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 1.79 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.76 |
| Visual Arts | specific_interest_area | 1.75 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.49 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 1.31 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.23 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-9123.00 | role-51-9123-00 | Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers | Primary-Short |
| 51-4193.00 | role-51-4193-00 | Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 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-Short |
| 51-9191.00 | role-51-9191-00 | Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 47-2141.00 | role-47-2141-00 | Painters, Construction and Maintenance | Primary-Long |
| 51-2051.00 | role-51-2051-00 | Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators | Primary-Long |
| 51-6061.00 | role-51-6061-00 | Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-9192.00 | role-51-9192-00 | Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-4072.00 | role-51-4072-00 | Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Supplemental |
| 51-9041.00 | role-51-9041-00 | Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Supply Chain & Transportation | supply-chain-transportation |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians | mechanic-and-repair-technologies-technicians |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 47590
- **Mean Wage:** 51610
- **Pct10Wage:** 35480
- **Pct25Wage:** 39470
- **Pct75Wage:** 58740
- **Pct90Wage:** 72800
- **Employment:** 159500
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 107710 | 46900 | 8.16 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 29170 | 52010 | 6.37 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 4890 | 39350 | 0.52 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 4760 | 48730 | 0.62 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 4160 | 47370 | 0.26 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 4050 | 44620 | 0.65 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 3810 | 38970 | 1.39 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 2170 | 54530 | 0.26 |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 1610 | 44660 | 5.99 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 990 | 59020 | 0.09 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 630 | 59070 | 0.53 |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 480 | 48020 | 0.18 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 107710 | 8.16 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 29170 | 6.37 |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 1610 | 5.99 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 3810 | 1.39 |
| 423820 | 423820 | Farm and Garden Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers | National industry | 160 | 1.36 |
| 238310 | 238310 | Drywall and Insulation Contractors | National industry | 190 | 0.75 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 4050 | 0.65 |
| 459110 | 459110 | Sporting Goods Retailers | National industry | 190 | 0.62 |
- **Count:** 22

## Ai Signals


## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 10
- **Percentile:** 6
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 9 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 11 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 2

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.06521739130434782 | 9 | 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) | 0.05118615715098629 | 11 | 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. |

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.021739130434782608
- **Beta:** 0.043478260869565216
- **Gamma:** 0.06521739130434782

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 0.7
- **Growth Percentile:** 30
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 15.8
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 74
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 165.5
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 166.7

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 29
- **Skills:** 35
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 11
- **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:** 0f5f0cc68f163584