Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

SOC code 51-9123 · O*NET-SOC 51-9123.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$41,600

a year

Hourly

$20.00

per hour

10th$31,470Median$41,60090th$60,820

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$45,210

$21.73 per hour

Middle 50%

$37,030 – $50,360

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$31,470 – $60,820

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

7,940

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $31,470; $15.13/hr
25th percentile: $37,030; $17.80/hr
Median percentile: $41,600; $20.00/hr
75th percentile: $50,360; $24.21/hr
90th percentile: $60,820; $29.24/hr

What do painting, coating, and decorating workers do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Apply coatings, such as paint, ink, or lacquer, to protect or decorate workpiece surfaces, using spray guns, pens, or brushes.
Examine finished surfaces of workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and retouch any defective areas.
Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers.
Place coated workpieces in ovens or dryers for specified times to dry or harden finishes.
Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags.
Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required.
Clean surfaces of workpieces in preparation for coating, using cleaning fluids, solvents, brushes, scrapers, steam, sandpaper, or cloth.
Conceal blemishes in workpieces, such as nicks and dents, using fillers such as putty.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 59% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — 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.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Less than a High School Diploma59%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)21%
Some College Courses17%
Post-Secondary Certificate3%

Common questions

How much does a painting, coating, and decorating workers earn?

The national median is $41,600 a year. The full range runs from $31,470 at the 10th percentile to $60,820 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a painting, coating, and decorating workers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening2.9/5
Monitoring2.9/5
Reading Comprehension2.8/5
Speaking2.8/5
Critical Thinking2.8/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing3.1/5
English Language3.0/5
Customer and Personal Service2.8/5
Education and Training2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making.