Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers does

Painting, coating, and decorating workers apply protective or decorative finishes to products like furniture, vehicles, and industrial equipment using brushes, sprayers, or other applicators. They may also add designs, patterns, or details to enhance the final product's appearance.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.

Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers — $74,450/yr
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers — $48,570/yr
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers — $53,750/yr
• Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders — $43,220/yr
• Machinists — $58,750/yr