Industrial Painter

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Some

Growth

0.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Industrial Painter?

An Industrial Painter is a skilled professional responsible for applying paint, varnishes, and other coatings to a variety of industrial surfaces. Their work ensures durability, rust prevention, and aesthetic appeal of machinery, vehicles, buildings, and other industrial equipment.

Sample job titles:

Automotive Painter (Auto Painter), Coater Operator, Paint Technician (Paint Tech), Painter

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Industrial Painter.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Industrial Painter earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$40K per year	$48K per year	$59K per year	$73K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $1.91K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Industrial Painter do?

Work environment

Industrial Painters typically work in manufacturing plants, shipyards, construction sites, or auto repair shops. The environment can be noisy and may involve exposure to fumes, dust, and chemicals, requiring adherence to safety protocols, including the use of protective gear.

Quick task list

Prepares surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, and applying primers.
Mixes and applies paints, varnishes, and coatings.
Operates equipment such as sprayers and brushes.
Maintains equipment and ensures a clean work environment.
Adheres to safety standards and environmental regulations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Automotive Painting: Specializing in painting automobiles and automotive parts.
Marine Painting: Focusing on painting ships and marine structures.
Aerospace Painting: Applying coatings to aircraft and spacecraft.
Protective Coating Application: Specializing in applying coatings that provide protection against corrosion and wear.
Decorative Finishing: Creating decorative finishes on industrial products and structures.

Description

As an Industrial Painter, one must have a keen understanding of the types of paint and coatings suitable for different materials and purposes. The job involves more than just applying paint; it requires preparation of surfaces to ensure that coatings adhere properly and last long. This might include cleaning, sanding, and applying primer. Industrial Painters must also be adept at mixing paint to achieve the correct color and consistency, as well as choosing the appropriate method of application, whether it's spraying, brushing, or rolling.

Attention to detail is essential, as the quality of their work directly impacts the functionality and longevity of the product. They must be skilled in different painting techniques and understand the chemical properties of the materials they use to prevent issues like corrosion. Adhering to safety standards is crucial, as they often work with hazardous substances and in environments where fumes can be a concern.

The role of an Industrial Painter is dynamic and can vary greatly depending on the industry and project. Working conditions can range from indoor shop environments to outdoor construction sites. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as is the ability to work as part of a team, especially on larger projects.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The tangible results of improving the appearance and durability of industrial products.
The variety of projects and environments in which they work.
The skill and craftsmanship involved in professional painting.

You might make a good Industrial Painter if you are...

Detail-oriented with a steady hand and good eye for color.
Comfortable working with a variety of tools and machinery.
Knowledgeable or interested in learning about different types of paints and their applications.
Able to follow safety guidelines and willing to wear protective equipment.
Enjoying physical work and are capable of standing for extended periods.

Pros:

Opportunities for employment across various industries.
Potential to work on a variety of projects, providing diverse experiences.
Satisfaction from producing tangible, visible results.

Cons:

Exposure to potentially hazardous materials and fumes.
Physically demanding work that may include uncomfortable positions and environments.
May involve working in loud and busy industrial settings.

How to become an Industrial Painter

Typical education

Most Industrial Painters have a high school diploma or equivalent, with most skills learned on the job. Some may attend vocational schools or participate in apprenticeship programs to gain specialized training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art courses to develop an understanding of color and design.
Vocational or technical education in painting or coatings.
Chemistry to understand the properties of different paints and solvents.
Shop classes to gain experience with tools and equipment.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining arts or crafts clubs.
Volunteering for community service projects that involve painting or construction.
Part-time or summer jobs in painting, construction, or manufacturing.

Preparation after high school

Attending vocational or trade schools specializing in industrial painting or coatings.
Apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs to gain practical experience.
Certification programs in specialized areas like hazardous materials handling.

More resources

National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) - Offers resources and certifications related to coatings and corrosion control.
Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) - Provides education and training for painting professionals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Safety guidelines and regulations for handling paints and chemicals.
American Coatings Association (ACA) - Industry news and resources for professionals in the coatings industry.

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