SOC 51-9124
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ60/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ159,500
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$48K
$35K โ $73K
Projected Growth
๐+0.7%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค34/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders face a risk score of 60/100 โ 16 points above the national average of 44. With only 34/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $48K ($1K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 60/100, Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 159,500 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and handling non-standard materials and configurations to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Dispose of hazardous waste in an appropriate manner.
Hold or position spray guns to direct spray onto articles.
Spray prepared surfaces with specified amounts of primers and decorative or finish coatings.
Monitor painting operations to identify flaws, such as blisters or streaks, and correct their causes.
Disassemble, clean, and reassemble sprayers or power equipment, using solvents, wire brushes, and cloths.
๐ป Technology Skills
Inventory management software
Facilities management software
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
English Language
Production and Processing
Education and Training
Chemistry
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 65% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 55% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 84% |