SOC 51-9123
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ56/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ8,470
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$41K
$28K โ $63K
Projected Growth
๐+1.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers face a risk score of 56/100 โ 12 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $41K. 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 56/100, Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 8,470 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
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
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.
Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags.
Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required.
Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers.
๐ป Technology Skills
Graphics or photo imaging software
Office suite software
Spreadsheet software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
English Language
Customer and Personal Service
Education and Training
Design
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 | 57% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 67% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 76% |