Industrial Painters, Coaters, and Metal Finishing Process Operators

(NOC 9536)

in All Manufacturing and Utilities

Industrial painters and coaters operate and tend machines or use brushes and spray equipment to apply paint, enamel, lacquer or other non-metallic protective and decorative coatings to surfaces of various products. Metal finishing process operators operate machines or equipment to deposit metallized substances on workpieces and surfaces to provide decorative, protective and restorative coatings. These workers are employed by manufacturing companies and custom refinishing, coating and plating shops.

Job Outlook

Average

Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 65 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2016

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Estimate Weak growth employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 1275 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2016

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Industrial Painters, Coaters, and Metal Finishing Process Operators most commonly work full-time hours.

The median employment income for 57% of Industrial Painters, Coaters, and Metal Finishing Process Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $48,236. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

$12.55

Minimum

$18.50

Median

$30.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,771

Minimum

$36,550

Median

$74,851

Maximum

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Hourly Pay

$12.55

Minimum

$18.75

Median

$30.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$6,056

Minimum

$30,111

Median

$70,518

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Industrial painters and coaters perform some or all of the following duties:

Select appropriate paint or mix paints using automated paint mixing equipment according to a pre-determined formula.
Operate or tend equipment to clean, wash, strip, sand, remove corrosion, fill dents, or otherwise prepare items for application of paint, lacquer or other protective or decorative coatings.
Operate or tend automated spray paint, dip or flow coating equipment or other mechanized painting or product coating application equipment.
Operate hand-held spray guns to spray paint or coat stationary items or items on moving conveyor system with protective or decorative coatings.
Paint small items and apply touch-ups using paint brushes.
Clean and maintain painting and coating, ventilation, compressed air and personal protective equipment.
May prepare and apply stencils, computer-generated decals or other decorative items on finished products.

Metal finishing process operators perform some or all of the following duties:

Prepare and mix metallizing solutions according to formulas or specifications.
Operate or tend equipment to clean, degrease, pickle and etch metal and non-metal surfaces to prepare workpieces with desired surface characteristics.
Tend automatic metal coating machines which convey objects through a series of cleaning, rinsing and plating solutions.
Operate and control electroplating equipment to coat metal and other workpieces.
Operate hot-dip metal plating equipment to galvanize metal and other workpieces.
Operate spray equipment to build up worn or damaged parts or to bond protective or decorative coatings on various objects.
Check proper thickness of plating using micrometers, calipers or other devices.
May operate equipment to polish metallic surfaces of products.
May tend ovens which cure metal coating.

Sample job titles

airbrush painter
assembly line painter
decal applier
industrial painter
production painter
sign letterer
spray painter
undercoater - motor vehicle manufacturing

Skills

These jobs require mechanical aptitude and physical fitness. Good spatial perception, form perception, and hand-eye coordination are important. You must be accurate and attentive to detail. Some high school education may be required. Completion of college or other courses may be required. On the job training is usually provided. Experience as an assembler may be required for inspectors.

Job requirements

Some high school education is usually required.
Several months of on-the-job training are usually provided.
Some industrial painters, such as aviation painters, may require specialized training and certification or college courses.

Other considerations

Some experience in operating production machinery or equipment may be required. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

220

employed in 2016

94.8%

employed full-time

9.1%

self employed

8.2%

91.8%

44.8

median age

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

15,275

employed in 2016

86.6%

employed full-time

3.1%

self employed

27.6%

72.4%

44.7

median age

Where will I likely work?

34.4%

Halifax

27.9%

North Shore

19.7%

Southern

8.2%

Cape Breton

8.2%

Annapolis Valley

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

40.9%

Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

13.6%

Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)

13.6%

Other Industries

11.4%

Rubber, Plastics & Chemical Manufacturing

6.8%

Construction

What is the age of Employment?

31.0%

55-64

20.7%

35-44

20.7%

45-54

13.8%

15-24

13.8%

25-34

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

41.6%

45-54

28.6%

55-64

20.8%

35-44

5.2%

25-34

2.6%

15-24

Top levels of education

40.4%

High school

$28,885 median annual income

19.3%

Less than high school

$25,213 median annual income

19.3%

College certificate or diploma

$31,238 median annual income

14.0%

Trades certificate

$52,592 median annual income

5.3%

Bachelor's degree

N/A

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

38.1%

High school

$28,358 median annual income

22.9%

Less than high school

$21,011 median annual income

20.3%

College certificate or diploma

$36,968 median annual income

12.4%

Trades certificate

$37,356 median annual income

4.4%

Bachelor's degree

$36,852 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Adult Learning

PO Box 220

Halifax, NS B3J 2M4

(866) 679-6722

admissions@nscc.ca