Industrial Painters, Coaters, and Metal Finishing Process Operators
(NOC 9536)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesIndustrial 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
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
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
$11.00
Minimum$18.50
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,771
Minimum$36,550
Median$74,851
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$12.00
Minimum$18.75
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
Other Industries
Rubber, Plastics & Chemical Manufacturing
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
45-54
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$28,885 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$31,238 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,213 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$52,592 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,358 median annual incomeLess than high school
$21,011 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$36,968 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$37,356 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,852 median annual incomeEducation & 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
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.