Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Paint, coat, or decorate articles such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.
How AI Impacts Each Task
13 tasks analyzed
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.
Place coated workpieces in ovens or dryers for specified times to dry or harden finishes.
Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags.
Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required.
Clean surfaces of workpieces in preparation for coating, using cleaning fluids, solvents, brushes, scrapers, steam, sandpaper, or cloth.
Rinse, drain, or wipe coated workpieces to remove excess coating material or to facilitate setting of finish coats on workpieces.
Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers.
Melt or heat coating materials to specified temperatures.
Conceal blemishes in workpieces, such as nicks and dents, using fillers such as putty.
Immerse workpieces into coating materials for specified times.
Cut out sections in surfaces of materials to be inlaid with decorative pieces, using patterns and knives or scissors.
Position and glue decorative pieces in cutout sections of workpieces, following patterns.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply coatings, such as paint, ink, or lacquer, to protect or decorate workpiece surfaces, using spray guns, pens, or brushes. | 75Estimated | 63.0% | 25% | |
| Examine finished surfaces of workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and retouch any defective areas. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 12% | |
| Place coated workpieces in ovens or dryers for specified times to dry or harden finishes. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 5% | |
| Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags. | 30Estimated | 45.0% | 10% | |
| Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 10% | |
| Clean surfaces of workpieces in preparation for coating, using cleaning fluids, solvents, brushes, scrapers, steam, sandpaper, or cloth. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 12% | |
| Rinse, drain, or wipe coated workpieces to remove excess coating material or to facilitate setting of finish coats on workpieces. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 8% | |
| Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 5% | |
| Melt or heat coating materials to specified temperatures. | 65Estimated | 59.0% | 3% | |
| Conceal blemishes in workpieces, such as nicks and dents, using fillers such as putty. | 15Estimated | 15.0% | 4% | |
| Immerse workpieces into coating materials for specified times. | 65Estimated | 59.0% | 2% | |
| Cut out sections in surfaces of materials to be inlaid with decorative pieces, using patterns and knives or scissors. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 2% | |
| Position and glue decorative pieces in cutout sections of workpieces, following patterns. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis