FAQ
Industrial Painter FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an industrial painter.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an industrial painter: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about industrial painters
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
Is PPE required?
Yes, respirators and suits.
How much does an industrial painter make?
The median annual wage for industrial painters was $48,250 ($23.20 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,260 and the highest 10% earned more than $74,730.
How long does it take to become an industrial painter?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be an industrial painter?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is industrial painter a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.5% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 15,300 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that fumes.
What skills does an industrial painter need?
Key technical skills include spray technique, surface prep, powder coating, and coating mixing. Employers also value attention to detail, patience, and safety focus.
What certifications are available for industrial painters?
Common credentials include PCI powder coating training, Respirator fit test, AMPP coating training, and OSHA 10. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Industrial Painter fit quiz, compare with Auto Body Technician, or explore Industrial Painter training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9124 (Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.