FAQ
Product Decorator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a product decorator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a product decorator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about product decorators
Do I need art training?
It helps, but not required.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects slight growth.
Where do decorators work?
Ceramics, glass, signs, toys and bakeries.
How much does a product decorator make?
The median annual wage for product decorators was $41,600 ($20.00 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,470 and the highest 10% earned more than $60,820.
How long does it take to become a product decorator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. No formal educational credential is required.
Do you need a degree to be a product decorator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is product decorator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +1.3% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 700 openings each year. Upsides include creative work; a common challenge is that repetitive designs.
What skills does a product decorator need?
Key technical skills include hand painting, pad printing, screen printing, and color mixing. Employers also value steady hands, creativity, and attention to detail.
What certifications are available for product decorators?
Common credentials include Art courses, Screen printing course, Spray booth safety, and Cake decorating course. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Product Decorator fit quiz, compare with Industrial Painter, or explore Product Decorator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9123 (Painting, coating, and decorating workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Painting, coating, and decorating workers (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.