SOC 51-9123
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Risk Score
⚠️56/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥8,470
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$41K
$28K – $63K
Projected Growth
📈+1.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖10/100
Low exposure
💡 Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers face a risk score of 56/100 — 12 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $41K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 56/100, Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 8,470 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 57% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 67% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 76% |