While there are many different career options for individuals looking to earn a stable, secure living without facing the uncertainties of unemployment, not all careers offer the same level of security. Some have a much higher risk of job loss than others. While some fields are consistently thriving, others are currently experiencing a decline in demand. This means that sooner or later, nearly every industry is going to experience a shift in how they operate and need workers who can adjust quickly. Are you considering a good career path in the paints/coating industry? You should understand what is involved as well as the level to which your field will provide stability over time. Read on to find out if this particular career path makes sense for you and your family.
What is a paints/coating career path?
Industrial painters and coating workers are responsible for applying paint or coating to equipment and other structures. They work in manufacturing, aerospace, food and beverage, oil and gas, paper, and other industries. Employees in the paints/coating industry are generally hired on a project basis, not as permanent full-time employees. When a client is ready to start work on a project, the painter or coating employee is brought in to do the job. When the job is finished, the painter or coating employee is dismissed and may be hired again for another project. Industrial painters and coating workers typically work on their own with no supervisor or manager to report to. Generally, the company for which they are working is the only employer that a painter or coating employee may work for.
Stages of Painting and Coating
- Painting – The painter applies a single coat of paint to the surface to be coated. This is the base coat.
- Coating – The middle coat is applied to the surface.
- Protective Clear Coat – The final coat is the clear coat to protect the painted surface.
Keep in my these three stages are only for some projects. What you have to do in a paints/coating career path may be completely different.
The Demand for Industrial Painters and Coatings
The industrial painting and coating industry is expected to grow at a rate of 3.1% during the next decade. As of 2014, more than 1 million industrial painters, coating workers, and related workers were employed in the U.S. The job outlook for industrial painters and coating workers is expected to be excellent over the next ten years. The high-growth sectors for industrial painters and coatings are the manufacturing, construction, automotive, and mining industries. Growing demand for oil, gas, and mining equipment and facilities has led to an increase in the need for industrial painters to produce high-quality coatings for this equipment.
Major Employers of Industrial Painters and Coatings
Some of the most recognizable brands in the world use industrial paint or coatings to give their products an elegant look. The companies that use these paints and coatings include Apple Inc., Boeing, Google, Nike Inc., and General Electric. Other sectors where industrial painters and coatings are in high demand include healthcare, construction, automotive, and food and beverage industries. Industrial painting and coating companies face fierce competition from one another in some of these industries, so finding a job with a good company is essential. Even if the pay isn’t as good, the benefits and job security can make it worth working for a company that uses lower-quality paints and coatings.
What Skills are Required to Become an Industrial Painter?
Most industrial painters and coating workers work in a particular style of commercial, industrial, or residential painting. This style has its own set of industry standards, terminology, and equipment. To become an industrial painter or coating, you’ll need to complete a two-year apprenticeship in a training program approved by the state. You’ll learn how to apply the paint and how to use the equipment. Once you’re certified, you’ll be able to enter the job market. You’ll also need to invest time in learning the industry’s skills. Start by taking a commercial painting course at a community or vocational center. To improve your skills, you’ll need to continue taking painting courses that are available online or at a community or vocational center. To stay current on the latest techniques, you should also subscribe to magazines or attend free paint and coatings industry training sessions.
Determining if a Paints/Coating career path is Right for You
Industrial painters and coating workers have a very high rate of job security. Being hired to work on a large project by a contracting company is a good way to begin a career. Large companies may offer job security, but they often have stringent requirements for entry-level positions. You’ll need to have experience in the field and an apprenticeship certificate or two years of post-secondary education. If you’d like a career with fewer restrictions, but one that offers more job security than many other professions, consider industrial painting and coating as a possible option. You’ll need to choose a field that has a high level of growth. These include healthcare, oil, gas, and mining equipment, as well as food and beverage.
What are the job prospects for a career in industrial paints/coating?
Those who choose this field should expect to be hired by a contracting company on a project basis. They may be able to find full-time employment with a large company, but most people who choose to become industrial painters and coatings are self-employed. Some industrial painters and coatings work on a project basis and some work permanently. The work can be very physically demanding and should be done in an environmental-controlled area. Industrial painting and coating projects are usually completed outdoors and in the open air. However, due to the nature of the work, you should avoid painting near water or in a place that’s very hot or very cold.
Read more about job prospects in our article on the top 10 best-paying jobs in paints/coatings.
Bottom Line
Industrial painters and coatings are responsible for applying paint or coating to equipment and other structures. They work in manufacturing, aerospace, food and beverage, oil and gas, paper, and other industries. Industrial painters and coatings are generally hired on a project basis, not as permanent employees. When a client is ready to start work on a project, the painter or coating employee is brought in to do the job. When the job is finished, the painter or coating employee is dismissed and may be hired again for another project. An Industrial paints/coating career generally is a path to work on their own with no supervisor or manager to report to. These skills are in high demand in many industries, but the job outlook is especially good in the oil, gas, and mining industries. Job growth is expected to be especially strong in these areas.
