Somewhat Resilient
Last Update: 10/7/2026
AI Resilience Score for Painters, Coaters, Decorators:
36.5%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
High
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Low
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Low
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
Most data sources align, with only minor variation. This is a well-supported result.
AI Resilience Report forPainting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
$41,600 median salary•700 annual openings•SOC Code: 51-9123.00
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 7 sources.
Painting and coating work is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because automation is genuinely changing parts of this field, especially in factories and large commercial projects, where robots can now paint walls up to ten times faster than human crews. That said, the transition is gradual, and skilled human judgment, dexterity, and craftsmanship are still essential for custom conditions, quality checks, and complex jobsite challenges that machines struggle to handle.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is somewhat resilient
Painting and coating work is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because automation is genuinely changing parts of this field, especially in factories and large commercial projects, where robots can now paint walls up to ten times faster than human crews. That said, the transition is gradual, and skilled human judgment, dexterity, and craftsmanship are still essential for custom conditions, quality checks, and complex jobsite challenges that machines struggle to handle.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Painters, Coaters, Decorators
Updated quarterly
How can Painters, Coaters, Decorators prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Painters, Coaters, Decorators
These articles highlight how AI is transforming the painting and decorating industry, offering both opportunities and challenges for future workers. For instance, AI tools enhance precision, allowing for flawless lines and coatings, which can improve job quality. However, insights suggest that while AI will change job roles, it won't fully replace painters. Understanding these trends can help students adapt and thrive in a tech-enhanced environment, ensuring they remain valuable in a profession that is evolving with AI advancements.
51-9123.00 - Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
www.onetonline.org • 9/20/2026
Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather. Sample of reported job titles: Decaler, ... Read more
How AI Will Revolutionise the Painting & Decorating Industry
www.paintaccess.com.au • 9/20/2026
The use of AI tools has led to more precision and accuracy for painters. For example, straightening of the lines and coating of the surfaces may be even done by ... Read more
Will AI replace painters?
www.careerexplorer.com • 9/20/2026
Sep 7, 2026 — AI is already changing what painters do. Here's what that means for your career — and what to do about it.
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers & AI in 2026
www.airesilience.org • 9/20/2026
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers are less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 6 sources. This career is ... Read more
AI Innovations in Paints and Coatings | PDF
www.scribd.com • 9/20/2026
Here are three ways AI-based quality control can help the painting and coating industry –. 1. Improved Accuracy AI algorithms detect defects and quality ... Read more
More Career Info
Career: Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
They add color and designs to products by applying paints and coatings to make them look better and last longer.
Parent Careers
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$41,600
Jobs (2025)
8,200
Growth (2025-35)
+1.3%
Annual Openings
700
Education
No formal educational credential
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Conceal blemishes in workpieces, such as nicks and dents, using fillers such as putty.
2
Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags.
3
Clean surfaces of workpieces in preparation for coating, using cleaning fluids, solvents, brushes, scrapers, steam, sandpaper, or cloth.
4
Apply coatings, such as paint, ink, or lacquer, to protect or decorate workpiece surfaces, using spray guns, pens, or brushes.
5
Examine finished surfaces of workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and retouch any defective areas.
6
Rinse, drain, or wipe coated workpieces to remove excess coating material or to facilitate setting of finish coats on workpieces.
7
Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
