Painters, Transportation Equipment

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About the Job

Operate or tend painting machines to paint surfaces of transportation equipment, such as automobiles, buses, trucks, trains, boats, and airplanes. Includes painters in auto body repair facilities.

It is also Called

  • Aircraft Painter
  • Aircraft Painter Apprentice
  • Auto Body Painter
  • Auto Body Painter (Automobile Body Painter)
  • Auto Body Technician (Automobile Body Technician)
  • Auto Painter
  • Auto Painter (Automobile Painter)
  • Auto Refinisher (Automobile Refinisher)
  • Auto Striper
  • Automotive Paint Technician

What They Do

  • Buff and wax the finished paintwork.
  • Dispose of hazardous waste in an appropriate manner.
  • Select paint according to company requirements, and match colors of paint following specified color charts.
  • Mix paints to match color specifications or vehicles' original colors, then stir and thin the paints, using spatulas or power mixing equipment.
  • Remove grease, dirt, paint, or rust from vehicle surfaces in preparation for paint application, using abrasives, solvents, brushes, blowtorches, washing tanks, or sandblasters.
  • Pour paint into spray guns and adjust nozzles and paint mixes for proper paint flow and coating thickness.
  • Monitor painting operations to identify flaws, such as blisters or streaks, and correct their causes.
  • Sand vehicle surfaces between coats of paint or primer to remove flaws and enhance adhesion for subsequent coats.
  • Disassemble, clean, and reassemble sprayers and power equipment, using solvents, wire brushes, and cloths for cleaning duties.
  • Spray prepared surfaces with specified amounts of primers and decorative or finish coatings.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: RC.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Realistic interests, but also prefer Conventional environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Support, but also value Independence and Working Conditions in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Education Required

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $42,660.00 with most people making between $24,770.00 and $67,320.00

Outlook

0.20%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 5,100 people in California. It is projected that there will be 5,200 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 10 openings due to growth and about 110 replacement openings for approximately 120 total annual openings.



California Career Resource Network