How To Become A Spray Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a spray operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a spray operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $17.14 an hour? That's $35,641 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 2% and produce 2,700 job opportunities across the U.S.

ScoreSpray OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $35,641

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.56%

Asian 3.50%

Black or African American 10.95%

Hispanic or Latino 18.04%

Unknown 4.06%

White 62.90%

Gender

female 13.06%

male 86.94%

Age - 41.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41.5

Stress level

6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a spray operator

Explore spray operator education requirements

Most common spray operator degrees

High School Diploma

46.9 %

Associate

19.4 %

Bachelor's

19.4 %

Start to develop specific spray operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Calipers	24.18%
Grit	17.64%
Machine Operation	13.98%
CDL	13.74%
Hand Tools	8.76%

Complete relevant spray operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New spray operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a spray operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real spray operator resumes.

Research spray operator duties and responsibilities

Spray paint special make glass products including drink glasses and candles both free-hand and using CNC guide paint arm.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.

Prepare your spray operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your spray operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a spray operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable spray operator resume templates

Build a professional spray operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your spray operator resume.