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Gelcoat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Explore Industries

Gelcoat Specialist

Marion, SC · On-site

$19.25 - $21/hr

Gelcoat Specialist Location : Marion, South Carolina Manufacturing Center Join the Explore Industries Team! At Explore Industries, we're more than just a leader in fiberglass swimming pool design and ...

The Hinckley Company

Gelcoat Patcher

Trenton, ME · On-site

Job Summary As a Gelcoat Patcher, you'll be part of a passionate crew dedicated to restoring the sleek surfaces of America's finest yachts. In this role, you'll inspect, repair, and refinish surfaces ...

The Hinckley Company

Gelcoat Patcher

Trenton, ME

Job Summary As a Gelcoat Patcher, you'll be part of a passionate crew dedicated to restoring the sleek surfaces of America's finest yachts. In this role, you'll inspect, repair, and refinish surfaces ...

The Hinckley Company

Gelcoat Patcher

Trenton, ME

Job Summary As a Gelcoat Patcher, you'll be part of a passionate crew dedicated to restoring the sleek surfaces of America's finest yachts. In this role, you'll inspect, repair, and refinish surfaces ...

The Hinckley Company

Gelcoat Patcher

Ellsworth, ME · On-site

Job Summary As a Gelcoat Patcher, you'll be part of a passionate crew dedicated to restoring the sleek surfaces of America's finest yachts. In this role, you'll inspect, repair, and refinish surfaces ...

Brunswick

Gel Coater (Nights)

Vonore, TN · On-site

$23.69 - $26.52/hr

Apply gelcoat evenly to molds, hulls, decks, and molded components using spray equipment to achieve required thickness, coverage, and finish quality. * Monitor application and curing processes to ...

Lund Boats

Gel Coater (Nights)

Vonore, TN

$23.69 - $26.52/hr

Apply gelcoat evenly to molds, hulls, decks, and molded components using spray equipment to achieve required thickness, coverage, and finish quality. * Monitor application and curing processes to ...

Scout Boats

Experienced Finisher

Summerville, SC · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

The finisher inspects each fiberglass part for defects in gelcoat surface and composite layers. Teamwork is a large factor in the success of the department. Quality standards, cost budgets ...

Scout Boats

Experienced Finisher

Summerville, SC

The finisher inspects each fiberglass part for defects in gelcoat surface and composite layers. Teamwork is a large factor in the success of the department. Quality standards, cost budgets ...

Scout Boats

Finisher

Summerville, SC · On-site

The finisher inspects each fiberglass part for defects in gelcoat surface, checks for bubbles, and put a high gloss finish on the transom seam where the deck and the hull are joined together.

Scout Boats

Finisher

Summerville, SC

The finisher inspects each fiberglass part for defects in gelcoat surface, checks for bubbles, and put a high gloss finish on the transom seam where the deck and the hull are joined together.Teamwork ...

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Gelcoat information

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$9

$18

$25

How much do gelcoat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for gelcoat in the United States is $18.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Gelcoat vs Fiberglass Technician?

AspectGelcoatFiberglass Technician
Primary RoleApplying protective and decorative coating to fiberglass surfacesFabricating, repairing, and finishing fiberglass structures
Required SkillsSurface preparation, spraying, finishingLaminating, sanding, repairing fiberglass
Work EnvironmentBoatyards, manufacturing plants, repair shopsBoatbuilding, repair shops, aerospace, automotive
CertificationsNone specific, often on-the-job trainingOSHA safety, fiberglass repair certifications

While Gelcoat specialists focus on applying protective coatings to fiberglass surfaces, Fiberglass Technicians handle the broader process of fabricating and repairing fiberglass structures. Both roles require knowledge of fiberglass materials, but Gelcoat work is more surface-oriented, whereas Fiberglass Technicians work on entire structures. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider in the fiberglass industry.

How much does a gelcoat repair cost?

Gelcoat repair costs typically range from $300 to $1,000 depending on the size and extent of the damage, with larger or more complex repairs costing more. Professionals often charge by the square foot or hour, and proper surface preparation and finishing are essential for a durable repair.

What are some typical challenges faced in a gelcoat applicator role, and how can they be addressed?

Gelcoat applicators often encounter challenges such as ensuring an even application, avoiding air bubbles, and maintaining a dust-free environment. Working in this role requires attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols, as exposure to chemicals is common. Collaborating closely with other team members, such as mold technicians and finishers, is essential to ensure high-quality finishes. Continuous learning and regular equipment maintenance can help address these challenges and promote efficiency and quality in daily tasks.

What are gelcoat jobs?

Gelcoat jobs involve applying a specialized resin, known as gelcoat, to the surface of fiberglass products such as boats, pools, and automotive parts. The gelcoat technician prepares the surface, mixes and applies the gelcoat material, and ensures a smooth, durable, and attractive finish. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of safety procedures, and skill in using spraying or rolling equipment. Gelcoat jobs are essential in industries where a protective and aesthetic finish is important for fiberglass products.

How to work with gel coat?

Working with gel coat involves surface preparation, such as cleaning and sanding, followed by applying the gel coat evenly using spray, brush, or roller techniques. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gear, and cure the gel coat properly to ensure a smooth, durable finish. Knowledge of mixing ratios and curing times is essential for quality results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Gelcoat Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gelcoat Technician, you need a strong understanding of surface preparation, gelcoat application, and repair techniques, often supported by experience in marine or automotive finishing. Familiarity with spray guns, sanders, buffing tools, and knowledge of safety protocols and possibly OSHA certification are typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure high-quality finishes, durability of products, and workplace safety in environments where precision and consistency are vital.

How tough is gelcoat?

Gelcoat is a durable, protective coating used in boat manufacturing and repair, and it is designed to resist impacts, scratches, and environmental damage. Its toughness depends on the formulation and application quality, but generally, it provides a hard, resilient surface that can withstand regular use and exposure. Proper surface preparation and curing are essential for optimal toughness and longevity.

What boat job pays the most?

In the boat industry, jobs such as marine project managers, naval architects, and experienced boatyard supervisors tend to have the highest salaries. Specialized roles requiring certifications, technical skills, and extensive experience generally offer higher pay compared to entry-level positions like gelcoat applicators or general laborers.
More about Gelcoat jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Gelcoat jobs? The most popular types of Gelcoat jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Gelcoat jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Gelcoat jobs are:
Gelcoat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gelcoat job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,923 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Gelcoat Specialist

Explore Industries

Marion, SC • On-site

$19.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Gelcoat Specialist

Location: Marion, South Carolina Manufacturing Center

Join the Explore Industries Team!

At Explore Industries, we’re more than just a leader in fiberglass swimming pool design and manufacturing—we’re a family dedicated to respect, integrity, and innovation. We believe in empowering every employee to bring their unique ideas to the table and making a positive impact on people’s lives by delivering backyard joy to families across the country.

We are looking for an experienced Gelcoat Specialist to join our team at our Marion, South Carolina Manufacturing Center. In this hands-on role, you’ll play a key part in creating high-quality fiberglass pools by expertly applying gelcoat to molds—helping produce the world-class finishes that make our pools stand out.

About the Role

As a Gelcoater, you will be responsible for the precise application of specified gelcoat colors to swimming pool molds using a spray gun. You will work the night shift (Sunday – Thursday) as part of a collaborative team focused on quality, consistency, and safety while working with resins, gelcoat, and related materials.

What You’ll Do

  • Execute the daily production schedule by applying proper gelcoat in accordance with part specifications (mil thickness, uniform spray pattern, catalyzation ratio, pressure, etc.)
  • Stage molds as needed — clean, wax, check, and prepare them to ensure best possible condition before spraying
  • Perform routine maintenance on gelcoat equipment, including servicing spray guns, pumps, hoses, and related tools
  • Roll out or address any imperfections to achieve a smooth, high-quality gelcoat finish
  • Proactively identify and address quality concerns during the gelcoat process
  • Handle chemicals (resin, gelcoat, catalyst) safely and dispose of waste properly
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area after each shift
  • Work collaboratively with team members and cross-train in other areas as needed
  • Support overall production goals with punctuality, dependability, and a strong safety focus

What We’re Looking For

Education and Experience

  • Experience with gel coating, auto body repair, or fiberglass work (strongly preferred)
  • Ability to pass a pulmonary function evaluation (PFT) and respirator fit testing
  • Ability to lift objects weighing up to 45 pounds
  • Comfort with repetitive bending, stooping, kneeling, and shoulder/upper arm movements
  • Strong safety focus and attention to detail
  • Experience communicating effectively in a team environment
  • Punctuality, dependability, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship detail

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Proven ability to apply gelcoat with consistent thickness and finish
  • Flexibility and willingness to cross-train within the department
  • Commitment to producing great products that create lasting memories for families

Why Explore Industries?

Compensation

  • Hourly Range: $19.25 – $21.00, depending on experience, with regular compensation increases and performance-based raises (up to 25% in the first year) as job-related skills are developed.
  • Actual compensation will be based on experience and current job-related skills.

Benefits & Additional Compensation

Eligible employees receive:

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
  • Optional life and disability insurance
  • Potential access to other incentives or compensation programs based on role and company policy.

Ready to dive in? If you’re a detail-oriented team player with gelcoating or fiberglass experience who takes pride in quality craftsmanship, this is a great opportunity to grow your skills while helping deliver backyard joy to families across the country!

Learn more about us at exploreindustries.com.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.