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Paper Coating Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview The Coating Department Supervisor is responsible for the daily leadership and ... paper slitting operation, and a sawmill facility. Headquartered in Green Bay, WI, Green Bay ...

Must be able to: a) control coating waste, b) control paper waste, c) trouble-shoot quality problems, and d) maintain proper setting on coater. * Must maintain a high level of housekeeping on, in and ...

Painter

Mansfield, LA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Select and use various hand tools, abrasive papers and grinders to prepare surfaces for painting * Understand and able to recognize surfaces for painting readiness * Prepare and mix coating materials ...

Account Manager

Becker, MN · On-site +1

$76.72K - $95.90K/yr

Description As a n Account Manager with Liberty Paper , you will be dedicated to growing the market share of our DreamWorks Coating Solution Division of business. You will manage a defined territory ...

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Paper Coating information

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$13

$19

$34

How much do paper coating jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper coating in the United States is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Paper Coating Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paper Coating Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control, and basic mechanical skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with coating machinery, measurement instruments, and safety protocols is essential, and some positions may require forklift certification. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are key soft skills for this role. These skills ensure consistent product quality, operational efficiency, and a safe working environment in paper manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in paper coating roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in paper coating often deal with challenges such as maintaining consistent coating quality, managing machine downtime, and ensuring safety while handling chemicals. To address these, it’s important to follow standard operating procedures, regularly maintain equipment, and stay updated on best practices for quality control. Collaboration with maintenance teams and quality assurance specialists can help resolve issues quickly and improve overall efficiency. Additionally, ongoing training in safety and process improvements supports both individual and team success.

What is paper coating and what does a paper coating operator do?

Paper coating is the process of applying a thin layer of material, such as clay, latex, or polymers, to the surface of paper to improve its appearance, printability, and durability. A paper coating operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring machines that apply these coatings to paper products. Their duties include ensuring the correct thickness and quality of the coating, adjusting machine settings, and performing routine maintenance. This role is essential in industries like printing, packaging, and publishing where high-quality paper finishes are required.

What is the difference between Paper Coating vs Paper Finisher?

AspectPaper CoatingPaper Finisher
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in coating processesOften requires finishing or binding certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, coating linesPrinting shops, bindery departments
Industry UsagePaper manufacturing, printing industryPrinting, publishing, and binding industries
Job FocusApplying coatings to paper to improve quality and durabilityFinishing printed materials through cutting, binding, or trimming

Paper Coating involves applying a coating to paper to enhance its surface qualities, while Paper Finisher focuses on finalizing printed materials through cutting, binding, or trimming. Both roles are essential in the paper and printing industry but serve different stages of production.

More about Paper Coating jobs
What states have the most Paper Coating jobs? States with the most job openings for Paper Coating jobs include:
Infographic showing various Paper Coating job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,236 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Coater Operator - 3rd Shift with 15% Pay Premium

J L CLARK INC

Rockford, IL • On-site

$28.58 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

At J.L. Clark, we don’t just make packaging, we help build iconic brands. Since 1904, we've blended craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver packaging solutions that stand out on shelves and stand the test of time. With more than 120 years of experience behind us, our passion for quality, service, and innovation is stronger than ever.

As we grow, so does our investment in the future. From our new 6-color printing press and injection molding presses to advanced rapid prototyping and high-speed fabrication systems, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of packaging technology.

Sustainability is more than a goal, it’s part of who we are. As the first North American metal lithographer to earn SGP Certification, and a multiple-time recipient of the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award, we take pride in building a better tomorrow.

Come be part of a company where tradition meets transformation, and where your work truly makes an impact.


Position Summary:

Responsible for the preparation and operation of coating machine lines.  Must adhere to all quality specifications. Must maintain all associated records.  Must possess good color vision.  Must understand coating material application. Workstation must be kept clean and orderly at all times to create a safe work environment. Responsible for complying with all safety policies and practices.  Always performs duties with the goal of satisfying the customer.

Operates coater making necessary adjustments to ensure product that meets specifications. Responsible for inspecting all work for proper coverage and clean backs.  Includes inspection for contaminants, which may be detrimental to the customer’s process; oven heats must be accurate for proper curing; readings taken with the spectrophotometer must be documented to verify color.

Washes coater for changeovers and proper Anilox roller maintenance. Assists the oven tender with all wash ups when possible.  Sets up coater line for specific material to run according to manufacturer’s specs or customer requirements.  Adjusts coating roller, which may include installing the proper Anilox roller; the specific application will determine the proper settings to utilize; may require setting the side guides for proper registration for strip or spot coating.

Checks proper sheet passage through coater and into oven and wickets to prevent damage and apply a proper application.  Adjusts line speed and oven temperature to manufacturers or customer’s specifications.  May require setting oven preheat and performing regular coating weight and viscosity measurements.  All documentation must be accurate for customer research.

Opens incoming loads and performs an initial inspection of every load before proceeding.  Unwrapping load protected with paper and/or metal shrouds.  Inspect for proper metal dimensions, surface condition, proper work order number and stores code before conveying load into the feeder for decoration.

duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Sets up coating machine for each material run, adjusting coating rollers and material feed, etc, to meet color and application specification.
  2. Operation requires constant attention to ensure proper strip coating alignment to sheets.
  3. Adjusts line speed and oven heats to specification and receives prepared material, as needed, from paint room attendant.
  4. Assists in initial inspection check for running and checks each load of plate, delivered by trucker, for proper size and condition before pushing into feeder and lines up for proper continuous feeding.
  5. Adjusts sheet ejector to prevent “doubles” and heavy stock and watches for damaged sheets (bent edges, etc.) to prevent entry through coating rolls to prevent damage to composition roller.
  6. When conditions permit, inserts sheet holding forks near end of each load for continuous feeding operation between loads.  Responsible for inspection of running sheets (at least one every 200) for proper material coverage and scraping of back of sheets.
  7. Checks correct sheet passage onto wickets and into oven to prevent jams and notifies oven tender of each job, giving proper instructions for stacking, etc.  Gives oventender load ticket and proper skid for each load.
  8. Checks sheet drying and oven heats for each load and reports any deviation condition immediately to paint room lead person.
  9. Keeps work area safe, orderly and free of obstruction.
  10. Position requires pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy objects ranging up to approximately 60 lbs.

Education, Training & Experience: 

  • Position requires one of the following (which could include short specialty courses):
  • A minimum of one (1) year high school.
  • GED equivalency.
  • A minimum of one (1) year vocational school
  • One (1) year experience is necessary to develop skills and knowledge to perform proficiently.

Supervises:

None

Supervised By:

Lithography Manager 

RELATIONSHIPS:

Litho, Tin Stores and Art departments

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Equipment used: one coating machine with automatic feeder, drying oven and automatic stacker, miscellaneous hand tools, chain hoist, feeding forks.  Must have understanding of coating materials.

Must have excellent color vision and have an excellent aptitude in color discrimination, which requires passing the Farnsworth Munsel 100 Hue Test.