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Powder Coating Machine Operator Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Paint/Sandblast Operator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Correctly sets up and operates all machinery to which they are assigned. * Read and apply operating ... Knowledge in two phase and three phase coating systems. (i.e. 2- and 3-part catalyzed coatings ...

Paint Shop Lead

Marana, AZ · On-site

$20.25 - $24.25/hr

Mixes and thins paint or other coating to specified color and consistency according to standard ... EQUIPMENT OPERATED: * Protective equipment required: Goggles, safety glasses, face shields, ear ...

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Powder Coating Machine Operator information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do powder coating machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for powder coating machine operator in Tucson, AZ is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a powder coating machine operator do?

A Powder Coating Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment that applies powder coatings to metal and other surfaces. Their duties include preparing surfaces, setting up and adjusting machinery, monitoring the coating process, and ensuring quality standards are met. They also perform routine maintenance on the equipment and troubleshoot issues as needed. Safety protocols and attention to detail are critical in this role to produce a high-quality, durable finish.

What are some common challenges powder coating machine operators face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Powder Coating Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent coating thickness, preventing contamination, and managing equipment malfunctions. These issues can be addressed by adhering to strict cleaning protocols, regularly calibrating and maintaining machinery, and closely monitoring environmental factors like humidity and temperature. Effective communication with quality control and maintenance teams also helps ensure that any problems are quickly identified and resolved, leading to smoother production runs and higher-quality finishes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a powder coating machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Powder Coating Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of coating processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with powder coating equipment, spray guns, ovens, and safety standards, as well as forklift certification, is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help operators stand out by ensuring smooth workflow and effective collaboration. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing high-quality finishes, maintaining safety, and meeting production targets efficiently.

What is the difference between Powder Coating Machine Operator vs Spray Painter?

AspectPowder Coating Machine OperatorSpray Painter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in powder coating processesHigh school diploma, spray painting certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, operating coating machineryAuto body shops, manufacturing, or industrial settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in coating and finishing industriesAutomotive, furniture, and industrial painting

While both roles involve applying coatings, Powder Coating Machine Operators focus on operating specialized machinery for powder coating processes, ensuring even application and curing. Spray Painters typically manually apply liquid paints using spray guns. The roles differ mainly in the application method and equipment used, but both require knowledge of safety procedures and surface preparation.

Is powder coating a hard job?

Powder coating machine operators typically find the job physically demanding due to standing for long periods, handling heavy equipment, and working with high-temperature ovens. Attention to detail and safety precautions are essential, but with proper training, it is manageable for most workers.

What is the job description of a powder coating machine operator?

A powder coating machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining powder coating equipment to apply protective and decorative finishes to products. They prepare surfaces, monitor the coating process, ensure quality standards, and perform routine equipment inspections. Attention to safety protocols and knowledge of spray guns, curing ovens, and quality control are essential in this role.
Infographic showing various Powder Coating Machine Operator job openings in Tucson, AZ as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,009 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Paint/Sandblast Operator

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Performs sandblasting for the removal of rust, scale, paint, corrosion and foreign matter from metal and nonmetal items ranging in size from moderate to large complex items. 

  • Operates, controls, and performs preventive maintenance on automatic blasting bays, nozzle blasting chambers, nozzle blasting booths etc.  

  • Practices safe sandblasting procedures and processes. Works with abrasives for large structures and objects or small and intricate items of metal and nonmetal item.  

  • Set up, prepare, operate, regulate, and maintain stationary and portable sandblasting equipment. Adjusts work process to the characteristics of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metal or nonmetal items.  

  • Assures that the proper abrasive (i.e. metal, grit, metal shot, seed, glass bead etc. and/or consistency of combined abrasives) are used on the various surfaces to produce the desired finished product. 

  • Identify composition of surfaces and determine proper abrasive or combination of abrasives.  

  • Regulates nozzle orifice for proper pressure of air or vapor to avoid warping or damaging items or surfaces and protect surface not to be blasted with masking tape.  

  • Visually inspects work prior to, during, and after sandblasting to check for defects or quality issues. 

  • Paints on jobs as assigned. Mixes paint per manufacturer's or supervisor's instruction.

  • Periodically reviews painting application to ensure that adequate millage and quality is maintained. Discusses any problems found with paint supervisor, or project manager. 

  • Correctly sets up and operates all machinery to which they are assigned.

  • Read and apply operating and maintenance manual instructions to maintain equipment. 

  • Operate a forklift or other aerial equipment.  

  • Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned. 

  • Read Blue Prints and assist painters with assigned tasks

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 3 years industrial painting/sandblasting experience. 

  • Must have experience using conventional and airless spray guns as well as high ratio pressure pumps. 

  • Knowledge in two phase and three phase coating systems. (i.e. 2- and 3-part catalyzed coatings.), as well as epoxies, urethanes, 100% solids and new age coatings such as siloxanes.

  • Knowledge of surface preparation techniques.

  • Must be able to pass a respirator physical, if required, and fit test. 

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to stand, squat, bend, crawl, reach 

  • Must be able to climb ladders or make use of a lift 

  • Is exposed to noise, dust, fumes, and abrasives. 

  • Required to wear protective clothing. 

    • Must be able to work in extreme heat wearing proper PPE (including air fed hood) 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Manufacturing environment: May be exposed to loud noises, changing temperatures, machinery with moving parts, and exotic materials.

ITAR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Adhere to and abide by all ITAR-specific job standards and training.  Protect and properly safeguard ITAR-sensitive information and work product; ensure dissemination or disclosure of and access to "protected data" occurs only with those trained and approved for exposure to ITAR content.
  • IMMEDIATELY notify Supervisor/Manager, Human Resources, Legal (email:  compliance@samuel.com) or the Samuel Ethics Alert Hotline of known or suspected unauthorized disclosure, release of or access to protected ITAR content. 

SAFETY SENSITIVE

This is a Safety Sensitive position: A Safety Sensitive position is a job or position where the employee holding this position has the responsibility for his/her own safety or other people's safety. It would be particularly dangerous if such an employee is using drugs or alcohol while on job. An employee must be with clear mind and diligent while occupying such positions.

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive, and the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management, as required. Staffing of positions to be determined by the company.

At Samuel, we believe every team member brings unique and valuable skills, experiences and knowledge to our thriving business - enabling us to build on over 170 years of success in the metals industry. We offer countless opportunities for our team members to develop and grow in their careers, empower them to make decisions on the job and be a part of driving positive change - within our organization and in the communities where we live and work. If you're seeking a dynamic, supportive and welcoming workplace to make your mark and grow your career, we have the programs, culture and opportunities to make it happen. We're stronger together.
At Samuel we believe in a culture of equality. Respect and integrity are at our core. We are committed to building and creating an environment that is open and welcoming for everyone.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization

Samuel is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In the United States, we utilize E-Verify.

Since 1947, CAID Industries, a division of Samuel, Son & Co. has upheld the reputation of being true innovators of manufacturing technology. CAID Industries specializes in diversification and being a vertically integrated solutions company. Our unwavering determination has allowed us to outshine the competition and conquer challenges across many industries. The extraordinary variety of the work we perform attests to the cando attitude that permeates our organization. Our range of capabilities includes engineering, custom fabrication, pressure vessels, large scale manufacturing, factory automation, precision machining, extensive mine technologies and services.