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Powder Coating Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Powder Coating information

See Appleton, WI salary details

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How much do powder coating jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for powder coating in Appleton, WI is $18.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is powder coating?

Powder coating is a finishing process in which a dry, powdered paint is electrostatically applied to a surface and then cured under heat to form a durable, protective, and decorative layer. This method is commonly used on metals like aluminum, steel, and automotive parts, offering a high-quality finish that is resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading. Powder coating is also environmentally friendly because it produces less hazardous waste compared to traditional liquid painting. The process comes in a wide variety of colors and textures to suit different applications.

What are powder coating jobs?

Powder coating jobs are positions in which you help paint and finish various products—often, but not exclusively, metal—using a dry powder coat that can be treated to become a solid surface. In this role, you may help prepare components, spray on the powder, and ensure that the final product meets all manufacturing standards. Most powder coating jobs take place in regulated environments that help minimize the chance of irregularities while using the specialized tools required to make powder coating work. Powder coating jobs also help move products into and out of an oven to cure the surface and ensure a smooth, even finish.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a powder coating technician?

To excel as a Powder Coating Technician, you need a solid understanding of surface preparation, coating application techniques, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with powder coating guns, curing ovens, and quality control systems is commonly required, with some employers seeking certifications such as PCI (Powder Coating Institute) credentials. Attention to detail, strong work ethic, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for ensuring consistent, high-quality finishes. These skills and qualities are crucial to maintain safety standards, minimize defects, and achieve optimal product durability and appearance.

What are some common challenges faced by powder coating technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Powder coating technicians often encounter challenges such as achieving a uniform finish, preventing contamination, and managing the curing process. Dust, humidity, and improper surface preparation can affect the quality of the coating. Staying vigilant about equipment maintenance, regularly cleaning work areas, and closely following safety and process protocols help address these issues. Team collaboration is important, as technicians frequently coordinate with quality control and production teams to ensure standards are met and deadlines are achieved.

What is the difference between Powder Coating vs Spray Painter?

AspectPowder CoatingSpray Painter
CredentialsTypically requires certification in powder coating applicationRequires spray painting certification or license
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, spray booths, manufacturing plantsAuto body shops, industrial painting facilities
Industry UsageUsed for durable, high-quality finishes on metal productsUsed for decorative and protective finishes on various surfaces

Powder Coating and Spray Painter roles both involve applying finishes, but Powder Coating uses a dry powder applied electrostatically and cured in an oven, offering durable results. Spray Painters typically use liquid paints applied with spray guns, suitable for a variety of surfaces. While both require knowledge of surface preparation and safety protocols, their application methods and end uses differ significantly.

Do you need a license to powder coat?

In most regions, powder coating technicians do not require a specific license, but they may need to follow safety regulations and obtain certifications related to handling hazardous materials and operating spray equipment. Employers often provide training on safety standards and proper procedures. Licensing requirements can vary by location, so it's important to check local regulations for compliance.

Is powder coating hard work?

Powder coating as a job involves operating specialized equipment, working in a physically demanding environment, and maintaining safety protocols. It requires attention to detail, some physical strength, and the ability to work with chemicals and high temperatures, making it moderately to physically demanding work. Proper training and safety measures are essential for this role.

What job categories do people searching Powder Coating jobs in Appleton, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Powder Coating jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Powder Coating jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Powder Coating job openings:

Infographic showing various Powder Coating job openings in Appleton, WI as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,775 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Machine Operator

Green Bay, WI

Little Rapids Corporation
Paper Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

$60K/yr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Little Rapids Corporation (LRC) is looking for Machine operators at our plant in Green Bay, WI! What do we have to offer?

  • $0 premium health insurance plan & company HSA Contribution!
  • 6% 401k Match!
  • shift differential on 2nd and 3rd shifts
  • Possible to earn $60,000+ in your first year!
  • work in a climate controlled environment!
  • Standard Monday - Friday schedule!

LRC has two divisions, Graham Professional, converting paper products for the medical and beauty industries, and Rapids Paper + Packaging, uniting Shawano Specialty Papers and Nexxa – Print Division under a single brand. Rapids Paper + Packaging brings together specialty paper, flexible packaging, advanced printing, and fuctional coating technologies.

Work Location & Schedule

Location: 2273 Larsen Road, Green Bay, WI 54307

Schedule: 2nd shift is a Monday – Friday 3pm – 11pm and 3rd shift is a Sunday - Thursday 11pm - 7am

THE COMPANY                                                                                  

Little Rapids Corporation (LRC) is a specialty paper manufacturer and converter of paper, film, cotton, and nonwoven materials. The company’s headquarters is in Green Bay and is privately held with annual sales of over $200 million and 450 employees at their three Wisconsin locations. The business has three sites that sell a wide variety of products in the healthcare, beauty, flexographic printing, and specialty paper markets. The Rapids Green Bay Division supplies printed film, paper, and nonwovens. The Rapids Shawano division has three paper machines that manufacture tissue, machine glazed, and wet crepe paper.  The Graham Division manufactures and sells one-time use products into the healthcare and beauty markets through a network of national and regional distributors. 

With its family ownership dating back to 1947, the company is guided by a strong and positive culture. LRC’s purpose is remarkably simple: to bring together all their people’s talents and energies to create an outstanding organization that delivers true value to their customers. The four core values of the business are lived out by ownership and top leadership and serve as a guide to all interactions, behavior, expectations, and strategic initiatives. These values are:

  • Care (Take Care of One Another & Always Be Transparent)
  • Act, Dream Big, Think Big, Act Big, Create Contagious Energy
  • Learn, Improve Every Day while Being Humble
  • Serve, Do Great Things & Be Easy to Work With

Safety Philosophy:

Little Rapids Corporation will manufacture products in a manner that respects the safety and health of our associates, the environment, and the communities in which we operate.  We believe that each Associate plays critical role in creating a safe work environment by exhibiting personal safe behaviors.  To be successful as a company, we will have exemplary safety performance.

THE POSITION                                                                                

Our Graham Division is looking for energetic Machine Operators to help with production on 2nd and 3rd shift.  2nd shift is a Monday – Friday 3pm – 11pm and 3rd shift is a Sunday - Thursday 11pm - 7am schedule in a climate-controlled environment with an amazing team.  As a Machine Operator you will participate in all functions associated with the production, warehousing, and distribution of products.  Work on computer, order materials, do change overs, troubleshoot machine, and keep machine running to established expectations.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all the "essential functions" for purposes of the ADA.

COMPENSATION

Starting salary is $21.50 per hour with an increase to $23.63 upon completion of your 90-day probationary period.  We also offer 2nd and 3rd shift differentials as well as daily Overtime pay over 8 hours. The company also offers a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurances, health savings account, retirement plan, 401K plan (With a 50% company match up to 6%), PTO, and tuition reimbursement.

For more information on the company, please visit: www.littlerapids.com

EOE including disability/veteran