Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary in Chicago, IL-IN
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
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In Chicago, IL-IN, a typical worker in the occupation of Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earns a median annual salary of $46,210, which is slightly below the national median of $47,590. This position translates to a median hourly wage of approximately $22.22. When compared to the local area's median household income of $88,850, it becomes evident that individuals in this occupation earn about half of what a typical household earns annually. Despite a relatively low local unemployment rate of 5.10%, workers in this field face considerable earning differences within their own profession and in comparison to broader community earnings.
Entry-level workers in this occupation tend to earn salaries at or near the lower end of the pay spectrum, with those in the 10th percentile making approximately $35,510 annually. In contrast, experienced workers who have developed specialized skills or expertise can reach up to the 75th percentile, earning around $60,720 per year, and some may even surpass this mark, reaching into the 90th percentile at about $76,370 annually. The significant salary variance is largely driven by factors such as experience, skill level, employer type, and specific job responsibilities. Those with specialized skills or who operate in higher-paying industries often see greater compensation.
Salary percentile breakdown
Chicago economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make per hour in Chicago?
The median hourly wage for Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Chicago, IL-IN is $22.22, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $37.93 or more per hour.
Is Chicago above or below average for Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salaries?
The median Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 2.9% below the national median of $47,590. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Chicago?
Entry-level Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (10th percentile) earn around $35,510 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $39,670.