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Machine Shop Painter at TRAK Machine Tools (TMT)

TRAK Machine Tools (TMT) Compton, CA $18 - $25/hour

Job Description

Machine Shop Painter - Industrial Parts (Day Shift)At a Glance

Company: TRAK Machine Tools (TMT)
Location: Rancho Dominguez, CA (On-Site)
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $18 - $25 per hour (based on experience)
Shift: Day Shift (Monday-Friday, standard business hours)
Overtime: As Needed
Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (1-3 years preferred)
Published: February 12, 2026

Why This Role Exists

This role exists to support production and assembly of TRAK CNC machines by ensuring machined components and machine assemblies receive high-quality, consistent industrial finishes.

At TRAK Machine Tools, the Painter plays a key role in delivering professional-grade CNC machines by preparing and coating precision metal components used in machine builds. Quality, consistency, and attention to detail are critical to maintaining our manufacturing standards.

The Work You'll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

  • Prepare CNC-machined metal parts for painting (cleaning, degreasing, masking critical features)
  • Apply primer and topcoat finishes using industrial spray equipment
  • Follow paint specifications and masking instructions from work orders or blueprints
  • Inspect painted components for coverage, runs, contamination, and color consistency
  • Perform touch-up work on machine tools in the assembly area
  • Maintain accurate work order documentation and VOC logs
  • Maintain paint booth equipment and ensure a clean, safe work area
  • Communicate with machinists and supervisors regarding job status or quality issues
  • Follow all PPE and shop safety requirements

This is a hands-on role in a manufacturing environment where consistency and craftsmanship matter.

Machines, Equipment & Materials

Equipment:

  • Industrial spray guns
  • Ventilated spray booths
  • Masking and prep tools
  • Paint mixing systems

Materials:

  • Aluminum components
  • Steel components
  • Primer, enamel, and epoxy-based coatings
  • Industrial solvents and degreasers

What We're Looking ForRequired:

  • 1-3 years of industrial or parts painting experience
  • Experience prepping, masking, and spraying metal parts
  • Ability to lift and move parts up to 50 lbs
  • Comfortable working with solvents and coatings in a ventilated environment
  • Strong attention to detail and quality standards
  • Basic understanding of shop safety and chemical handling
  • Reliable, organized, and able to work independently

Preferred (Not Required):

  • Experience painting aluminum and steel components
  • Familiarity with primer, enamel, and epoxy coatings
  • Ability to read basic engineering drawings or paint specifications
  • Experience in a machine shop or manufacturing environment

Why Painters Like Working at TRAK

  • Clean, professional manufacturing facility
  • Stable, established CNC machine manufacturer
  • Steady production workload
  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • Team-oriented shop environment
  • Opportunity to grow within a manufacturing organization

TRAK Machine Tools manufactures TRAK CNC machines and ProtoTRAK CNC controls, with headquarters in Rancho Dominguez, CA and additional operations in Henderson, NV. We support customers across North America and Europe through direct and distributor service networks.

Pay, Benefits & Schedule

Pay Range: $18 - $25 per hour (DOE)

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Stable full-time employment

Schedule:

  • Monday-Friday
  • Day Shift (standard business hours)

Overtime: As needed based on production demand

$37k - $52k is fair for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators nationally

National salary averages
$37k - $52k
↓ 26% vs typical mid-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$26k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $141k

Top performers earn significantly more—skill and negotiation matter.

Senior roles pay 126% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

Strong candidate leverage

High demand and responsive wages. Negotiate confidently on all fronts.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage
Moderate
Mobility
High mobility
Durability
Somewhat fragile

Why this market feels harder than it looks

This market is hiring aggressively, but most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion and many compete as freelancers. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Specialists with niche skills, All experience levels, Remote-capable workers
Weaker for: Generalists

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wide pay variance: Compensation depends heavily on employer and specialization.
62% self-employed: Traditional full-time roles may be scarcer.

Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Expertise pays off

Limited new roles, but specialists earn significantly more.

-1%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
62% work independently—freelance or consulting is viable.
A bachelor's degree is typically expected.
Typical: Bachelor's degree

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024