The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Painters, Construction and Maintenance. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO PAINTER DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT PAINTERS DO
Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $44,640
Top 5 States
1. Alaska
$57,560
2. Hawaiʻi
$56,030
3. New Jersey
$55,870
4. Massachusetts
$54,810
5. Illinois
$52,610
Bottom 5 States
50. North Carolina
$33,460
49. Idaho
$34,130
48. Nebraska
$35,360
47. South Dakota
$35,390
46. New Mexico
$36,100
STEPS TO BECOME A PAINTER
Maintenance and construction painters can learn the skills 2 main ways.
The first is through on-the-job training. You will be paid and trained at the same time and learn the correct set-ups and techniques.
Another way is through an apprenticeship. The International Union of Painters & Allied Trades and the Finishing Trades Institute have apprenticeship opportunities on their websites. You can also contact local unions in your area to learn about other apprenticeship opportunities.
Some trade and vocational schools teach maintenance painting in construction or general maintenance courses.
You can earn various certifications and can find out more at the NACE International Institute and the Society for Protective Coatings.
You can also earn certification for lead paint abatement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Some states require licensure for lead paint removal.
Option 1: Learn Through On-the-Job Training
Option 2: Find an Apprenticeship
Become a Journey-Level Painter
After finishing an apprenticeship (about 3 years), you can become a journey worker.
QUALITIES OF PAINTERS
Detail Oriented
Painters must be precise when creating or painting edges for overall quality of appearance.
Physical Strength
Painters must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and move heavy items during the course of a job.
Ability to Work at Heights
Painters must be able to work at heights on scaffolding, lifts, and ladders.
Communication Skills
Painters interact with clients and must be able to convey information in order to ensure accuracy of color selection and application techniques. Painters must also communicate with coworkers.
Physical Stamina
Painters should be able to stay physically active for many hours and spend much of the workday standing or climbing ladders.