Painters, Construction and Maintenance

1. Overview

Painters in construction and maintenance apply paint, stain, and coatings to various structures such as buildings, machinery, and bridges. They are responsible for both interior and exterior painting, ensuring surfaces are protected and aesthetically finished. Painters work in a physically demanding environment, requiring a lot of bending, kneeling, and working at heights. They may be employed in commercial, residential, or industrial sectors.

• 2024 Median Pay: $48,660 per year, $23.40 per hour

• Job Growth (2023-33): 4% (As fast as average)

• Typical Entry-Level Education: No formal educational credential

• Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None required

• On-the-job Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

• Number of Jobs (2023): 338,900

• Employment Change (2023-33): 13,600

2. Role Breakdown by Level

Entry-Level Role

• Job Titles: Painter's Assistant, Junior Painter, Apprentice Painter

• Education: No formal education required; on-the-job training provided.

• Experience: No prior experience required, although having a background in construction or painting through internships or apprenticeships is beneficial.

• Core Responsibilities:

• Assisting with surface preparation (scraping, sanding, cleaning).

• Applying paint under supervision.

• Handling painting tools and equipment.

• Mixing paint or coatings to achieve the right consistency.

• Salary Range: $35,000–$45,000 per year.

Mid-Level Role

• Job Titles: Painter, Maintenance Painter, Commercial Painter

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience: 2–5 years of experience in painting or construction-related roles.

• Core Responsibilities:

• Preparing surfaces for painting, including applying primers and sealers.

• Applying finishes using hand brushes, rollers, or sprayers.

• Working independently and managing small projects.

• Ensuring quality control and meeting safety standards.

• Interacting with clients and coordinating work schedules.

• Salary Range: $45,000–$55,000 per year.

Senior-Level Role

• Job Titles: Lead Painter, Painting Supervisor, Project Manager

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; certifications in painting or construction management are beneficial.

• Experience: 5+ years, including experience managing teams or large projects.

• Core Responsibilities:

• Supervising painting crews and managing multiple projects.

• Estimating job costs and ensuring projects stay within budget.

• Overseeing safety protocols and training junior painters.

• Interacting with clients and ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Managing work schedules and timelines.

• Salary Range: $55,000–$70,000+ per year.

3. How to Become One

• Education:

• Entry-Level: No formal education required; a high school diploma is helpful.

• Mid-Level: Experience and/or certification in painting or a related trade.

• Senior-Level: Advanced certifications or degrees in construction management or supervisory roles.

• Certifications:

• EPA Lead Paint Certification: Required for jobs that involve the removal of lead-based paints.

• Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) Certification: Especially useful for industrial painters.

• OSHA Safety Certifications: For safety on job sites, especially when working at heights.

• Training:

• On-the-job Training: The majority of painters learn the trade through hands-on work.

• Apprenticeship Programs: Some painters may enter apprenticeship programs (3-4 years) offered by trade unions or contractors.

4. Skills & Tools

Core Skills:

• Physical Stamina: Painters must be able to stand, climb, and bend for long periods.

• Attention to Detail: Precision in applying paint, ensuring smooth and even finishes.

• Communication: Interacting with clients and co-workers to ensure accurate work and expectations.

• Problem-Solving: Identifying and fixing issues in surfaces or paint jobs.

• Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.

Tools & Software:

• Painting Equipment: Brushes, rollers, sprayers, sanders, and power washers.

• Protective Gear: Helmets, gloves, goggles, and respirators for safety.

• Estimating Tools: To calculate paint amounts and work areas.

5. Work Environment

• Industries: Painting and wall covering contractors (40%), self-employed workers (36%), residential building construction (4%).

• Work Settings: Painters work in a variety of settings, including offices, residential homes, bridges, industrial sites, and more. Jobs can be both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

• Work Schedule: Most painters work full-time. Some may work on weekends or evenings to meet customer schedules. Outdoor jobs can be seasonal depending on the climate.

6. Job Outlook

• Growth Rate: The employment of construction and maintenance painters is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, which is about average for all occupations.

• Annual Openings: About 13,600 openings for painters are projected each year, largely due to the need to replace workers who retire or transfer to other occupations.

7. Related Occupations

• Carpenters: Construct and install building frameworks made of wood and other materials.

• Construction Laborers: Perform tasks like holding materials, cleaning work areas, and operating machinery.

• Drywall Installers: Install wallboard and ceiling tiles in building interiors.

• Tile Setters: Install and finish flooring materials such as tile and wood.

8. Resources for Learning & Advancement

• Courses & Certifications:

• NACE International Institute: Offers certification for industrial painters.

• Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC): Provides certifications for protective coating specialists.

• Home Builders Institute: Offers pre-apprenticeship training programs.

• Books:

• "Painting and Decorating: A Guide to the Trade" by Robert E. Johnson

• "The Complete Painting and Decorating Manual" by Simon O'Hare

• Videos & Communities:

• YouTube channels offering tutorials on painting techniques.

• Reddit forums such as r/Painting for tips, advice, and community support.

9. Regional Data & Employment Trends

• Top-Paying Industries:

• Government: $67,180 per year

• Residential Building Construction: $50,850 per year

• Nonresidential Building Construction: $50,080 per year

• Hot Markets:

• High demand in regions with large amounts of construction and renovation projects, especially in metropolitan areas like New York, California, and Texas.

• Emerging Trends:

• Growth in the use of eco-friendly paints and sustainable practices in construction.

• An increased focus on safety certifications, especially for workers handling hazardous materials.