Brief Description

Painters perform a variety of functions related to painting and coating surfaces. The primary duty of professional painters and paperhangers is to apply paint, wallcoverings, and other coatings to interior and exterior surfaces of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They may work with varnish, enamels, lacquer and other materials. Painters read blueprints, prepare surfaces, mix paints and match colors, determine the need for primers, apply paint with spray guns, rollers or brushes. They may also remove old paint to prepare surfaces prior to painting and clean up after the paint job is complete. 

Painters work with a variety of tools including ladders, scaffolding, sprayers, sanders, and wire brushes. They may work outdoors in all types of weather or indoors in a controlled environment when painting and finishing furniture and other wood, metal, woven material, and related products.

Job Duties

Painters make buildings and homes beautiful with the stroke of a brush. Their key duties involve preparing surfaces for paint, selecting and mixing paints, and applying paint with various tools. 

Specific job duties include:

• Inspecting surfaces and determining what prep work needs to be done - this may involve cleaning, sanding, spackling, masking, removing old paint, etc. Proper surface prep is crucial for good results.
• Selecting the right types of paints and primers for each job. This depends on the surface material and conditions.
• Mixing paints and matching custom colors by adding pigments and following formulas. Good color matching skills are important.
• Applying paint neatly and efficiently with brushes, sprayers, rollers, etc. Painters need good dexterity and technique to avoid drips and errors.
• Using equipment like lifts and scaffolds to paint tall walls and ceilings. Safety is paramount when working from heights.
• Cleaning up equipment and work areas after completing paint jobs. Keeping organized is key.
• Polishing and sanding painted surfaces between coats for a smooth finish. Attention to detail is required for quality results.

The hands-on painting tasks are the core of a painter's workday. With practice and skill, painters make it look easy to transform blank canvases into beautiful, colorful finishes.

Education Needed

To become a painter, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum education required. While no formal education is needed beyond high school, some apprenticeship programs do require a high school diploma. Many aspiring painters opt for trade school or community college courses in painting and finishing to develop their skills. Hands-on training is very valuable in this field. On-the-job training as a painter's helper can also provide the skills and experience needed to advance. Some states require completion of state-approved apprenticeship programs to obtain a license. Continuing education is important as techniques and technologies change over time. Overall, a combination of formal education and on-the-job training offers the best preparation for a career as a painter. The most essential educational requirement is a dedication to developing the craft and learning new skills on an ongoing basis.

Salary & Job Outlook

The median annual wage for painters was $40,940 in May 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,850. 

Employment of painters is projected to grow 3 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Population and business growth will result in some new construction and renovation of homes, schools, hospitals, offices, and other structures, which should require more painters. However, productivity increases from use of improved equipment and techniques may temper employment growth overall. Job opportunities for painters are expected to be good due to worker retirements and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year.

Work Environment

Painters find work in a variety of settings, though most work outdoors on building exteriors or infrastructure projects. Outdoor work can take place under a range of weather conditions, so painters need to be prepared for both heat and cold. While focusing on safety, painters at great heights must also battle the fear of falling.

Painters may also work in shops or factories performing specialized tasks like auto body detailing, or finessing custom finishes on high-end furniture. These indoor tasks require working with harsh chemicals and paint fumes in potentially cramped quarters. Proper safety gear and ventilation are a must. 

Some painters work alone while others collaborate on teams, communicating to coordinate painting large-scale projects. Both independent self-starters and sociable team players can thrive in the painting trade. With each assignment bringing new experiences, painters take pride in a diverse and dynamic work life.

Advancement Opportunities

There are several potential advancement opportunities for experienced painters. With further training and several years of hands-on painting experience, painters may advance to become lead painters or supervisors, managing crews and overseeing painting projects. Some painters choose to start their own painting business once they gain expertise. Owning a painting company allows experienced painters to manage their own business, hire crews, and take on more complex and lucrative projects. Lead painters and business owners can earn substantially more than standard painters. However, they also take on more responsibilities such as bidding for jobs, hiring and training workers, purchasing equipment and supplies, scheduling projects, and managing the finances and operations of the business. With drive and ability, painters have the potential to advance their skills and take on leadership roles in the industry.

Job Satisfaction

While many painter jobs involve long hours and physically demanding work, there are a number of satisfying aspects as well. Painters often have flexible schedules, being able to set their own hours as long as the work gets completed on time. The ability to see a finished product is also rewarding, whether it's the interior or exterior of a home or another type of structure. Painters take pride in beautifying and protecting surfaces with their skilled work. They also tend to work independently, without much direct supervision, which appeals to those who like autonomy. The chance to express creativity on the job is another advantage for some painters. Ultimately, painters who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving often find the profession gratifying and fulfilling. The tangible results of each project and positive feedback from customers provide a sense of accomplishment.