Work Experience Snapshot
What Is a Painter?
Painters take care of the outside of buildings, city infrastructure and any kind of new architecture development. The handiwork of painters surrounds us at every turn. Ron Yarbrough, founder and president of Pro-Spec Painting Inc., says the painting profession’s focus areas are endless – there’s something for everyone. "I think there are tremendous opportunities for those that want to enter the painting trade. And I think that [the field] has so many different segments to it – all the way from infrastructure to new construction of commercial buildings and many types of decorative art and restoration." The will and patience to do the work is all it takes to succeed, he adds. "People who are really committed to learning the trade can do well at it. If they set their goals high, they can make a really good living at it."
Painters commonly work for building finishing contractors or in the residential building construction industry. Unlike carpenters, painters typically don’t build frameworks and structures; they apply paint, stain and coatings to them.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 1.5% employment growth for painters between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 5,500 jobs should open up.
How Much Does a Painter Make?
As with many construction jobs, those who successfully complete apprenticeships best position themselves for successful painting careers. For painters, apprenticeships can last up to four years. Apprentices must have a high school diploma or its equivalent before they are eligible to complete the requisite hours of technical instruction and paid, on-the-job training. Common lessons include aesthetics, which cover how to adequately match colors, as well as using and caring for painting tools and equipment, safety practices, application techniques and wood finishing.
Prospective painters may also choose to attend technical schools for certificates, which may be required for some specialty jobs. Credits gained from apprenticeships may count toward an associate degree. Many painters also forego formal training and learn on the job.