Learn About the Painter Job Description, Salary, and Requirements.
Painter Job Description & Definition
What Does a Painter Do?
In this profile, we’ll break down the painter job description, salary, requirements, and more. Painters are responsible for applying paint, coatings, and stain in both residential and commercial buildings. Another clarification to make is that in this article, we’re mainly talking about painting laborers, painting helpers or painting workers – not independent painting contractors that own their own company. Whenever you own your own business, you take on additional responsibilities, you need more skills, and you have the opportunity to make far more money.
Painters can choose to stick with mainly residential work, painting interiors and exteriors of homes, or branch into commercial work – painting larger properties, working with ongoing construction projects, larger structures, etc. Painting involves kneeling, standing, and stretching for extended periods of time. You’ll also need to be comfortable working on a ladder for extended periods of time.
Learn painting basics online.
Duties
- Painting and priming surfaces.
- Stain application.
- Coating application.
- Spray application.
Skills Required
- Standing on ladders.
- Steady hand.
- Ability to kneel for extended periods of time.
- Attention to detail.
- Communication (with customers).
Education Needed
There are no specific educational requirements for this position. However, employers may require you to have a high school diploma or G.E.D. As with all construction trades, an ability to read and perform basic math are important to help you progress and safely perform your job.
Qualifications
There are no qualifications required to becoming a landscaper.
Painter Salary
How Much Does a Painter Make?
$24,049
$33,195
$54,520
Painter Career Paths
Where Can You Go From Here?
If you’re interested in becoming a painter, you can simply learn and grow on the job, much the same as other trades. Find a painting company looking to hire laborers, and apply there. Once you’re on the job, you’ll be taught the various techniques needed to paint well. Over time, you’ll improve your skill and speed. If you’d like to someday start your own painting business, be sure to also watch and learn the estimating and bidding process.
Sample Resume
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Similar Professions
If you’re interested in this, you might like:
Construction Cost Accounting, Construction Sales Representative, Project Manager, Superintendent.
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Sources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Painters, Construction and Maintenance,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/painters-construction-and-maintenance.htm (visited August 03, 2017). - Payscale, Painter Salary, on the Internet at http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Painter/Hourly_Rate (visited July 20, 2017).