Occupation · SOC 47-2141
Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. May remove old paint to prepare surface prior to painting. May mix colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency.
Median wage
$48,660
$36,680–$76,550
Projected growth
+3.8%
Average growth
Annual openings
1,300
per year
Employed (US)
224,180
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
69 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingTime Management
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceBuilding and Construction
Technology & tools
Customer relationship management CRM softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareProject management softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative tasks
Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.Remove old finishes by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, burning, or using water or abrasive blasting.Remove fixtures such as pictures, door knobs, lamps, or electric switch covers prior to painting.Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.Waterproof buildings, using waterproofers or caulking.Select and purchase tools or finishes for surfaces to be covered, considering durability, ease of handling, methods of application, and customers' wishes.Mix and match colors of paint, stain, or varnish with oil or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colors and consistencies.Polish final coats to specified finishes.Cut stencils and brush or spray lettering or decorations on surfaces.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Dropcloths and masking tape — apply to floors, trim, and fixtures under direct supervisor guidance before painting begins on a residential job site.Work orders and verbal instructions — read and follow to identify surface types, paint colors, and task priorities on assigned daily jobs.Brushes and rollers — use under close supervision to apply finish coats of interior latex paint to walls and ceilings in residential settings.Caulking guns and putty knives — fill visible cracks and nail holes with caulk or spackling compound under a journeyman's direction on interior surfaces.Sandpaper and hand scrapers — smooth rough or peeling surfaces on wood trim and drywall before primer is applied, following step-by-step instructions.Extension ladders — set up and stabilize safely on level ground to access second-story exterior surfaces under direct supervisor oversight.Surface cleaning solutions and mildew remover — wash exterior siding with guidance to remove dirt and mold before painting begins.Primers and sealers — apply a uniform coat to bare drywall or raw wood under supervision to prepare surfaces for finish paint.Basic hand tools and paint equipment — clean, store, and organize at the end of each workday to maintain a safe and functional job site.Personal protective equipment including drop cloths and respirators — select and wear correctly on painting tasks following safety briefings on a construction site.
developing
Masking tape, paper, and plastic sheeting — apply precisely around windows, cabinetry, and hardware with minimal supervision to protect surfaces on commercial repaints.Work orders and homeowner specifications — interpret independently to plan daily task sequences, material quantities, and scheduling on multi-room residential projects.Spray guns, rollers, and brushes — select and use the appropriate tool to apply paints, stains, and varnishes efficiently on varied interior and exterior surfaces.Caulk, putty, and plaster — mix and apply to fill joints, gaps, and damaged areas on wood, masonry, and drywall surfaces to achieve smooth, paint-ready results.Sanding machines and steel wool — operate to smooth textured or uneven surfaces on existing structures before primer application, adjusting grit for material type.Ladders and scaffolding components — erect and inspect for stability when working at elevation on exterior walls or multi-story commercial buildings without direct oversight.Oil-based prep solutions and turpentine — treat metal and wood surfaces to remove grease and old finish, then sand to ensure proper adhesion of new coatings.Sealers and stain-blocking primers — apply to water-stained ceilings, bare metal, and knotty wood to prevent bleed-through and promote durable finish coat adhesion.Visual color discrimination and mixing techniques — match and blend custom tints to existing wall colors using color chips and test patches on repaint projects.Time management practices — prioritize and sequence tasks across multiple rooms or building sections to complete projects on schedule and within estimated labor hours.
proficient
Surface protection systems including tape, sheeting, and hard covers — plan and execute comprehensive site protection strategies independently on complex commercial or industrial projects.Customer and homeowner communications — interpret detailed specifications, ask clarifying questions, and confirm scope changes directly with clients throughout a project lifecycle.Spray equipment, rollers, and specialty applicators — operate across the full range of coating materials including epoxies, enamels, and industrial primers on bridges and structural steel.Crack repair and joint-filling materials — assess damage severity on masonry, concrete, and wood substrates and select the correct filler type and application method autonomously.Power sanding equipment and chemical strippers — choose and apply appropriate surface preparation methods for high-specification finishes on historic or architecturally sensitive structures.Scaffolding systems and swing stages — design setup configurations, inspect for code compliance, and lead safe assembly on elevated commercial or bridge painting operations.Multi-step surface treatment protocols — execute wash, neutralize, sand, and prime sequences on diverse substrates to meet manufacturer warranty and specification requirements.Primer and sealer product knowledge — evaluate surface conditions and select the technically correct primer system for new construction metal, masonry, or wood in demanding environments.Project management software and work documentation — use digital tools to track material usage, log daily progress, and update job records for residential or light commercial accounts.Critical thinking and quality control practices — inspect completed work against specifications, identify deficiencies, and determine corrective actions before client walkthrough on every project.
advanced
Crew work plans and daily schedules — develop and assign task sequences across a multi-person painting crew to maximize productivity on large-scale commercial or government contracts.Painting standards and best-practice procedures — establish site-specific protocols for surface preparation, coating application, and quality inspection that the entire crew follows consistently.New painter onboarding and skills development — mentor and demonstrate correct brush, roller, and spray techniques to apprentices and helpers on active job sites to accelerate competency growth.Coating system specifications and product selections — evaluate manufacturer data sheets and project requirements to recommend the optimal paint system for durability, cost, and compliance.Bid estimation and material takeoffs — calculate labor hours, paint quantities, and equipment costs to prepare competitive and accurate proposals for residential, commercial, or industrial contracts.Safety and OSHA compliance programs — author and enforce site-specific safety plans covering fall protection, respiratory hazards, and scaffolding for all personnel under supervision.Client relationship management — serve as primary point of contact for property owners and general contractors, communicating progress, resolving concerns, and securing repeat business.Quality assurance inspections — conduct final walk-through evaluations against contract specifications, document deficiencies using photo and written records, and direct remediation work before project closeout.Equipment fleet and supply inventory — manage procurement, maintenance scheduling, and cost tracking for spray rigs, scaffolding, and consumable materials across multiple active job sites.Continuous improvement and technique adoption — research emerging coating technologies and application methods, evaluate their fit for the organization's project types, and train the crew on adoption.
Also known as
54 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
CaulkerBuilding Trades PainterNavy Afloat Maintenance Training Strategy (NAMTS) Corrosion Control Program Technician (Navy 860A)Drywall SprayerExterior PainterResidential PainterCommercial PainterRailroad Car LettererSpray PainterPainter, Stage SettingsMarbleizerConstruction Engineering Technician (Army 120A)Combat Engineer Officer (Marine Corps 1302)House PainterBuilder (Navy BU)Silo PainterRoof PainterArchitectural Coating FinisherBrush PainterPowder Coat PainterLine Painting Machine OperatorInterior PainterJourneyman PainterCalciminerProfessional PainterStainerOrnamental PainterPainter, ShipyardStage Setting PainterCoating Finisher, ArchitecturalFacilities Engineering Officer (Navy 4205)TexturerHighway PainterConstruction PainterBitumastic ApplierKalsominerShipyard PainterMaintenance PainterBuilding PainterPavement Striper