Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
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 pay: $49,400/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 28,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Painters, Construction and Maintenance?
The median pay for Painters, Construction and Maintenance is $49,400 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Painters, Construction and Maintenance?
Employment for Painters, Construction and Maintenance is projected to change +3.8% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Painters, Construction and Maintenance?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Painters, Construction and Maintenance?
About 28,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.