Painter
Quick Facts
Median Salary$48,902
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+23.36%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Painter applies paint to walls of houses or buildings, including interior and exterior walls. Prepares wall surfaces before painting. May specialize in painting industrial structures.
Core 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.
What to expect as a Painter
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
15% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Painter related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
1892 openings for Painters
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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