Painters, Construction and Maintenance

People in this occupation paint walls, equipment, bridges, and building surfaces using rollers, brushes, and spray guns. Before applying paint, they often remove old coatings to prepare the surfaces. They may also mix oils or colors to achieve the exact shade and consistency needed for a project.

This role is highly realistic and hands-on, requiring physical stamina to perform general physical activities and inspect structures or materials. Daily tasks require strong attention to detail, dependability, and cautiousness to ensure safety and quality. Painters must organize, plan, and prioritize their own work while communicating effectively with supervisors and peers. They use skills like active listening, coordination, and time management to keep projects on schedule.

To succeed, workers draw on knowledge of building and construction, customer service, and public safety. Understanding basic chemistry helps when handling different paint mixtures, while mathematics is useful for calculating surface areas and material needs.

There is no formal educational credential required to enter this field. Most people prepare for the job with a high school diploma and some on-the-job training or prior experience. Students interested in this career path can study college majors such as building/construction finishing, management, and inspection.

While formal degrees are not standard, workers can earn professional certifications to demonstrate their skills. Examples of relevant credentials include the Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician from the National Apartment Association and the Painting certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Additionally, some states list a license for this type of work, so requirements can vary depending on the location of employment.

The median annual pay for construction and maintenance painters is $49,400. Earnings can vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% earning less than $37,440 and the highest 10% earning more than $78,810.

There are 225,190 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 3%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth, combined with normal turnover, is expected to result in 24,900 job openings each year.