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.

SOC: 47-2141.00

Common Job Titles

  • Facilities Painter
  • Industrial Painter
  • Maintenance Painter
  • Painter

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onOperate spray equipment, brushes, and rollers to apply paint and coatings to various structural surfaces following established techniques.
  • Hands-onExecute surface preparation procedures including removal of old paint and cleaning using power sanders, scrapers, and pressure washers under time constraints.
  • KnowledgeApply color mixing and matching techniques to achieve desired colors and consistency for custom painting projects.
  • Hands-onPerform painting tasks on elevated surfaces using scaffolding, ladders, and aerial lifts while maintaining safety protocols.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate surface conditions and material requirements during inspection to determine appropriate preparation methods and coating systems.
  • MindsetEngage with clients and team members to clarify project specifications and coordinate work activities effectively.
  • KnowledgeOrganize work schedules and material logistics for multiple painting projects while managing time constraints and resource availability.
  • Hands-onManipulate specialized painting tools and decorative application techniques to create textured finishes, faux effects, and custom designs.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze safety and environmental hazards including lead paint and chemical exposure risks in construction and maintenance settings.
  • KnowledgeApply quality control standards by monitoring paint application processes and inspecting finished surfaces for compliance with specifications.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Painters, Construction and Maintenance (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

224,180

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $36,680. 25th percentile: U.S. $42,510. 50th percentile: U.S. $48,660. 75th percentile: U.S. $60,270. 90th percentile: U.S. $76,550. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$36,680
10% of workers earn the following or more$76,550
Workers on average earn$53,710

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Public Safety and Security3.9/5
  • Administration and Management3.7/5
  • English Language3.6/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
  • Building and Construction3.4/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Act!
  • Corel Paint Shop Pro
  • Corel Painter
  • Evergreen Technology Eagle Bid Estimating
  • Evergreen Technology Total Faux
  • Insight Direct ServiceCEO
  • On Center Quick Bid
  • Spreadsheet software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Aerial lifts
  • Air compressors
  • Airless spray equipment
  • Blow torches
  • Bosun chairs
  • Bucket trucks
  • Caulking guns
  • Chippers
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment