Overview

Painters apply paint, stain, varnish, and other finishes to buildings and other structures.

Before starting a job, painters read work orders or get instructions from their supervisors. If they are self-employed, painters talk to homeowners and other customers to find out what they want. Self-employed painters often prepare cost estimates for customers before they are hired for a job.

Painters select the right paint or finish for the job. They consider how well the finish will last on the surface to be covered, and how easy it is to work with. Painters start a job by preparing the surface. For a new surface, they simply wipe it clean and apply a primer or sealer. For surfaces with old coatings, painters first strip off the old paint. They may strip it with chemicals, use sandpaper or wire brushes, or even burn it with a blowtorch. In addition, painters wash surfaces to remove dirt and grease. They also fill nail holes and cracks, and sand rough areas. They do all this work so the wall will be smooth and clean before paint is applied.

Next, painters cover surfaces such as floors with drop cloths. They mask off trim and other areas to protect them from paint. They remove lighting fixtures from walls and ceilings. The next step is to apply the paint or other finish. Painters select the best paint applicator for each job. They consider what will speed up the process and also look best on the surface. For example, they may use a paint roller for interior walls, and a brush with a tapered edge for trim. They may use a paint sprayer for exterior walls. Some painters also mix paints, using their knowledge of paint composition. However, in large paint shops or hardware stores, this task is automated.

To work on tall buildings, painters set up scaffolding. This includes ôswing stagesö that are suspended from ropes. Painters also set up ladders so they can work above ground level.

Self-employed painters keep business records. They may also hire and train other employees.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Read work orders or get instructions from supervisors or homeowners.
• Select the best finish for the job. Consider factors such as surface, durability, and customers' wishes.
• Apply a primer or sealer to new surfaces.
• Strip, sand, brush, burn, or blast old surfaces so new paint will apply properly.
• Wash walls and trim, fill nail holes, and sand rough spots.
• Cover surfaces with drop cloths or masking tape and paper to protect during painting. May remove lamps and door knobs.
• Paint surfaces using brushes, rollers, or paint sprayers.
• Erect scaffolding or set up ladders.
• May prepare cost estimates for customers. May keep other business records.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Perform activities that use the whole body.
• Handle and move objects.
• Get information needed to do the job.
• Control machines and processes.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Provide a service to customers.
• Have a low level of job-required social contact. They usually work alone.

Physical Work Conditions

• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants such as paint removers.
• Work both indoors and outdoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to high places. There is a low likelihood of moderate injury from falls.
• Sometimes wear a special uniform.
• May on rare occasions be exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
• May on rare occasions wear safety attire, such as safety masks.

Work Performance

• Must be sure all details are done and their work is exact so that customers are satisfied.
• Repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/Travel

• Usually work 40 hours a week.
• Travel from job site to job site. However, they may work at one job site for weeks.

Physical Demands

People in this career frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time while painting.
• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat movements over and over.
• Climb ladders or scaffolds.
• Bend or twist the body.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for people in this career to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting out of breath.
• Make fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in one place.
• Quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• See details of objects that are nearby or far away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and Abilities

People in this career need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.

Reason and Problem Solve

• Put pieces of information in order.

Work with Things

• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and Visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Knowledge

People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:

• Building and Construction: Knowledge of constructing buildings and other structures.

Interests

People in this career are people who tend to:

• Consider relationships important. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
• Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
• Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
• Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.

Preparation

To work as a painter, you must:

have a high school diploma or GED;
complete on-the-job training;
be in good physical condition;
have a good eye for color; and
have good communication skills.

Formal Education

Some painters learn their skills through apprenticeship programs. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years old.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of three to five years of on-the-job training. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training. Classroom subjects include:

spray painting;
color mixing; and
safety practices.

On the job, apprentices learn to:

use tools and equipment;
prepare surfaces; and
apply paint.

To find out more about apprenticeships, contact your local apprenticeship agency.

You can also prepare to work as a painter by taking courses at a professional technical school or two-year college. Courses in shop, general math, and drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship programs.

On-the-job Training

Many painters receive informal on-the-job training from an experienced worker. During training, you first work as a helper. You learn to erect scaffolding, carry supplies, and do simple painting. Later, as you gain skills, you learn to prepare surfaces and mix paints.

Helpful High School Courses

A high school degree is almost always required to work in this occupation. You should take courses in high school that prepare you to earn a high school diploma. This includes courses in English, math, science, and social studies. You also need to take courses in physical education, health, and applied art or second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this specific occupation. While you do not have to take all of them, you should consider them in planning for high school. Some of these courses are also available at colleges and technical schools.

Business
Introduction to Business

Construction Trades
Exploration of Construction Careers
Construction
Carpentry
Woodworking
Construction Trades Work Experience

Drafting
Drafting
Blueprint Reading

Fine and Performing Arts
Art Appreciation
Drawing and Painting

Health and Safety Education
Safety and First Aid

Industrial and Technology Education
Exploration of Careers
General Industrial Arts
Industrial Safety and First Aid

Life and Physical Sciences
Chemistry
Chemistry in the Community

Mathematics
General Math
Applied Math
Business Math

Physical Education
Physical Education
Fitness and Conditioning Activities

Since many painters are self-employed, you may find it useful to take business, accounting, and computer courses.

Hiring Practices

Apprentices or helpers generally must be at least 16 years old and in good physical shape. A high school education or GED is usually required to enter an apprenticeship program. Applicants should have good manual dexterity and good color sense.

Employers may prefer applicants who have completed apprenticeship programs.

Licensing / Certification

No State of North Carolina license requirements are found for this career.

Wages

Nationally, the median wage for painters is $2,420 per month ($13.98 per hour). Half of all painters earn between $1,920 and $3,120 per month ($11.08 and $18.00 per hour).

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The painter's skill and reputation may also affect wages. Earnings for painters may be reduced on occasion due to bad weather or downturns in construction activity. Thus, overall earnings may be lower than these wages suggest.

Benefits vary by employer. Full-time salaried painters may receive typical benefits. These often include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Self-employed painters must provide their own benefits.

Employment

Nationally, about 448,000 painters work in this medium-sized occupation.

Major employers:

Painting and wallpaper hanging companies

About 42 percent of painters are self-employed.

Outlook

In North Carolina, employment for painters is expected to grow about as fast as average through the year 2012.

Nationally, the number of jobs for painters is expected to grow as fast as average through the year 2012.

Demand for painters is related to the state of the economy. When the economy is strong, people build new houses and buildings or remodel existing structures. However, when the economy is weak, people put off building and redecorating.

Painting is labor intensive. Thus, it is not affected much by technological changes that make workers more productive and restrict job growth. New construction is seasonal, so painters may experience periods without work. However, working for a company that also does renovations should reduce the amount of time they are without work.

Some job openings will be created when people leave this occupation. There are few skills required to become a painter. Many people enter this occupation, gain skills, and move on to other types of work.

Advancement Opportunities

Painters may advance to supervisory or estimating jobs with painting and decorating contractors. Many experienced painters establish their own painting businesses.

Please see Painting Courses.