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Painter

Painter

Painters are skilled professionals who apply paint and coatings to surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and exteriors of buildings and structures. They use their expertise to achieve the desired finish, protect against wear and tear, and enhance the visual appeal of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Avg pay/year

low
Apprentice

$32,510

med
Journeyman

$46,090

high
Master

$72,160

Months apprentice

48

Number of jobs

365,300

Projected Yearly Job Openings

29,300

Figures based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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How to Become a Painter in America in 2023Do you enjoy methodical and satisfying work? If so, you might be interested in learning how to become a painter...

Trade paths

7

General Painter
A general painter is a skilled artisan who applies paint and coatings to surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, and structures, to enhance aesthetics and protect against wear and damage. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, using various techniques and materials to achieve desired finishes and appearances.
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Automotive Painter
Automotive painters specialize in refinishing vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other transportation. They meticulously prepare surfaces and apply primers, basecoats, and clear coats using specialized techniques such as spraying and color-matching to achieve a high-quality and seamless finish. Automotive painters work in collision repair shops, automotive manufacturing plants, or custom paint shops, ensuring the aesthetic appeal and protection of vehicles from weather, corrosion, and wear.
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Commercial Painter
Commercial painters specialize in painting and decorating large-scale commercial buildings, offices, retail spaces, and other non-residential structures. They apply various coatings and finishes to interior and exterior surfaces, using industrial-grade paints to achieve a high-quality and durable finish. Their expertise helps to enhance the aesthetics of commercial properties while ensuring protection against environmental factors and maintaining longevity.
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Decorative Painter
A decorative painter is an artist who embellishes surfaces like walls, furniture, or fabric using various techniques, such as faux finishes, stenciling, or murals, to enhance their aesthetic appearance.
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Industrial Painter
Industrial painters are skilled tradespeople who focus on coating and protecting large-scale industrial structures, such as bridges, tanks, pipelines, and manufacturing facilities. They apply specialized coatings and paints that can withstand harsh environmental conditions, prevent corrosion, and ensure the longevity of the structures. These painters play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of industrial facilities, ensuring safety, and preserving assets.
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Marine Painter
Marine painters are skilled tradespeople who specialize in painting and maintaining marine vessels, such as ships, boats, and offshore structures. They use marine-grade coatings and specialized techniques to protect against saltwater, moisture, and harsh environmental conditions, ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of the vessels. Marine painters play a crucial role in preserving the aesthetics and performance of marine assets while safeguarding them from corrosion and deterioration caused by exposure to the marine environment.
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Residential Painter
A residential painter is a skilled tradesperson specializing in painting and decorating the interiors and exteriors of residential properties, using various paints and finishes to create an appealing aesthetic and protect surfaces.
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Skills

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Certifications and Credentials

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