Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Painters apply paint and protective coatings to walls, buildings, bridges, and equipment using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. They work on residential and commercial properties, preparing surfaces by removing old paint and patching imperfections before applying new finishes. Some painters mix paints to achieve specific colors and consistencies.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against painters, construction and maintenance and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves preparing surfaces by scraping, sanding, and priming, then applying paint with various tools depending on the job. Painters may set up scaffolding, protect surrounding areas with tape and drop cloths, and apply multiple coats following project specifications. Work includes cleanup, equipment maintenance, and moving between job sites. Weather and surface conditions affect the daily schedule.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you prefer hands-on, practical tasks and like following established procedures and standards. You're detail-oriented, careful about quality, and comfortable working at heights or in varied environments.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $59,480 | $68,220 | $85,280 | 1,900 |
| Illinois | $47,990 | $61,260 | $93,220 | 6,820 |
| Alaska | $54,710 | $60,980 | $74,570 | 440 |
| Washington | $48,940 | $59,650 | $65,140 | 9,510 |
| New York | $48,820 | $59,570 | $79,320 | 13,040 |
| District of Columbia | $47,360 | $59,520 | $69,390 | 500 |
| Maine | $50,170 | $59,270 | $63,120 | 2,120 |
| New Jersey | $45,490 | $59,250 | $72,380 | 4,110 |
| California | $47,520 | $59,020 | $73,040 | 38,430 |
| Delaware | $50,680 | $58,530 | $61,700 | 480 |
| Connecticut | $47,630 | $58,480 | $76,420 | 2,230 |
| Montana | $47,390 | $58,290 | $61,810 | 920 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) — National Apartment Association
- Painting — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Renovation, Repair and Painting Program — Environmental Protection Agency
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against painters, construction and maintenance and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2141.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.