Explore This Path

Construction Painter

💰 Earn $48K-$68K

📚 No Degree Required

⏱️ 6–12 Month Training

📈 3.8% Job Growth

Transform spaces with vibrant colors and creative finishes.
Enhance and protect structures, ensuring lasting beauty and durability.
Master the art of mixing colors for unique, custom designs.

What Construction Painters DoPaint 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.

Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.
Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.
Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.
Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.

Construction Painters Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationNone

Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time6 months to 1 year

Job Openings28,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$57,450 in California

$48,660 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@monarchpaintingsd

@thatgirlpainting

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Coordination
Quality Control Analysis

Go Deeper: Construction Painters Explained

Construction PainterExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

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What Is the Building & Distribution Industry?