Painters, construction and maintenance
SOC Code: 47-2141Also known as:
Architectural Coating Finisher, Bitumastic Applier, Bridge Painter, Brush Painter, Building Painter
Median Annual Salary
$48,660
+3.8% growth (2024-2034)
28K
Openings/Year
342K
Current Jobs
What Painters, construction and maintenance Do
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.
💰 Salary
$48,660
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.8%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
28K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
342,200
Projected Employment (2034)
355,200
Related Careers
Plasterers and stucco masons
$56,020 •
+4.1% growth
Helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons
$38,140 •
+2.3% growth
Furniture finishers
$42,530 •
-3.3% growth
Painting, coating, and decorating workers
$40,860 •
+1.4% growth
Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders
$47,590 •
+0.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Monitoring
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
- Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.
- Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.
- Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.
- Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.
- Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.
- Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.
- Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.
- Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.
- Remove old finishes by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, burning, or using water or abrasive blasting.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Painters, construction and maintenance
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a painters, construction and maintenance:
Painting/Painter and Wall Coverer
28 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Painters, construction and maintenance
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become painters, construction and maintenance.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland, OH | 2 | C+ |
| 2 | Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | 20 | C |
| 3 | Southwestern Illinois College | Belleville, IL | 4 | C |
| 4 | Macomb Community College | Warren, MI | 1 | C |
| 5 | American River College | Sacramento, CA | 1 | C |
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do painters, construction and maintenance make?
The median annual salary for painters, construction and maintenance is $48,660.
What education do painters, construction and maintenance need?
Most painters, construction and maintenance positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Painting/Painter and Wall Coverer.
Is becoming a painters, construction and maintenance a good career choice?
Painters, construction and maintenance is projected to see +3.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 28,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for painters, construction and maintenance?
Top colleges for aspiring painters, construction and maintenance include
Cuyahoga Community College District, Ivy Tech Community College, Southwestern Illinois College, Macomb Community College, American River College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to painters, construction and maintenance?
Painters, construction and maintenance may also be known as: Architectural Coating Finisher, Bitumastic Applier, Bridge Painter, Brush Painter, Building Painter, Building Trades Painter, Calciminer, Caulker, Colored Liquid Plastic Applier, Commercial Painter, Construction Painter, Drywall Sprayer, Exterior Painter, Facilities Painter, Filler, Highway Painter, House Painter, Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist, Industrial Painter, Interior Painter.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.