🔧 Skilled Trades ↑ 4% growth · Average

Painter & Decorator

Painters apply paint, stain, and protective coatings to buildings and structures. Commercial painters in union shops or industrial coating can earn $65K+, and business owners in high-end residential can earn $150K+.

$46,470 Median Salary
188K US Jobs
3–4 years Training
Paid apprenticeship Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$33,000
Median
$46,470
Experienced
$68,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

4%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
188K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
PDCA/IUPAT Journeyman Painter
Required Credential
PDCA/IUPAT Journeyman Painter

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Painting Apprenticeship or Certificate
Program Length
3–4 years
Typical Tuition
Paid apprenticeship
Work Setting
Residential, commercial construction, industrial, ship painting
🏆 Credential Required: PDCA/IUPAT Journeyman Painter

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Painter & Decorator involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Residential environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Painter & Decorator by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC