Median pay
$48,660
Median annual pay for Painters, Construction and Maintenance.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Construction and Trades
Painters, Construction and Maintenance
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.
10-year growth
3.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
28,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
342,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Painters, Construction and Maintenance in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+13,000
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Active Listening
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Monitoring
- 4Reading Comprehension
- 5Speaking
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Customer and Personal Service
- 2Building and Construction
- 3Administration and Management
- 4Public Safety and Security
- 5Chemistry
- 6Transportation
Abilities
- 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
- 2Near Vision
- 3Manual Dexterity
- 4Trunk Strength
- 5Deductive Reasoning
- 6Extent Flexibility
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Artistic
- 4Investigative
- 5Social
- 6Enterprising
Work styles
- 1Dependability
- 2Attention to Detail
- 3Cautiousness
- 4Perseverance
- 5Achievement Orientation
- 6Stress Tolerance
Work activities
- 1Performing General Physical Activities
- 2Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- 6Developing Objectives and Strategies
Work context
- 1Spend Time Standing
- 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 3Telephone Conversations
- 4Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- 5Time Pressure
- 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Representative tasks
- 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.
Software and tools
Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyAct!Corel Paint Shop ProCorel PainterEvergreen Technology Eagle Bid EstimatingEvergreen Technology Total FauxInsight Direct ServiceCEOOn Center Quick BidTurtle Creek Software Goldenseal
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.