What does a Painter do?

A painter's work varies depending on the discipline and industry they are in. From construction painters responsible for painting buildings to artists who produce fine art, painters overall are tasked with the obligation to produce work in accordance with specifications and demands of the end user.

Depending on the industry and company, painters may need a bachelor's degree especially when it involves the production of fine arts. Due to the nature of the job, strong attention to detail is required followed by the ability to meet expectations and to produce a desirable outcome. A meticulous and diligent candidate with a good eye for aesthetics will excel well as a painter.

What responsibilities are common for Painter jobs?
  • Correspond effectively with clients to understand exact specifications and demands
  • Provide accurate estimations reflective of job completion timeframes
  • Update clients on the progress of work throughout the engagement
  • Mix paints efficiently to meet color and tone expectations
  • Work on a variety of mediums as required of the job
  • Adhere to safety guidelines and procedures at all times
  • Maintain a professional impression always
  • Manage administrative and marketing obligations as required
What are the typical qualifications for Painter jobs?
  • Proven experience as a painter in a related job setting
  • Good oral and written communications skills
  • Excellent skill to mix paint and colors
  • Keen eye for aesthetic and visual precision
  • High attention to detail
  • Meticulous and diligent
  • Steady hand to ensure precision
  • Able to stand for long periods of time
  • Flexible to travel to job sites
EducationBachelor's Degree
Work/Life Balance
3.4 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.4 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

Painter Salaries

Average Base Pay

$60,394 /yr
Same as national average
Not including cash compensation
See More Insights
$42K
Median: $60K
$87K
See More Insights
Glassdoor Estimated Salary

Painter Career Path

Learn how to become a Painter, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Painter
$60,394/yr
Painter Supervisor
$65,750/yr
Lead Painter
$72,434/yr
Painter

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
30%
2 - 4
44%
5 - 7
2%
8+
24%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Painter Insights

Read what Painter professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Triumph GroupTriumph Group
Senior Painter
Feb 23, 2021

“Such a great group of co workers that get along great and can get the job done.”

ArcosaArcosa
Industrial Painter
Dec 12, 2022

“It's been a good transition in my career and I enjoy learning from everyone here.”

The Lake ClubThe Lake Club
Face Painter
Jul 14, 2022

“Pay is inconsistent for this job specifically (unclear if it is hourly or flat rate)”

Museum of Ice CreamMuseum of Ice Cream
Painter
Feb 9, 2021

“My supervisor was great but the other higher ups didn't seem to know what they were doing.”

Kaser PaintingKaser Painting
Painter
Nov 19, 2022

“Good for pay and good for hours”

Total Repair Service
Apprentice Painter
Jun 20, 2022

“Friendly team and great to work with.”

CertaPro Painters
Painter
Apr 23, 2021

“Freedom i love having the freedom to work in different neighborhoods and see the homes.”

Nucor Building SystemsNucor Building Systems
Painter
Jul 27, 2022

“You get paid a base pay and then a bonus based on how much you produce as a team.”

See More

Painter Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Painter

When working as a Painter, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Putty, Sanding, Estimates, Strong WORK Ethic and Spray Painting.

The most similar professions to Painter are:
  • Laborer
  • Material Handler
  • Forklift Operator
  • Warehouse Worker

The most common qualifications to become a Painter is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.

Related Careers

Laborer
$39,651
13% skills overlap
Material Handler
$40,741
13% skills overlap
Forklift Operator
$42,342
25% skills overlap
Warehouse Worker
$38,055
13% skills overlap

Painter jobs