Painter Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a painter. Feel free to use our painter job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a painter.
Who is a Painter?
A painter is a professional tradesman who applies paint, varnish, wallpaper, and other finishing and special coatings on walls and ceilings of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. A painter’s work has both a functional and decorative purpose. Painting surfaces protect them against weather damage, erosion, and mold, and make them more attractive.
Sometimes, additional finishing work may be required for a painting job. A painter might be required to create an artistic design, pattern, or effect on a wall. A sponge technique can be used to create a finish like faux marble or polished plaster.
Painters can also apply paints, varnishes, and other coatings to metal or wooden surfaces such as doors, railings, and fences.
Painters work on many interior and exterior surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and facades. They also install fences, railings, and gates for a wide variety of buildings including houses, apartments, schools, public offices, shops, commercial buildings, bridges, factories, and other infrastructure. Although they primarily paint brick and plaster, they can also work with iron, steel, and concrete as well as plasterboard and other materials.
The products used by painters include water-based, solvent-based, and enamel- and resin-based paints. They use sprayers, brushes, and rollers to apply them. To ensure safety, painters wear protective equipment such as gloves and painting overalls.
There are many employers for painters and decorators, such as building companies, remodeling and restoration firms, and paints and varnish factory owners. Others work for themselves as a freelancer (skilled laborers) and have their businesses. Self-employed painters usually own their transport to transport materials and get to work.
They often have flexible work hours. This can depend on the painting job they are contracted to do and the needs of their clients.
Painter Job Description
Below are the painter job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a painter job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Preparing paint surfaces by washing walls, patching holes, or removing old paint
- Applying paints to different surfaces
- Providing decorative and faux finishes as the project demands
- Planning and prepping work efficiently
- Preparing the area surrounding it by covering it with plastic or cloth to prevent any messes
- Moving furniture and other equipment to cover the entire project surface
- Calculating the materials and time needed for the project
- Removing fixtures like doorknobs and light switch covers
- Taping off any areas that are needed
- Negotiating and quoting job prices
- Cleaning up and replacing fixtures after project completion
- Communicating with clients to make sure they get the look they want
- Preparing walls and other surfaces before painting
- Covering surfaces and objects that are exposed
- Filling cracks with plaster or putty.
- Respecting workplace safety regulations
- Collaborating with other construction and design specialists.
- Keeping your workspace and tools tidy.
- Protecting all furniture and other building materials nearby, including flooring, cabinetry, and outlet covers during the painting
- Preparing surfaces to paint by cleaning them
- Repairing holes and taping off any areas that are needed
- Mixing and applying paint to different surfaces
- Collaborating with other professional painters for larger jobs
- Collaborating with other professionals in construction, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters to prepare units for leasing
- Talking to property managers and owners about color options and other design details.
- Cleaning up and returning any damaged or missing fixtures after completing a project
- Estimating the area to paint and providing a cost estimate (including labor)
- Installing scaffold towers, work platforms, stepladders, and other support structures.
- Using brushes, rollers, and other tools to paint interior and exterior walls
- Creating artistic decorations, effects, and patterns
- Inspecting painted surfaces, and correcting any flaws.
- Cleaning work areas and removing tools and supports
Qualifications
There are some requirements that you must meet to be a professional painter. This depends on your industry and the size of the job.
Education
A minimum of a high school diploma is required for all painters. Some jobs require a minimum amount of work experience. This is often dependent on the industry and the size of the job. The employer may provide on-the-job training, but this knowledge is usually required.
Training
Many painters learn specific skills in their industry through apprenticeships or on the job. Training on-the-job can last anywhere from a few days to several months. This training is usually part of a 30- to 90-day probationary. Training may include shadowing professional painters to help you perform your duties until you feel comfortable enough to take on your responsibilities.
Certification
You can prove your skills to potential employers by getting certified. Certain states require that painters be licensed or certified. To learn more about their responsibilities, and to further their career opportunities, painters can earn certifications. These are some of the most popular certifications for painters:
- State certifications and licenses
Some states require that painters be licensed or certified by the state. Painting experience is usually required in states that require certification.
- Lead safety certification
The Environmental Protection Agency requires that painters complete a Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (RRP).
- Professional certifications for painters
The Society for Protective Coatings and the NACE International Institute offers professional certifications for artists.
Essential Skills
- Communication skills
Understanding the client’s requirements is essential to serving their needs. Many people don’t know how to clearly explain their needs. You will need to either provide more specific instructions or use your judgment to fill in the details. Good communication is about listening and respecting the client’s wishes, not your own. While you can offer suggestions, the property owner always has the final say.
- Aesthetic Sense
Many clients will require you to make some judgemental calls about your work. Some will ask for advice. A strong sense of what looks great is essential. Consider the job site as an art piece.
- Detail-Oriented
Detail is what makes a paint job exceptional. This includes cleaning the edges and coats by following the instructions given by the client. One small mistake can make a big difference in the appearance of a room or building.
- Use the Tools You Need to Be a Pro
To create various effects, artists use many tools, including brushes, scrapers, and wire brushes. You need to know which tools to use in each situation. It is important to know how each tool works and how to use it well. There are many tools available for interior and exterior painting. Different tools may be needed to paint in different styles and textures. You will also need special equipment and materials for cleanup and special treatments.
- Technical skills
Technical skills are the knowledge and skills required to perform the job. To be able to effectively complete their jobs, painters must be familiar with the tools and materials they will need. Thorough knowledge of all technical aspects associated with painting exterior and interior surfaces, both commercial and residential, is essential.
- Familiarity with the Required Materials
Paints can vary in color and texture. There are also primers, varnishes, and sealers as well as finishes that can be used. These can vary greatly. If you choose the wrong combination for the surface, the paint can crack, peel, wash off, or look ugly.
- Physical Balance, Strength, and Dexterity
To achieve a clean, neat coat, painters must have good manual dexterity. You also need to have the strength and ability to maneuver equipment safely and efficiently.
- Time Management Skills
You will spend the majority of your day working alone, or at most, without supervision, regardless of whether you are an employee or a self-employed worker. You should be able to work effectively and efficiently without supervision. Painting for self-employment requires that you can give precise estimates about the time it will take to finish a job.
- Planning
It is important to plan your colors, shapes, and materials before you start creating a painting. Your clients will appreciate your ability to plan and prepare for your painting. It is possible to plan the work and paint it before you begin, which can reduce mistakes and save time.
- Understanding color theory
Color theory is a set of guidelines that helps you choose the right color scheme and how to match them.
- Mathematics
Painters do calculations to calculate costs, measure space and estimate paint coverage. It is essential to be able to calculate the area. Additional skills are also helpful in preparing invoices for clients. These skills can be learned in school by practicing math often.
How to Become a Painter
Step 1. Get an education
To be a successful painter, you don’t need to have a lot of education.
You will need experience. There are several ways to get it.
A lot of painters hold a high school diploma. This is required to get the best job after graduation. You can earn an Associate’s degree if you choose to pursue a degree. This could be in areas like Construction Management, Painting, or Mechanics.
To get the best education, you should take courses in:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities
- Project Management
- Business ethics
A majority of associates degrees in house painting require some form of apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships can be offered through a company or college program. This experience will enable aspiring painters to work with skilled people in the construction and painting industries to get good training. Apprenticeships can even pay painters to go to school and work.
Step 2. Get certified
Most states require individuals or businesses to be licensed and certified to become a painter. This shows your customers that you are knowledgeable and have the morals to paint their homes or buildings.
How can you get certified?
Depending on where you live, there are many steps that you can take. Many states require that contractors obtain licensure for every painting job. Other jobs that exceed $50,000 require licensure. You should check the requirements of your state to ensure you are not in legal trouble.
You will likely need to pay around $150 to become certified. Advanced certifications may require you to take an exam.
Step 3. Gain a lot of experience
You should have had a good deal of experience as a house painter if you were in an apprenticeship. This is the best way to gain experience in this field.
While an apprenticeship can be a great way for you to gain experience, it is not the best option. Instead, get hired by a construction or contracting company. This is possible because you can get to know all kinds of clients and customers, and also paint different types of homes and buildings.
A minimum of two years of experience is required to be a painter. Some companies will even allow you to lead a team.
Step 4. Continue your career
You may be interested in a career as a painter after you have worked many years and are so skilled that you can paint a house with your eyes shut,
You could start your own painting business, become a Project Manager for a company or find other work in construction.
It is your choice to make, but being a House Painter is a great way to get into construction.
Learning business and building codes, reading blueprints, and being familiar with construction are all easy ways to advance your career.
A license is another way to be a successful painter. Clients and customers can see that you are knowledgeable enough to perform a good job once they see that you have been certified.
Where to Work
Painters can work indoors or outdoors in many different environments. While some painters work in residential buildings, others are more skilled in commercial and industrial buildings. Some painters paint both residential and industrial buildings. Painting can be a physically demanding job. It requires a lot of standing, climbing, kneeling, bending, and reaching. Painting can expose you to extreme heights, weather conditions, and uncomfortable positions.
Painter Salary Scale
The average salary for a painter in the United States is $33,966/year or $17.42 an hour. Entry-level positions start at $29 245 per annum, while more experienced workers can earn up to $48,750 annually.
Painting jobs can be part-time, full-time, or seasonal. Painting salaries vary depending on the level of education, work experience, industry, company size, and geographic location.
