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.
Painters, Construction and Maintenance
SOC: 47-2141 O*NET: 47-2141.00
Median Salary
$48,660
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.8%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
28.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
What does a Painters, Construction and Maintenance do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$36,680
10th percentile
Early Career
$42,510
25th percentile
Median
$48,660
50th percentile
Experienced
$60,270
75th percentile
Top Earners
$76,550
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$36,680
25th
$42,510
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$48,660
Mean: $53,710
75th
$60,270
90th
$76,550
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $39,870 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $42,510 and $60,270
- •Salary spread is 36.5% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 224,180 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:342,200
Top Industries
Construction81%
Specialty Trade Contractors69.7%
Building Finishing Contractors66.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.8%
Annual Openings:28,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)342,200
Current
2034 (Projected)355,200
+3.8%
+13,000
Employment Change
+3.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Painters, Construction and Maintenance professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
37,780 jobs$57,4501.44x
Florida
20,910 jobs$46,0601.46x
Texas
18,700 jobs$44,1600.93x
New York
14,670 jobs$56,0201.06x
Washington
8,820 jobs$58,5201.71x
Arizona
6,780 jobs$47,2901.46x
Illinois
6,700 jobs$62,3900.76x
Pennsylvania
6,110 jobs$50,2300.70x
Ohio
6,050 jobs$53,6500.75x
Virginia
5,300 jobs$44,6700.90x
Michigan
4,930 jobs$49,3600.77x
Massachusetts
4,830 jobs$55,8700.91x
Oregon
4,780 jobs$48,8801.67x
North Carolina
4,340 jobs$43,8900.61x
New Jersey
4,230 jobs$60,2900.68x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Time Management
70%
#3
Active Listening
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Time Management
intermediate3.5
70%
Active Listening
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers75%
3 shared skills
Insulation Workers, Mechanical60%
3 shared skills
Tire Repairers and Changers60%
3 shared skills
Dancers50%
2 shared skills
Fence Erectors50%
3 shared skills
Food Preparation Workers50%
2 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
MIXED
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mixed environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (15)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Training & Development (1)
1
Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development85% perform90%
7
Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Remove fixtures such as pictures, door knobs, lamps, or electric switch covers prior to painting.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Mix and match colors of paint, stain, or varnish with oil or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colors and consistencies.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Painters, Construction and Maintenance
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Painters, Construction and Maintenance professionals typically have a RCA Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
AArtistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.96
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.55
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.54
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.29
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.28
Concern for Others
Very ImportantConcern for Others
Importance Level4.13
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
5.0
Cooperation
4.5
Integrity
4.5
Self-Control
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Concern for Others
4.1
Initiative
4.1
Analytical Thinking
4.0
Innovation
4.0
Independence
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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