Painting

Painting trade workers apply paints, varnishes and stains to surfaces using brushes, rollers and sprays for a clean and professional application. They also hang wallpaper, matching patterns and trimming edges. Work is indoors or outdoors at residential and commercial buildings. Weekend work is common. Suitable for those with an interest in building, construction and public safety. Good attention to detail and customer service skills are important.

How to become a qualified painter

To become a qualified commercial painter, you will need to obtain the following painter qualifications:

1. Obtain a degree

Some painting professions may require a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. Most painting jobs require math and communication skills for calculating project expenses and communicating with clients.

2. Take up the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) program of the EPA

The government body that administers the rules concerning painting qualifications is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To gain the necessary qualifications, the EPA requires painters to participate in the Renovation, Repair, and Painting program, which teaches painters how to use lead-based paints safely.

3. Research the requirements of your state

Each state has its own painting contractor license and certification requirements, so you will need to research the regulations for your location.

4. Acquire expertise

Depending on the sector and scope of the painter position you are looking for, you may need varying amounts of experience or training. Some positions need applicants to successfully finish an apprenticeship in painting, whereas others demand prior work experience as a painter’s helper or painting contractor.

What are the essential painter’s certifications

Depending on the industry and the job position you are applying for, you may be required to meet some painter’s qualifications before someone can hire you.

Certifications

Painters in some states are required to obtain a license or certification. Additionally, painters should know how to get a painting license and certificates to expand their expertise and job progression options. For painters, certifications include:

• State licenses or certifications: Some states demand that painters obtain a state license or certification. Painters often need several years of professional experience in states where certification is necessary.

• Lead safety certification: Lead is a toxic element found in some paints, mainly in lead-based paints. To qualify as a certified painter, painters must get the lead safety certification, which involves completing the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) program.

• Professional certifications: The Society for Protective Coatings or the NACE International Institute offers professional certifications for painters.

For painting work in Massachusetts, you do not need a license. However, you must register your painting business with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.

Construction and Maintenance Painters

Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures. Painters work indoors and outdoors. Painting is physically demanding and requires a lot of bending, kneeling, reaching, and climbing. Those who paint bridges or buildings may work at extreme heights or in uncomfortable positions. Painters typically learn their trade on the job. No formal education is typically required to enter the occupation. The median annual wage for construction and maintenance painters was $47,700 in May 2023.

Painting and Coating Workers

Painting and coating workers apply finishes, often using machines, to a range of products. Most painting and coating workers are employed full time. They frequently stand for long periods in specially ventilated areas. Painting and coating workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. New workers usually train on the job for several months. The median annual wage for coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders was $45,560 in May 2023. The median annual wage for painting, coating, and decorating workers was $40,230 in May 2023.

Other types of painting jobs

• Painting subcontractor

• Aircraft painter

• Commercial painter

• House painter

• Painting estimator