Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Construction and Extraction
Protects nearby surfaces with dropcloths or tape, then washes, sands, and fills cracks so the new finish will stick. Primer goes on bare wood or metal first; paint, stain, varnish, or enamel follows with a brush, roller, or spray gun. Colors or oils may be mixed to match what was asked. Some days are spent on ladders, scaffolding, or swing gates, working on buildings, bridges, or equipment. Suits people who like thorough surface prep, steady hand work, and following a homeowner's or supervisor's instructions.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$49'400
Median Wage Market Position
$49'400
What you might do
- Paint walls, buildings, bridges, and equipment
- Cover floors and fixtures before painting
- Fill cracks and holes with caulk or putty
- Sand and wash surfaces so finishes will stick
- Prime bare wood or metal before painting
- Set up ladders or scaffolding for high work
Skills that matter
- Masking trim and covering floors with dropcloths
- Brush, roller, or spray-gun application
- Filling cracks with caulk or putty
- Sanding and washing so finishes adhere
- Reading work orders from homeowners or supervisors
- Planning prep, primer, and finish coats
AI & the future of this role
Surface prep, color matching, and finish work on real structures still depend on eye and hand more than software. Scheduling or color tools may help, but quality results and site conditions keep painters central to the job.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details