Painting, coating, and decorating workers apply paint, stain, and other finishes to buildings, structures, and surfaces. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start without a four-year degree. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You apply paint, coatings, and decorative finishes to interior and exterior surfaces. You prepare surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and filling gaps. You mix paints and coatings to the right consistency and color. You use brushes, rollers, and spray equipment to apply finishes evenly. You inspect surfaces and materials to spot defects or damage. You monitor your work and the conditions around you to ensure quality and safety. You communicate with supervisors and teammates about project details and progress.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers earn a median of $41,600 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 800 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most painters learn on the job through hands-on training under experienced workers. Some programs offer formal classroom instruction in safety, techniques, and materials. You will develop skills in monitoring, active listening, and critical thinking as you work. Reading comprehension helps you understand safety guidelines and product instructions. Many painters start as helpers or assistants and advance as they gain experience and skill.
Most painters enter through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. If you are deciding between different entry paths, Pathly can map the painting, coating, and decorating worker path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to find the route that fits your timeline and goals.
You do not need a license to work as a painting, coating, and decorating worker, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You like working with your hands and seeing tangible results. You pay attention to detail and take pride in quality work. You are practical, reliable, and comfortable learning by doing.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).