We continue our Friday Feature with the creative trade of Painter.
As you can probably guess, a painter’s daily tasks center around applying many types of coatings to specific materials such as:
- Paint on wood
- Lacquer on metal
- Sealant on masonry building material
But this position is about more than just simply covering surfaces. Not only do painters improve the look of any structure with their expert brushing, spraying, and rolling, their stains and coatings can increase durability and resiliency to daily wear and tear. Their work helps restore and protect dilapidated buildings’ beauty as well as reinforce newly constructed materials.
Whether fixing a historical building’s facade or painting a newly installed wall for the first time, there’s something for everyone in the painting trade:
- Painters have the chance to use their creativity to create the perfect color and consistency.
- Painters are never bored as they get to work on ever-changing projects and job sites. Your jobsite may include local infrastructure, new commercial buildings, as well as old homes or commercial buildings in any given week.
In addition to a rewarding day-to-day job, painters have an excellent sense of job security today. In fact, the U.S. News 2019 Best Jobs in Construction report recently ranked a painter position as 7th out of all the construction industry jobs. This trade ranked in the top 10 because of its ability to offer an elusive mix of factors.
With an average salary of more than $40,000*, painter jobs are desirable and in-demand. Currently, there are nearly 22,000 painter jobs. But that’s sure to change quickly as the Bureau of Labor statistics projects 5.7% employment growth for painters through 2026.
It’s a perfect time to start your career as a painter, but as with any skilled trade, training is essential to success. Luckily, training can vary to meet every individual’s unique learning style. It ranges from informal to formally registered, and everything between. Including:
- Learning-by-working
- Company-sponsored on-the-job training programs
- Registered labor-management apprenticeship program
- Trade or vocational/technical schools
No matter the style, their thorough training moves jobs along quickly with unparalleled quality. In addition to quality training, painters need to have an endless amount of patience and strong willpower. Committed, goal-driven contractors thrive in this career.
Does this sound like a career you’d thrive in? You can begin working toward your career as a painter today.
If you’re still in high school, sign up for the following classes:
- Art
- Chemistry
- Math
- Interior decorating
- Woodward finishing
- General shop
If you have already graduated high school, think about how your learning style might impact the type of training route you should take. Consider if you would do well in a trade or vocational/technical school setting or a learn-by-working apprenticeship.
No matter how or when you start your painting career, you’ll be inspired on the job daily. You can see the full U.S. News 2019 Best Jobs in Construction report here or visit our website to learn more about this creative position.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [March 31, 2017]
