How much does a painting worker make?

In the United States, experience and careful, specialized skills can raise a painting worker’s pay. Pay also changes with the employer and industry, the job’s difficulty, and the area; extra training or credentials may help when employers value them.

Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather. Excludes “Artists and Related Workers" (27-1010), “Designers” (27-1020), “Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators” (51-9151), and “Etchers and Engravers” (51-9194).

What's a typical day like?

A worker checks the job order, cleans or sands an item like furniture or glass, then sprays, brushes, or dips it in coating. They inspect the finish, touch up flaws, sometimes dry it in an oven, and clean their tools.

Most people finish high school or earn an equivalent diploma, then start in an entry-level shop or factory job. They learn by practicing with a trainer for several months; some employers also hire people without a diploma.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and creating.

Some painting workers dip objects in coating, then put them in ovens or dryers to harden the finish.