Painter
Surface prep, primer, paint. Painters bring buildings to their finished look — residential, commercial, industrial coatings, decorative finishes. IUPAT for the union track; strong owner-operator path for two-person crews.
Painter goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Painter trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Painters prep surfaces (sand, caulk, patch, prime), then apply paint by brush, roller, or spray. The trade splits sharply by surface type and finish quality. Residential repaint work is the highest-volume; commercial new-construction is the most coordinated; industrial coatings is the highest-paid.
Specializations diverge. Residential Painters work occupied homes — service-call style. Commercial Painters work new construction and tenant fitouts. Industrial Coatings Painters work bridges, tanks, and refineries — premium pay, NACE-certified work. Decorative Finishers do faux finishes, murals, and historic restoration.
Most painters work for paint contractors or as one- to two-person owner-operators. The trade has the strongest owner-operator path in skilled construction — many journey-level painters start their own residential repaint businesses.
How you move up as a Painter
Most painters come up through the IUPAT (International Union of Painters and Allied Trades) 4-year apprenticeship or direct hire at a paint contractor. NACE certification opens premium industrial-coatings work. BLS OES 47-2141, May 2025.
Apprentice — what this rung looks like
What Painters earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2025 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Is Painter a growing trade?
Core craft + supporting skills
Core skills (orange) are required for the Painter trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Painter trade
IUPAT Painters & Allied Trades
IUPAT District Council 51 (VA/DC/MD), DC 57 (NC). The dominant union for painters, drywall finishers, glaziers, and floor coverers. IUPAT →
ABC Painting Apprenticeship
DOL-Registered painting apprenticeships through ABC Virginia, ABC Metro Washington, ABC Greater Baltimore.
Direct hire on paint crew
Most painters come in as helpers and learn on the job. No prior credentials required at entry level. Strong owner-operator track means many painters launch their own businesses by year 5.
Certifications that help
EPA RRP Lead-Safe (mandatory for pre-1978 housing), NCCER Painting Levels 1–4, OSHA 10/30, NACE Coating Inspector Level 1–3 for industrial track, manufacturer Master Painter status.
Common pathways into Painter work
KinTrades welcomes Painter workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Air Force 3E3X1 Structural covers painting in civil-engineering scopes. Army 12W Carpentry & Masonry Specialist may include painting depending on assignment.
Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans to IUPAT + ABC apprenticeships.
The GI Bill covers EPA RRP and NACE testing fees.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Painting is one of the lowest-barrier trades — direct hire as a helper requires no prior credentials. HS construction CTE programs include painting.
IUPAT/ABC apprenticeships start at age 18.
FastForward VA covers tuition for VA students.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Painting is among the most second-chance friendly trades — independent paint contractors and residential repaint companies hire on demonstrated skill and physical readiness.
Background checks are uncommon at entry level.
IUPAT and ABC apprenticeships consider applicants with felony histories case-by-case.
Second-chance hiringCertifications, apprenticeships & licensing for Painters
Certifications that move you up
- EPA Lead Renovator (RRP) Certification (Lead RRP) Recommended
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction (OSHA-10) Recommended
Registered apprenticeship programs
- IUPAT District Council 51 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3.5 yr
- IUPAT District Council 51 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3.5 yr
- IUPAT District Council 53 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3.5 yr
- IUPAT District Council 51 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3.5 yr
Union locals in our region
- IUPAT District Council 51 DC, MD, VA
- IUPAT District Council 53 NC
If Painter interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming a Painter
What does a Painter do?
Painters prep surfaces (sand, caulk, patch, prime), then apply paint by brush, roller, or spray. The trade splits sharply by surface type and finish quality. Residential repaint work is the highest-volume; commercial new-construction is the most coordinated; industrial coatings is the highest-paid.
What does a Painter make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2025, Painters earn an annual median of $47K in Virginia (range $36K–$63K), $60K in DC ($47K–$81K), $49K in Maryland ($41K–$78K), and $44K in North Carolina ($33K–$58K).
How do you become a Painter?
IUPAT Painters Allied Trades: IUPAT District Council 51 (VA/DC/MD), DC 57 (NC). The dominant union for painters, drywall finishers, glaziers, and floor coverers. IUPAT →
How long is Painter apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
2–4 years to journey-level. Most painters come up through the IUPAT (International Union of Painters and Allied Trades) 4-year apprenticeship or direct hire at a paint contractor. NACE certification opens premium industrial-coatings work.
Is Painter a growing career?
Yes — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections have Painter employment set to grow 3.8% between 2024 and 2034. The BLS projects about 28,100 openings per year nationally, most from workers retiring or leaving the trade.
Is Painter a good career path for someone with a record?
Painting is among the most second-chance friendly trades — independent paint contractors and residential repaint companies hire on demonstrated skill and physical readiness. Background checks are uncommon at entry level. IUPAT and ABC apprenticeships consider applicants with felony histories case-by-case.