Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, bridges, and other structures.

Painting requires a lot of climbing, bending, kneeling, and reaching. Most industrial painters work outside, almost always in dry, warm weather. Those who paint bridges or buildings may be exposed to extreme heights and uncomfortable positions.

Most painters learn their trade on the job. No formal education is typically required to enter the occupation.

The median annual wage for painters, construction and maintenance was $36,580 in May 2015.

Employment of painters is projected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Overall job prospects should be good, and opportunities for industrial painters and coaters are expected to be excellent, especially in the Gulf Coast region.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for painters, construction and maintenance .

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of painters, construction and maintenance with similar occupations.

Learn more about painters, construction and maintenance by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.