Painters, Construction and Maintenance

SOC code 47-2141 · O*NET-SOC 47-2141.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Painters, Construction and Maintenance pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$49,400

a year

Hourly

$23.75

per hour

10th$37,440Median$49,40090th$78,810

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$55,420

$26.64 per hour

Middle 50%

$44,640 – $61,660

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,440 – $78,810

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

225,190

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,440; $18.00/hr
25th percentile: $44,640; $21.46/hr
Median percentile: $49,400; $23.75/hr
75th percentile: $61,660; $29.65/hr
90th percentile: $78,810; $37.89/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+4%

Growing faster than average

342,200

jobs in 2024

355,200

projected for 2034

About 13,000 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do painters, construction and maintenance do?

Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. May remove old paint to prepare surface prior to painting. May mix colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.
Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.
Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.
Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.
Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.
Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.
Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 49% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)49%
Post-Secondary Certificate33%
Less than a High School Diploma16%
Post-Doctoral Training2%

Common questions

How much does a painters, construction and maintenance earn?

The national median is $49,400 a year. The full range runs from $37,440 at the 10th percentile to $78,810 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a painters, construction and maintenance without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is painters, construction and maintenance in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.0/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Monitoring2.9/5
Reading Comprehension2.8/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
Building and Construction3.0/5
Administration and Management2.9/5
Public Safety and Security2.8/5
Chemistry2.7/5
Transportation2.6/5
Education and Training2.6/5
Production and Processing2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making.