What Painters, Construction and Maintenance do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Painters, Construction and Maintenance this way: "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 core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting"; "Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives"; "Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats"; "Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers"; "Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Painters, Construction and Maintenance
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 326,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 336,700 in 2035, an increase of 9,800 jobs (+3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 24,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 31.3% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $49,400, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Painters, Construction and Maintenance earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $58,042 in California to $60,087 in New Jersey, a gap of $2,045 (1.04 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $49,400 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 38,210, which is 54.7% of the 69,890 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 16,270.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($60,087), New York ($59,134) and California ($58,042) lead the ranking, while California ($58,042) and New York ($59,134) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Painters, Construction and Maintenance: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $18,308. The smallest margin is $7,821 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 48.0% and 67.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (47-2000) include Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, Electricians, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators and Carpenters.
Frequently asked questions about Painters, Construction and Maintenance
What is the national median wage for Painters, Construction and Maintenance?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $49,400. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $58,042 to $60,087.
Which state pays Painters, Construction and Maintenance the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $60,087. New York is next at $59,134.
What is the job outlook for Painters, Construction and Maintenance?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 24,900 openings a year.
What education do Painters, Construction and Maintenance need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Painters, Construction and Maintenance afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $18,308 on a median wage of $61,420.