Painting and Drywall Workers Career Guide

The new construction and renovation of residential and commercial properties have increased the demand for painters and drywall workers. These workers paint walls and buildings, repair and replace drywall and ceilings. They may work irregular hours and be required to work significant overtime to complete projects on time.

Job that is in demand
The new construction and renovation of facilities is constantly growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in the painting and drywall career field.
Interesting and Challenging
Painting and drywall workers are always learning new skills to safely and efficiently complete their projects on time. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a painter or drywall worker. Many workers have acquired their training, while working on the job with an employer.

Where you can work as a Painter and Drywall Worker and Job Responsibilites

Maintenance Department

Hospitals, Public Schools, University's, large corporations and facilities typically will employ an in-house Maintenance Department. Individuals with skills in painting and drywall work can find jobs as Painters, Building engineers and General maintenance workers. These workers typically have steady year round work and get to go home at the same time every day.

New construction

Renovation/Repair

Job Responsibilities

Career Progression Idea's

Here are some career progression idea's for Painting and drywall workers that have several years of experience and training.

Management

Painting, drywall workers and other building trades workers can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of Facility manager/Supervisor. Facility managers/Supervisors typically lead facility maintenance personnel in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

General Maintenance Worker

General maintenance technicians, trades helpers and laborers assist in the cleaning and maintenance of various job sites and facilities. These workers have skills in minor electrical, plumbing and HVAC repair and maintenance. They repair and paint drywall, assemble furniture, maintain equipment and tools and may assist various tradesmen in more complex facility repair activities. General maintenance workers can work in one facility or various job sites.

Company Owner

How much money you can make as a Painter and Drywall Worker and how to get started

Compensation

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Painter or Drywall worker is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information for various occupations throughout the United States.

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations.

Click here for more information on compensation for Painters- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm

Click here for more information on compensation for Drywall workers- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472081.htm

Apprenticeships

A great way to get started in the Painting and Drywall field is an Apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Union for more information regarding Apprenticeship programs in your area.

International Union of Painters and Allied Tradesmen. (IUPAT)-https://www.iupat.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

On the job training/Community College/Trade School

Most painters and drywall workers get their training while working on the job. However, community colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the building trades. Its important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local building trades contractors on what their experience has been with students that have completed programs from these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. These occupations will certainly help develop important skills that are relevant to the painting, drywall and building trades field. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.