Employment of painters is projected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
The relatively short life of paint on homes, as well as changing trends in color and application, will continue to result in demand for painters. Investors who sell properties or rent them out also will require painters' services. Nonetheless, the ability of many homeowners to do the work themselves will temper employment growth somewhat.
Growing demand for industrial painting will be driven by the need to prevent the corrosion and deterioration of many industrial structures by painting or coating them. Applying a protective coating to the inside and outside of a steel tank, for example, can add years to its life expectancy.
Job Prospects
Overall job prospects should be good because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year. There are no formal education requirements for entry into this job, so many people with limited abilities work as painters for a relatively short time and then move on to other types of work with higher pay or better working conditions.
Job opportunities for industrial painters should be excellent because the number of positions available should be greater than the pool of individuals qualified to fill them. Although industrial structures that require painting are located throughout the nation, the best employment opportunities will likely be in the Gulf Coast region, where strong demand exists. In addition, workers with military experience are viewed favorably during initial hiring.
New painters and those with limited experience should expect some periods of unemployment. In addition, most new construction painting projects last only a short time.
Employment of painters, like that of many other construction workers, is sensitive to fluctuations in the economy. On the one hand, painters may experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of construction falls. On the other hand, peak periods of building activity may produce shortages of painters.
Construction and Maintenance Painters
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Construction trades workers
10%
Painters, construction and maintenance
7%
Total, all occupations
7%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program