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ConstructionStable

Painter, Construction and Maintenance

Operational-level

Also known as: Architectural Coating Finisher, Bitumastic Applier, Bridge Painter, Brush Painter

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.
PaintingSurface PreparationColor TheoryArchitectural FinishesIndustrial PaintingConstructionMaintenanceSkilled TradesTechnicalBuilding

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+3%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

24,900

per year (US)

Jobs today

326,900

in 2025 → 336,700 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Moderate
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Moderate
Indoor, climate-controlled
Moderate
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Aide-peintre
  • Manœuvre en bâtiment
  • Préparateur de surfaces

Where it can lead

  • Chef d'équipe peintre
  • Estimateur en peinture
  • Entrepreneur en peinture

Impact of AI on this Job

AI-powered robotics may begin to automate large-scale, repetitive spray painting tasks in commercial or industrial settings, potentially reducing the need for manual labor in these specific areas. However, the intricate work of surface preparation, detailed finishing, custom designs, and repair will likely remain a human domain, with AI more commonly assisting painters through precise material estimation, color matching, or project management tools.