Painters, Construction and Maintenance: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Painters, Construction and Maintenance fall under the Construction and Extraction category in the U.S. occupational classification. Painters, Construction and Maintenance earn a median salary of $48,660 per year, ranking in the top 66% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +3.8% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do painters, construction and maintenance earn?

The median annual wage for painters, construction and maintenance is $48,660. That puts painters, construction and maintenance at #537 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is painters, construction and maintenance a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for painters, construction and maintenance is +3.8%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 342K positions in 2024 to 355K in 2034, a net change of 13K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do painters, construction and maintenance do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working painters, construction and maintenance, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.
2. 2.Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.
3. 3.Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.
4. 4.Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.
5. 5.Waterproof buildings, using waterproofers or caulking.
6. 6.Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
7. 7.Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.
8. 8.Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.

Top skills for painters, construction and maintenance

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become painters, construction and maintenance?

Painters, Construction and Maintenance typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
  $106,580 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
  $78,690 median
• Roof Bolters, Mining
  $76,640 median
• Boilermakers
  $73,340 median
• Construction and Building Inspectors
  $72,120 median
• Pile Driver Operators
  $70,510 median

Common questions parents ask about painters, construction and maintenance