The job market for painters in the United States

There are currently an estimated 26,500 painters in the United States. The painter job market is expected to shrink by 1.2% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are painters?

CareerExplorer rates painters with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will lose -300 painters.

Are painters in demand?

The growth in jobs for construction painters is projected to be significant. One reason for this is that painting is labor-intensive and minimally susceptible to technological advances that make workers more productive and slow employment growth. Demand is expected to rise as many workers retire from the occupation and as homeowners and business owners continue to change their paint colors to keep up with décor trends. The short lifespan of paint on home exteriors will further contribute to demand for painters. Additional openings are projected as aging structures and historical buildings undergo renovation. The need to prevent corrosion and deterioration of industrial structures, such as bridges, will also necessitate painters. The petrochemical industry in the Gulf Coast region should present considerable opportunities in the field. Should mortgage interest rates remain low the real estate market may also generate more work for these tradesmen, from both new homeowners and investors needing to prepare their properties for sale or rental. Work from this sector may be somewhat tempered should property owners choose to do their own painting. Painters with limited experience should be prepared for some periods of unemployment since many construction painting projects last only a short time. Economic downturns will generally result in fewer opportunities, especially on large commercial jobs and for new painters facing competition from their more knowledgeable counterparts. Construction painters interested in industrial painting can earn the Protective Coating Specialist certification from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). Opportunities for advancement in this occupation are limited; however, experienced painters may qualify for positions as supervisors, superintendents, and job estimators.

What’s the supply of painters?

The painter industry is concentrated in California, New York, Florida

Painter job market by state