Painters and Paperhangers
| Description |
OES Code: 87402 |
Painters: Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. May mix colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency. Paperhangers: Cover interior walls and ceilings of rooms with decorative wallpaper or fabric, or attach advertising posters on surfaces such as walls and billboards. Duties include removing old materials from surface to be papered.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$7.12 |
| 25th Percentile |
$8.01 |
| 50th Percentile |
$10.29 |
| 75th Percentile |
$13.41 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$8.15 |
| 25th Percentile |
$9.19 |
| 50th Percentile |
$14.67 |
| 75th Percentile |
$16.11 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Most painters and paperhangers work 40 hours a week or less; about 1 out of 10 works part time. Most employers offer paid vacation, sick leave and medical insurance. Many offer retirement plans and dental, vision and life insurance.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
34,700 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
41,400 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
19.3% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
9,700 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
480 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
660 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
37.5% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
100 |
Employment Trends by California County
Nearly all painters work in the construction industry. They are usually laid off during periods of damp or rainy weather, as are many other workers in construction. In some areas of California, they may be out of work for three months, or longer, each year because of poor weather. Employment also fall when depends on good economic conditions which boost construction activity. Employment in most of the State is highest during the spring, summer and early fall when construction activity is at its peak.
Advancement
Promotion for painters and paperhangers is usually by going through the regular skill levels to reach journey-level. Some workers advance to supervisor, superintendent, cost estimator or sales associate. Many become self-employed, but the competition for jobs is tough. Most self-employed workers must obtain a painting and decorating license, issued by their local State Contractor's Board, by passing a three-hour trade test and a three-hour business operation test. Workers must have four years of journey-level experience in the past 10 years to qualify for the contractor test.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Painters and paperhangers find work through the union local and by applying directly to employers or the California Employment Development Department Job Service. Painters can get information on government job opportunities from city and county personnel offices, Federal Job Information Centers, and the California State Personnel Board. Persons looking for an apprenticeship can contact the nearest local of the Painters' Union, prospective employers, Division of Apprenticeship Standards, or the local Joint Apprenticeship Committee.
For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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The formal way to journey-level status is through an apprenticeship program, which consists of three and one half years of supervised, on the job training and 144 hours of related school instruction. Related work experience can be credited to apprentices by examination and evaluation by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Apprenticeship applicants must be at least 16 years old. The work requires color and depth perception, ability to lift and carry 50 pounds and the temperament to work while standing on ladders or scaffolding.
Skills & Other Requirements
The work requires color and depth perception, ability to lift and carry 50 pounds and the temperament to work while standing on ladders or scaffolding. Painters and paperhangers often work with their heads for long periods of time. They risk injury from slips or falls. The job may also take painter into places where air circulation is poor, in which case respirator, air hoods, and fans are used. Painters can also come into contact with poisonous chemicals when mixing paints, and airless spray painting can give off toxic fumes or the strong spray can cut a worker. Paperhangers are exposed to chemical removers and steam machines.
References
California Occupational Guide #148
Related Occupations: Plasterers and Stucco Masons
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP) |
