Professional painters balance applying just the right paint, stain, varnish or other finish to buildings and industrial structures. Professional painters specialize in everything from industrial spray painting to prevent deterioration in buildings to decorative artisans who create faux finishes.
Qualifications: Painters have strong manual dexterity, physical stamina, balance, vision and color sense. They are also willing to work outside.
Education: Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent and one or two years of classroom and on-the-job training. Helpers and apprentices receive training on color theory, surface preparation, application techniques, and paint mixing. A certificate from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers is often required for industrial painters.
Average Salary: $38,830 annually; $18.67 hourly (Source: Build Your Future)