Painting

A painting professional applies paint, varnish, stain and other finishes to walls, buildings and other surfaces. Before applying the finish, a painting professional must properly prepare the surface in order to make certain the paint will adhere properly. This may involve sanding the stripping and sanding the surface as well as washing and removing grease and dirt. Preparations may also include repairing cracks and filling in nail holes.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage of painting professionals is $16.00. Those working for the local government earn the most, with a median annual income of $20.11. Those who work for painting and wall covering contractors, on the other hand, earn $14.62 per hour. The Bureau further reports that those who are self-employed tend to earn a higher median hourly wage.

While some painting professionals learn through on-the-job training, most employers prefer hiring those who have completed an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships typically include on-the-job training coupled with a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction in painting. Coursework generally covers topics such as surface preparation, use and care of equipment, paint mixing and color harmony.

A good candidate for a career in painting is someone with a good sense of color and good manual dexterity. Those with good physician and physical stamina who also have a strong sense of balance are particularly well suited to this career.