Overview
Painters and decorators apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures. They are employed by construction companies, painting contractors and building maintenance contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read specifications to determine quantities of materials required
Prepare and clean surfaces using methods such as scraping, sanding, sandblasting, hydro-blasting and steam-cleaning; remove old wallpaper and loose paint; repair cracks and holes in walls; and sandpaper and apply sealer
Mix and thin paint to obtain desired colour and texture
Apply paint or other materials, such as stains, lacquer, enamel, oil, varnish, fibreglass, metal coating or fire retardant using brushes, rollers or spray equipment
Measure, cut and apply wallpaper or fabric to walls
Assemble and erect scaffolding and swing stages
May advise customer on selection of colour schemes and choice of wall coverings
May provide cost estimates to clients.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$56,311
$69,305
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
1,523expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or over three years of work experience in the trade is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Trade certification for painters and decorators is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) in B.C.
- Painter and Decorator Red Seal Certification
- Skilled Trades Certification - Painters and Decorators
Painter and Decorator Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Skilled Trades Certification - Painters and Decorators
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a painter and decorator in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No programs available in B.C.
There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in B.C. that will qualify you for these careers. Please see the SkilledTradesBC website for other options.