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   My CA
 Job Titles in Construction and Repair -- Painters and Paperhangers
 Wages           Job Openings           Job Requirements           Training           Career Paths

Painters and Paperhangers

 Picture of a Painter or Paperhanger at work.

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Job Description:   Painters apply paint, varnish, and other finishes to new structures and repaint old ones. They are knowledgeable about the tools to use and the materials to apply. Painters use a variety of tools including several types of brushes, rollers, spray guns, scrapers, sandpaper and sanders, wire brushes, and paint removal and cleaning chemicals.

Paperhangers cover walls and ceilings with decorative paper, vinyl, fabric or other wall coverings. Their work also involves removing old coverings, patching holes, and surface preparation.

Wages - Statewide:  

To give you an idea of how much you might earn, we have given you the average hourly wages and average yearly wages for this career throughout California. Wages can vary greatly in different parts of the State.
  Hourly Average Wages:  20.07
  Yearly Average Wages:  41,758

  Source: California Occupational Employment and Wage Data, 2009

Job Openings:  

An average of 2330 job openings will be available statewide per year. The number of openings includes both new jobs and replacement openings as workers leave the occupation.

Source: California Occupational Employment Projections 2006 - 2016

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Basic Job Requirements:

  1. Ability to read, write, and to do simple arithmetic
  2. Color and depth perception required
  3. Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
  4. Ability to work on ladders and scaffolding
  5. Completion of formal apprenticeships desirable

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 Where to get training locally:   Training is primarily through formal apprenticeships or on-the-job. Local joint apprenticeship committees should be contacted.

To find training programs in your area you can check the LaborMarketInfo Web site at www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/traProvidersSelection.asp?menuChoice=traProviders. Or, you can go to a One-Stop Career Center for assistance. (See "One-Stop Career Centers" in the "How to Find a Job" section.)

 Possible Job Paths:
 Painters and Paperhangers can move up to Supervisor, Superintendant, Cost Estimator, or Self-Ownership of a Business.

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