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Painting and Wallpaper

Are you artistic and like to work with your hands? Do you enjoy painting and decorating? A career in painting and wallpapering might be for you.

Is Painting and Wallpapering for Me?

Professional painting and wallpaper hanging includes more than just brushing paint on a surface or hanging a roll of paper. Painters must understand paints, finishes, surfaces, paint applicators and special techniques. Paperhangers need to understand how to install an array of wall coverings.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in painting and wallpapering, you need to possess good eyesight, agility and physical endurance. You'll be required to stand on ladders of varying height, so stability is important. Other professionals that might undertake painting and wallpapering projects include carpenters and finishers. Online classes in carpentry might also be available.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for painters and paperhangers was expected to increase seven percent between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov). In May 2010, the average annual salary of painters, construction and maintenance workers was $37,610; the average annual salary of paperhangers was $41,230 per year, reported the BLS.

How Do I Work in Painting and Wallpaper?

Many painting and wallpaper professionals get their training through their employer or from related experience, but occupational apprenticeships are available and often recommended. These can last from 2-4 years and may include coursework. To enter into an apprenticeship program, you'll need to possess at least a high school education.

Academic painting and wallpapering programs are limited, but you might be able to find related programs at technical colleges. These programs might include studies in finishing, painting, planning, safety, seaming, taping and wall lining. You can also learn how to interpret plans and designs. Topics in communication, accounting and performing calculations are also explored. You might also be able to find relevant studies in associate degree programs in interior decorating programs. Certificate programs are also available.

Certifications are available to add professionalism and quality assurance credentials to a painter or paperhanger's reputation or resume. Industrial painters may earn a Protective Coating Specialist credential through the National Association of Corrosion Engineers.

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