How to become a Painter

Also called: Painter and Decorator

Applies paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to protect, maintain and decorate surfaces of buildings and structures.

Main tasks

• Prepares surfaces by removing old paint and filling holes and cracks, and covers surfaces with drop cloths or masking tape to protect surrounding areas
• Selects and mixes paints and stains to achieve desired colour and texture
• Applies paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes using brushes, rollers, sprayers or other tools
• Smooths and sands surfaces between coats of paint or varnish, and inspects finished work to ensure quality and adherence to client specifications
• Collaborates with clients to determine colour schemes and finishes, and estimates materials and labour costs for painting projects

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620); Certificate IV in Interior Decoration (MSF40122); Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32420); Certificate II in Construction Pathways (CPC20220)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $71,708 a year
• About 53,800 people work in this job group now, and about 58,100 are projected by 2035. (+7.9%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Floor Finisher

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Painter?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Painting and Decorating; Certificate IV in Interior Decoration; Certificate III in Painting and Decorating.

How much does a Painter earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $71,708 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Painter a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 53,800 to about 58,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Painter?

Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Painting and Decorating; Certificate IV in Interior Decoration; Certificate III in Painting and Decorating.

Will AI change the work of a Painter?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04