How to become a Picture Framer
Cuts out and assembles mouldings to make picture frames, and frames paintings, photographs, needlework and other artwork.
Main tasks
- Measures and cuts mouldings to required lengths
- Assembles mouldings using various fastening methods
- Cuts and fits glass, matting and backing materials
- Mounts artwork onto backing materials with appropriate techniques
- Inspects finished frames for quality
- Adds decorative elements to enhance frame appearance
- Assists customers in selecting frames and matting
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Picture Framing. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Picture Framing (MSF30518)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $73,060 a year
- About 2,600 people work in this job group now, and about 2,800 are projected by 2035. (+6.1%)
- 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.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Picture Framer?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Picture Framing; Certificate III in Picture Framing.
How much does a Picture Framer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $73,060 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Picture Framer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 2,600 to about 2,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Picture Framer?
Usually not. Only 24% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Picture Framing; Certificate III in Picture Framing.
Will AI change the work of a Picture Framer?
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