BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasPainters, Construction and Maintenance

O*NET · 47-2141.00

Painters, Construction and Maintenance

Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. May remove old paint to prepare surface prior to painting. May mix colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency.

Also called Architectural Coating Finisher · Bitumastic Applier · Bridge Painter · Brush Painter · Building Painter · Building Trades Painter · Calciminer · Caulker
35 more

Colored Liquid Plastic Applier · Commercial Painter · Construction Painter · Drywall Sprayer · Exterior Painter · Facilities Painter · Filler · Highway Painter · House Painter · Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist · Industrial Painter · Interior Painter · Journeyman Painter · Kalsominer · Line Painting Machine Operator · Maintenance Painter · Marbleizer · Ornamental Painter · Painter · Parking Line Painter · Pavement Striper · Powder Coat Painter · Professional Painter · Railroad Car Letterer · Residential Painter · Roof Painter · Shipyard Painter · Silo Painter · Spray Painter · Stage Setting Painter · Stainer · Stippler · Structural Steel Painter · Texturer · Traffic Line Painter

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCARealistic · Conventional · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.50
  • A Artistic2.51
  • I Investigative1.47
  • S Social1.26
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma16%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent49%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate33%
  • Post-Doctoral Training2%
Related work experience
None (47%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (47%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Time Management3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.82.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Service Orientation2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Speakingbasic2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Mathematicsbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
Show the other 23
  • Operation and Control2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Operations Monitoring2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Persuasion2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Quality Control Analysis2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Writingbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Active Learningbasic2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Instructing2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation1.91.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Complex Problem Solving1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Systems Analysis1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Troubleshooting1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Equipment Selection1.80.9
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.8
  • Operations Analysis1.60.6
  • Repairing1.60.6
  • Sciencebasic1.50.5
  • Equipment Maintenance1.40.4
  • Technology Design1.40.4
  • Installation1.0—
  • Programming1.0—

Tasks

15 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.4.6
  2. Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.4.5
  3. Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.4.5
  4. Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.4.5
  5. Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.4.2
  6. Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.4.1
  7. Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.4.0
  8. Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.3.9
  9. Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.3.6
  10. Remove fixtures such as pictures, door knobs, lamps, or electric switch covers prior to painting.3.5
  11. Remove old finishes by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, burning, or using water or abrasive blasting.3.5
  12. Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.3.3
Show the other 5
  1. Waterproof buildings, using waterproofers or caulking.3.3
  2. Mix and match colors of paint, stain, or varnish with oil or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colors and consistencies.3.1
  3. Select and purchase tools or finishes for surfaces to be covered, considering durability, ease of handling, methods of application, and customers' wishes.3.1
  4. Polish final coats to specified finishes.3.1
  5. Cut stencils and brush or spray lettering or decorations on surfaces.2.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service3.22.6
  • Building and Construction3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Administration and Management2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Public Safety and Security2.82.7
  • Chemistry2.72.9
  • Transportation2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Education and Training2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Production and Processing2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
Show all 33
  • Mathematics2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • English Language2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Mechanical2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Design2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Engineering and Technology2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Psychology2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Physics1.81.8Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Administrative1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Communications and Media1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Fine Arts1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Geography1.70.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Telecommunications1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Law and Government1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Philosophy and Theology1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Biology1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Economics and Accounting1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sales and Marketing1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Therapy and Counseling1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Computers and Electronics1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Food Production1.4—
  • Foreign Language1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.83.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Near Vision3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Trunk Strength3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Deductive Reasoning3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent Flexibility3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
Show all 52
  • Multilimb Coordination3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Speech Clarity3.02.8
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Dynamic Strength2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Far Vision2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Finger Dexterity2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Information Ordering2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Selective Attention2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Recognition2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Stamina2.92.9
  • Static Strength2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Visualization2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Control Precision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Inductive Reasoning2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Problem Sensitivity2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Category Flexibility2.12.4Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
  • Depth Perception2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Time Sharing2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Auditory Attention2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Flexibility of Closure2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Fluency of Ideas2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Originality2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Perceptual Speed2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Reaction Time2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation2.02.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Closure2.01.8
  • Written Expression2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Memorization1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Rate Control1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Glare Sensitivity1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Peripheral Vision1.80.9
  • Sound Localization1.80.8
  • Night Vision1.60.6
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—
  • Explosive Strength1.3—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Performing General Physical Activities4.55.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.45.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.34.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Training and Teaching Others4.13.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Getting Information3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.95.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.74.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Thinking Creatively3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.32.9
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.32.9
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Processing Information3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Developing and Building Teams3.01.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.02.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.62.9
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.22.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.8—
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.6—
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.6—
  • Working with Computers1.6—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Spend Time Standing4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Telephone Conversations4.8
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.6
  • Time Pressure4.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.3
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles4.1

Technology

12 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (8)
  • Act!
  • Corel Paint Shop Pro
  • Corel Painter
  • Evergreen Technology Eagle Bid Estimating
  • Evergreen Technology Total Faux
  • Insight Direct ServiceCEO
  • On Center Quick Bid
  • Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
  2. Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
  3. Plasterers and Stucco Masons
  4. Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  5. Furniture Finishers
  6. Roofers
  7. Paperhangers
  8. Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
  9. Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
  10. Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.