Painter
Apply paint, varnish and special coatings to the surfaces of buildings and other structures.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Painter?
- How to become a Painter
- Latest Painter jobs
- Top skills and experience for Painters
- Is Painter the right role for you?
- Painter role reviews
What's it like to be a Painter?
Painters apply paint, varnish and special coatings to the surfaces of buildings, residential homes, schools and other structures.
Tasks and duties
- Reading blueprints and instructions to determine the requirements for the job, including the quantity of materials needed and the style preference of the owners.
- Preparing walls and surfaces for painting by washing them down, scraping, filling holes and cracks, and removing old paint.
- Applying decorative finishes to paint jobs such as stenciling, lettering and glazing.
- Reviewing each job to ensure nothing has been missed before handing it over to the owners.
How to become a Painter
To work as a Painter, you’ll need to complete a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30611).
- Complete a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30611) at a TAFE institution, Registered Training Organisation, or as part of an apprenticeship. The length of the course can vary depending on the provider and delivery method.
- Complete construction induction painting and obtain a White Card through a Registered Training Organisation. This is a requirement for anyone who works on a construction site in Australia.
- Find out what specific requirements your state has in place for you to be able to contract, sub-contract or advertise for work as a Painter.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Painters.Latest Painter jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Painter jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Painter employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Sanding
Construction Induction White Card
Decoration
Surface Preparation
Drivers Licence
Commercial Painting
Quality Workmanship
Working At Heights
Cleaning
EWP Licence
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Painter reviews
Apr 2025
As a painter in the building industry, my experience has been a fulfilling mix of creativity, skill development, and physical challenges, where each project brings a sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to transform spaces.
ExperienceLess than a year
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationConstruction
The good thingsFirst of all, being a painter in the building trade offers a wide variety of tasks. Each project, whether renovating an old house, creating a special ambiance in a modern apartment or working on publi...
The challengesHowever, being a painter in the building trade is not without its challenges. The work can be physically demanding, especially when it involves working in awkward positions or handling heavy equipment...
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Sep 2023
The trade is extremely gratifying and provides a sense of accomplishment for a 'job well done.'
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationReal Estate & Property
The good thingsMy role in painting requires me to understand all aspects of paints suited to the task at hand. This means knowing the condition of the substrate and the scope of preparation and repair that may be r...
The challengesIt typically requires a second vehicle - at least a utility or preferably a van to contain all the painting tools, products, drop sheets, ladders, etc. Quite often, you are required on an 'emergency'...
Read more
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through au.seek.com
