How to Become a Painter

5 steps to become a painter

1. Start as a helper

   Learn prep, masking and cleanup from experienced painters.

2. Learn the fundamentals

   Practice cutting in, rolling and using sprayers.

3. Get certified

   Earn OSHA 10 and the EPA RRP certification.

4. Consider an apprenticeship

   Union programs, such as through the IUPAT, add structured training.

5. Grow your business or career

   Lead crews, specialize in industrial coatings or start a painting company.

Education and training requirements

No formal education is required. Most painters train on the job, often starting as helpers. Union and contractor apprenticeships last two to four years and teach surface prep, coatings, safety and specialty finishes.

Certifications and licenses

• EPA RRP Certified Renovator: Required for paid work that disturbs paint in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction: Basic job site safety training.
• Scaffold and aerial lift training: Training for safe use of scaffolds and lifts.
• SSPC/AMPP coatings certifications: Credentials for industrial and protective coatings work.

Skills to build now

Start with surface preparation, brush, roller and spray application, and color matching and finishes, and practice attention to detail and patience. Learning the painter vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.

Where the career can lead

1. Painter’s Helper: Prep surfaces, mask and clean up.
2. Journeyman Painter: Handle full rooms and exteriors independently.
3. Lead Painter or Foreman: Run crews and specialty finishes or industrial coatings.
4. Estimator or Painting Contractor: Bid jobs or run your own painting business.

Get a head start

Our self-paced Painter training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.

Common questions about getting started

How long does it take to become a painter?

You can start as a helper right away. Becoming skilled takes several months to a few years, and apprenticeships last two to four years.

How long does it take to become a painter?

Most people need about 1–6 months on the job of training. No formal education is required. Most painters train on the job, often starting as helpers. Union and contractor apprenticeships last two to four years and teach surface prep, coatings, safety and specialty finishes.

Do you need a degree to be a painter?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

What certifications are available for painters?

Common credentials include EPA RRP Certified Renovator, OSHA 10-Hour Construction, Scaffold and aerial lift training, and SSPC/AMPP coatings certifications. Painting contractors need a license in some states. Firms that disturb paint in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities must be EPA lead-safe certified and use a certified renovator.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-2141 (Painters, construction and maintenance).
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
• O*NET OnLine summary for Painters, construction and maintenance (U.S. Department of Labor).
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.