Painter's Helper

Your Fit

Income

$38K

Preparation

Minimal

Growth

1.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Painter's Helper?

A Painter's Helper assists professional painters by performing preparatory work and other supportive tasks in painting projects. They play a crucial role in ensuring that painting jobs are completed efficiently and to a high standard.

Sample job titles:

Painter Helper, Plaster Helper, Plaster Tender

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Painter's Helper.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Painter's Helper earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$35K per year	$38K per year	$45K per year	$52K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Painter's Helper do?

Work environment

Painter's Helpers typically work on a variety of sites, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. The work may be indoors or outdoors and can involve working at heights or in confined spaces. Helpers must follow safety protocols to avoid hazards related to paint fumes and equipment use.

Quick task list

Prepares surfaces for painting, which includes cleaning, sanding, and masking.
Mixes paints to the correct color and consistency.
Transports and sets up ladders, scaffolds, and other equipment.
Cleans work areas and equipment after job completion.
Assists painters with various tasks as needed.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Painting Assistance: Helping with house or apartment painting projects.
Commercial Painting Assistance: Assisting in larger-scale painting projects in commercial settings.
Industrial Painting Assistance: Supporting painting tasks in industrial environments, often involving specialized coatings.
Decorative Painting Assistance: Helping with artistic or decorative painting projects.
Preparation Specialist: Focusing on the preparation work for painting, such as surface treatment and priming.

Description

The role of a Painter's Helper is essential in the painting industry, providing support to ensure that painting projects are executed smoothly and efficiently. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy practical, hands-on work and have an eye for detail. Helpers gain valuable experience in various aspects of painting, from surface preparation to the application of different types of paint and finishes.

Being a Painter's Helper offers an opportunity to learn the trade from experienced professionals. The job involves a mix of routine and varied tasks, providing a balance of predictability and new experiences. Helpers learn about different painting techniques, materials, and safety practices, making it a great starting point for a career in the painting trade.

The occupation can serve as a stepping stone to becoming a professional painter. With experience, a Painter's Helper can advance to more complex tasks and take on more responsibility. The role is suited for those who value craftsmanship and take pride in contributing to the beautification and maintenance of buildings and structures.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being part of a team that transforms and enhances spaces.
Learning and developing new skills in the painting trade.
Seeing the immediate results of your work.

You might make a good Painter's Helper if you are...

Detail-oriented and take pride in completing tasks thoroughly.
Physically fit and comfortable working in various environments.
Interested in learning about painting and coating techniques.
Able to follow instructions and work collaboratively with a team.
Comfortable with heights and manual labor.

Pros:

Opportunities to learn skilled trade on the job.
Variety in work environments and tasks.
Potential for career advancement in the painting industry.

Cons:

Physically demanding work with potential exposure to fumes and chemicals.
May involve working in uncomfortable or cramped conditions.
Often requires working outside normal business hours, including weekends.

How to become a Painter's Helper

Typical education

Generally, no formal education beyond a high school diploma is required. Most of the training is done on the job, although some vocational training can be beneficial. Apprenticeships or trade school programs may also provide relevant skills and knowledge.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art classes to develop an understanding of colors and aesthetics.
Chemistry for knowledge about paint composition and safety.
Physical education to build stamina and physical fitness.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in painting or art clubs.
Volunteering for community service projects that involve painting.
Working on DIY projects or helping in home renovations to gain practical experience.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a vocational training program focused on painting techniques and safety practices.
Seek apprenticeships with painting companies to gain hands-on experience.
Pursue certifications in specialized areas like lead paint removal or safety training.

More resources

Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) - Provides education and training resources for painting professionals.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Offers detailed job descriptions and educational pathways for painter's helpers.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - Offers resources for those interested in residential painting and construction.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Safety Training - Provides information and certification for safe lead paint removal practices.

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