Painter Job Description

Summary

A painter prepares surfaces and applies paint and coatings to the inside and outside of homes and buildings. The result is judged by how clean the lines are and how well it lasts.

Say whether you paint interiors, exteriors or both, and whether the work is residential or commercial.

Duties and responsibilities

• Move and cover furniture and floors, and tape and protect areas that should not be painted.
• Prepare surfaces by cleaning, sanding, scraping, filling and priming.
• Apply paint and coatings with brushes, rollers and sprayers for a smooth, even finish.
• Match colors and finishes to the customer’s choices.
• Set up and use ladders and scaffolds safely.
• Clean tools, remove tape and leave the space spotless.
• Check the finished work with the customer and fix any touch-ups.

Skills and qualities

• Steady hands and a good eye for clean lines.
• Patience with preparation, which decides how the finish turns out.
• Comfortable with ladders and heights if exterior work is included.
• Careful with customers’ homes and belongings.
• Able to work neatly and to a schedule.
• Friendly, honest communication with customers.

Typical requirements

• Experience that matches the painting you offer, or willingness to train as a helper.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel and climb for long periods.
• Awareness of the safety steps for older buildings, fumes and dust. Provide the training your area requires.
• A valid driver’s license if the job involves driving between sites.

Requirements differ by state, city and employer. Check the licensing, age, safety and pay rules that apply to your business before you post. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.

Schedule and conditions

Painting is often done during weekday daytime hours. Exterior work depends on weather, and some seasons are slower. Say how you handle both.

State the usual start time and the service area.

Nice to have

• Experience with spray equipment.
• Experience with cabinets, trim or specialty finishes.
• Experience in occupied homes or businesses.
• A second language, if your customers need it.

Tips for posting this job

• Say whether the work is interior, exterior or both.
• Name what the company provides: tools, sprayers, ladders, uniform.
• Describe a typical job and crew size.
• Explain how you train for preparation and finish quality.
• Give the service area and start time.

Put your real pay, schedule and location in the posting. Candidates skip posts that leave them out.