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๐ŸŽจ Trade Spotlight: Painters in the Pacific Northwest

“Bringing Color and Life to Every Build.”

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Painters are the finishing touch on every project — turning bare walls, bridges, and buildings into something complete.
They protect surfaces from wear and weather, and make the spaces we live and work in look and feel like home.
It’s precise, hands-on work that takes skill, patience, and an eye for detail.

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What Do Painters Do?

Construction and maintenance painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls, ceilings, bridges, machinery, and more.
They prepare surfaces, select materials, and make sure each job looks good and lasts long.

Their work includes:

  • Cleaning and prepping surfaces for paint

  • Filling cracks and smoothing out imperfections

  • Mixing and matching paint colors

  • Applying paint or coating using brushes, rollers, or sprayers

  • Maintaining tools and safety gear

Some painters specialize in industrial coatings, decorative finishes, or sandblasting and restoration work.

 

Work Environment

Painters work indoors and outdoors — on homes, schools, factories, offices, bridges, and even ships.
The job can involve climbing ladders, working at heights, and handling materials in tight or awkward spaces.
It’s physical work that requires balance, stamina, and a steady hand.

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How to Become a Painter

Most painters learn through on-the-job training or apprenticeships.
Formal education isn’t required, but a high school diploma or GED helps when applying.

 

Training Focus:

  • Surface prep and coating application

  • Color mixing and finishing techniques

  • Safety and fall protection

  • Equipment use and maintenance

Union apprenticeships are available through programs like the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).

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Pay in the Pacific Northwest (2025)

StateAverage Pay (2025)Range

Washington~$55,000/yr (~$26/hr)$38K – $70K+

Oregon~$52,000/yr (~$25/hr)$36K – $68K+

Idaho~$48,000/yr (~$23/hr)$35K – $60K

๐Ÿ’ฐ Painters working on industrial, commercial, or union projects often earn more — especially those skilled in special coatings or large-scale projects.

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Job Outlook

Painting is a steady, in-demand trade across the Pacific Northwest.
Nationally, jobs are expected to grow about 6% (2024–2034) — roughly average — but regional demand is stronger thanks to constant renovation, new construction, and infrastructure maintenance.

 

Key Growth Drivers:

  1. Commercial and residential construction

  2. Infrastructure and bridge restoration projects

  3. Maintenance of existing facilities

  4. Retirements and turnover opening new positions

If you’re dependable, detail-oriented, and take pride in clean, high-quality work, painting offers steady work and creative satisfaction.

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Real Talk for the PNW

This is one of the most visible trades — everyone sees your work.
It’s not easy (paint doesn’t care if it’s raining or windy), but there’s real satisfaction in transforming something dull into something finished and professional.
Work hard, stay safe, and learn every finish type you can — the more you know, the more you’ll earn.

 

Learn More

Start your journey or find apprenticeship opportunities:

 

๐Ÿ’ฌ Ready to Leave Your Mark?

If you’ve got patience, precision, and a steady hand — painting might be your trade.
Every job you finish adds beauty, protection, and pride to the world around you.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Learn more about skilled trade careers. Email Here. 

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