How to hire a house painter

How to hire a house painter, step by step

Here's a step-by-step house painter hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a house painter job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new house painter
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your house painter job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a house painter for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A house painter's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, house painters from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of house painters.

   Type of House Painter	Description	Hourly rate
   House Painter	Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, bridges, and other structures.	$12-28
   Painter Apprentice	Painter Apprentices work for an organization either full time or part-time while undertaking formal training on the job. Their duties include working out needed materials quantity through job specifications, drawings, or surface measurements, and erecting structures to protect the area from paint such as ladders, scaffoldings, and drop sheets... Show more	$13-22
   Painter Helper	A painter helper is a specialist who assists the principal painter with the preparation of a room, building, car, or other objects. You will be responsible for the preliminary work before the actual painting, such as preparing the work area, scraping off old paint, buffing and sanding surfaces, and applying filler and taping... Show more	$10-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Ladders
   • Caulking
   • Coats
   • Exterior Surfaces
   • Drywall Repair
   • Drop Cloths
   • Paint Rollers
   • Electric Switch
   • Paint Brushes
   • Steel Wool
   • Painting Projects
   • Spray Guns
   • Caulking Guns
   • Putty Knives

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage painting crews in both commercial and industrial environments from swing stage to high boom work.
   • Operate equipment such as sanders, pressure cleaners and respirators.
   • Ready job site by setting up ladders and scaffolding, cover portions of the home not being paint.
   • Work on all painting duties; scraping, caulking, priming, painting and also, minor carpentry work.
   • Operate equipment such as sanders, pressure cleaners, steam cleaners, overhead cranes, hoists, forklifts, respirators.
   • Paint steam and water treatment piping using scaffolding, safety harnesses, and follow refinery safety protocols

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your house painter job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A house painter salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, house painters' average salary in oklahoma is 46% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level house painters earn 56% less than senior-level house painters.
   • Certifications. A house painter with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a house painter's salary.

   Average house painter salary

   $39,784yearly

   $19.13 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level house painter salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 29, 2026

4. Writing a house painter job description

   A house painter job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a house painter job description:

   House painter job description example

   At Amarillo College, our students are the priority. It is our mission and our responsibility to enrich their lives by helping them identify an educational pathway that will lead to success in life. It is therefore required that every team member, regardless of job title or duties, be responsible, first and foremost, for assisting students in every way.
   
   We are currently seeking a Part-Time Painter to join our team at the East Campus Housing who will adhere to the aforementioned mission statement, and who will perform skilled painting work in the preparation, patching, finishing, and maintaining of interior and exterior surfaces on all Amarillo College East Campus Houses. Under general supervision, performs journey-level painting and furniture refinishing work of considerable difficulty. The Painter also practices preventive maintenance of painting tools and equipment, and complies with federal regulations governing environmental protection, hazardous waste disposal and the use of chemical substances and materials common to the painting trade.
   GENERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
   
   EDUCATION:
   
   Required: High School Diploma or GED
   
   EXPERIENCE
   
   Required: Two (2) years experience in painting and repair
   
   Preferred: Five (5) years experience in painting and repair
   
   CERTIFICATES/LICENSES
   
   Required: Valid Class C Driver's License with a 3-year safe driving record
   
   JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
   
   Applies coats of paint, varnish, stain, enamel, or lacquer using brushes, sponge, spray gun, or roller to decorate and/or protect interior and exterior building surfaces, cabinetry, machinery, or equipment.
   
   Prepares surfaces for painting using paint remover, sandpaper, scraper, steel wool, or wire brush; fills nail holes, cracks and joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other filler, using caulking gun and putty knife; applies textures to match existing surfaces.
   
   Removes fixtures such as electric switch covers from walls and ceilings prior to painting; spreads drop cloths over floors and room furnishings; covers surfaces such as baseboards, door frames and windows with masking tape and paper or plastic to protect surfaces during painting.
   
   Erects scaffolding or sets up ladders and safety equipment to perform tasks above ground level.
   
   Selects premixed paints or mixes requiring portions of pigment, oil, and thinning and drying substances to prepare paint that matches specified colors.
   
   Restores painting work sites to their original condition at the completion of work by cleaning up area painted when project completed by removing drop cloths and paint drippings; cleans brushes, spray guns, rollers and other equipment using paint solvent.
   
   Tapes and floats drywall; applies wall coverings.
   
   Assists with documenting the cost of painting work by keeping accurate daily time sheets and work order records of time and materials, to be charged to each job.
   
   As an Amarillo College employee, seek knowledge of and pledge to actively engage in a culture of caring striving to serve students, peers and the community by embracing the AC Core Values: Wow, Family, Fun, Innovation, and Yes!
   
   KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITES
   
   Knowledge of the methods, practices, tools, equipment and materials of the painting trade;
   
   Knowledge of the proper preparation of surfaces to be painted;
   
   Knowledge of the proper method of mixing and matching all types of paints and the adaptability of various surface materials;
   
   Knowledge of cabinetry touch up and refinishing;
   
   Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the painting trade;
   
   Ability to calculate square footage of areas; being painted and determine materials needed;
   
   Ability to perform painting and related general labor work in a variety of climatic conditions;
   
   Ability to read, understand and utilize operation and maintenance manuals, paint application instructions, policies, procedures and other related materials;
   
   Ability to use or operate with proficiency the tools and equipment of the painting trade;
   
   Ability to work under stress, to work independently and as a team member and deal with people in a professional manner;
   
   Skilled in the application of paints, varnishes, and other finishes.
   
   Physical Demands: Requires the ability to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, push, stretch, bend, climb/work on ladders/scaffolds, and get down to work on hands and knees. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
   
   Schedule: May be required to work a flexible schedule (evenings, weekends, vacation's, varying events, etc., if necessary.)
   
   Working Environment: This position operates in various campus buildings and rooms. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions.
   
   Salary: grade 8
   
   Diversity and inclusion Statement: Amarillo College is committed to hiring and retaining a racially diverse, culturally competent staff at all levels of the organization who not only reflect the demographics of our clients but also continue to deepen their skills and competencies to serve the full range of our customers.
   
   Promotional Opportunity Policy: Under the Amarillo College Promotional Opportunity Policy, only current appointed or part-time non-appointed employees will be considered for a position during the first five (5) working days from notice or posting.
   
   Benefits
   
   Amarillo College offers a rich benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages available through ERS. Amarillo College provides (at no cost to the employee) a long-term disability policy. In addition to retirement savings through TRS or ORP, the college offers the AC Benefit Plan 403(b) with a generous matching contribution. Employees and their dependents are eligible for reduced or free tuition for Amarillo College courses. Employees have free access to the fitness center located on the Washington Street Campus.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right house painter for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with house painters they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit house painters who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your house painter job on Zippia to find and recruit house painter candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit house painters, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new house painter

   Once you've decided on a perfect house painter candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new house painter first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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