What does a journeyman painter do?
A Journeyman Painter specializes in painting walls and other surfaces according to project needs. Aside from applying paint, a journeyman painter is also responsible for cleaning and scraping off the dirt to prepare the painting procedures, identify client preferences, select equipment, and technique, and apply other finishes. They must also monitor their supplies and maintain the cleanliness of their work areas. Moreover, a Journeyman Painter typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Journeyman painter responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real journeyman painter resumes:
- Manage painting crews in both commercial and industrial environments from swing stage to high boom work.
- Apply materials with HVLP, airless, electro-static and conventional spray equipment.
- Smooth and sand surfaces to remove ridges, tool marks, glue, and caulking.
- Apply necessary masking and prep work prior to applying primer and finish coats to insure proper coating for any application.
- Climb ladders and complete work utilizing rollers with extensions requiring repetitive motion.
- Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.
- Job performances include spray painting, plastering, varnishing, and the application of materials like faux cement.
- Make sure the environment is safe to work and have all ppe on and osha standards.
- Participate in company leadership team to determine and implement need mechanical upgrades.
Journeyman painter skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Journeyman Painters are proficient in Coats, Work Ethic, and Exterior Surfaces. They’re also known for soft skills such as Color vision, Customer-service skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Journeyman Painters that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Coats, 14%
Applied primers and sealers to new surfaces, such as steel and concrete for finishing coats.
- Work Ethic, 11%
Remained efficient in all duties keeping high quality levels and professional work ethic.
- Exterior Surfaces, 10%
Prepare exterior surfaces by power washing, soda blasting and repairing structural defects.
- Scaffolding, 10%
Received certifications in scaffolding and materials handling.
- Ladders, 9%
Paint floors, walls, tanks, ladders, fences and radiation stripes in contaminated areas*Paint new construction*Sandblast pipesDz Atlantic
- Safety Procedures, 6%
Applied safety procedures and hazardous protocol.
Common skills that a journeyman painter uses to do their job include "coats," "work ethic," and "exterior surfaces." You can find details on the most important journeyman painter responsibilities below.
Detail oriented. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of journeyman painters is detail oriented. This skill is critical to many everyday journeyman painter duties, as "painters must be precise when creating or painting edges for overall quality of appearance." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "prepare area that needed to be painted detail as to finely do touch ups on corners, upper ceilings, etc brusher"
Physical strength. journeyman painter responsibilities often require "physical strength." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "painters must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and move heavy items during the course of a job." This resume example shows what journeyman painters do with physical strength on a typical day: "performed interior and exterior painting and other job related physical labor. "
The three companies that hire the most journeyman painters are:
- SeaWorld2 journeyman painters jobs
- University of Southern California2 journeyman painters jobs
- Redfin1 journeyman painters jobs
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Compare different journeyman painters
Journeyman painter vs. Mason
A mason is responsible for shaping artificial mineral products, concrete blocks, stone pieces, and bricks to create structures essential for construction or other building purposes using various machinery and equipment, following the highest safety standards and production procedures. Masons analyze schematics and blueprints, applying the clients' specifications and customization to their product expertise. They also inspect tools and equipment, ensuring that the materials are free from any defects to avoid hazards and construction delays.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between journeyman painters and mason. For instance, journeyman painter responsibilities require skills such as "coats," "work ethic," "exterior surfaces," and "ladders." Whereas a mason is skilled in "masonry," "safety regulations," "dump truck," and "retaining walls." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Masons tend to reach similar levels of education than journeyman painters. In fact, masons are 4.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Journeyman painter vs. Construction assistant
A construction assistant performs various clerical and operational support tasks to assist construction managers and maintain smooth workflow operations. Their responsibilities usually include monitoring budgets and costs, handling calls and correspondence, purchasing construction materials according to project requirements, liaising with suppliers and construction contractors, and participating in managing the schedules and activities of the workers. A construction assistant may also perform inspections to identify problem areas and ensure that all procedures adhere to the safety codes and standards.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that journeyman painter responsibilities requires skills like "coats," "work ethic," "exterior surfaces," and "scaffolding." But a construction assistant might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "construction projects," "general contractors," "drywall installation," and "equipment operators."
On average, construction assistants earn a lower salary than journeyman painters. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, construction assistants earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $59,937. Whereas journeyman painters have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $45,198.construction assistants earn similar levels of education than journeyman painters in general. They're 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Journeyman painter vs. General foreman
Using their knowledge and expertise of all construction disciplines, a general foreman plans and oversees operations within a construction site to ensure that everything is running smoothly. They are typically in charge of conducting regular inspections, coordinating with engineers and architects, managing the budget and expenditures, supervising workers, and ensuring that the project moves according to the desired time frame. Furthermore, a general foreman implements all safety regulations and policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from journeyman painter resumes include skills like "coats," "work ethic," "exterior surfaces," and "scaffolding," whereas a general foreman is more likely to list skills in "osha," "safety rules," "quality standards," and "oversight. "
General foremen earn the best pay in the construction industry, where they command an average salary of $54,753. Journeyman painters earn the highest pay from the automotive industry, with an average salary of $45,198.Most general foremen achieve a similar degree level compared to journeyman painters. For example, they're 2.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Journeyman painter vs. Carpenter foreman
A Carpenter Foreman supervises the work of a group of people engaged in carpentry, locksmith, or bricklaying work. They inspect buildings or other structures reported to be in need of repair and estimate the necessary time and materials for restoring them.
Types of journeyman painter
Updated January 8, 2025
