Post job

Painter vs spray painter

The differences between painters and spray painters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes More than 10 years to become both a painter and a spray painter. Additionally, a painter has an average salary of $42,339, which is higher than the $40,155 average annual salary of a spray painter.

The top three skills for a painter include ladders, coats and safety procedures. The most important skills for a spray painter are painting equipment, spray guns, and coats.

Painter vs spray painter overview

PainterSpray Painter
Yearly salary$42,339$40,155
Hourly rate$20.36$19.31
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs4,4824,325
Job satisfaction4.55
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 59%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a painter do?

Painters are skilled professionals who handle the painting needs of clients. They work closely with their clients to ensure that they will be able to do what is expected of them. Painters are responsible for preparing paints needed for the project. They mix and swatch paints to determine which would be the best fit for the clients' needs. Painters are expected to be experts on different types of surfaces and paint bases that work on each type. As such, painters are responsible for preparing the surface for paint jobs. This may include the removal of previous paints or wallpapers. Once they have prepared the surface, they then start putting on coats of paint until the desired color or effect is met.

What does a spray painter do?

A spray painter applies spray paint to automobiles. They also apply primers, remove old paint, and repair minor damages. They must work quickly and accurately. They are also responsible for cleaning and maintaining their painting equipment.

Painter vs spray painter salary

Painters and spray painters have different pay scales, as shown below.

PainterSpray Painter
Average salary$42,339$40,155
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $59,000Between $24,000 And $65,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CAHicksville, NY
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew Jersey
Best paying companyDellHarvey Building Products
Best paying industryEnergyAutomotive

Differences between painter and spray painter education

There are a few differences between a painter and a spray painter in terms of educational background:

PainterSpray Painter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 59%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Painter vs spray painter demographics

Here are the differences between painters' and spray painters' demographics:

PainterSpray Painter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 86.2% Female, 13.8%Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 28.6% Asian, 2.1% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 28.5% Asian, 2.1% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between painter and spray painter duties and responsibilities

Painter example responsibilities.

  • Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, and relate materials.
  • Cover roofs with layers of roofing feel or asphalt strips before installing tile, slate, or composition materials.
  • Involve escalating ladders and scaffolding.
  • Shop assistant, get tools, clean up, paint trim, paint walls, run errands, etc )
  • Mask homes to prepare for painting.
  • Support journeymen painters with daily task.
  • Show more

Spray painter example responsibilities.

  • Replace, wood trim, windows, doors, and screen.
  • Sanitize work area wearing proper PPE
  • Paint various faux finishes, murals, etc.
  • Assemble doors, jambs and windows back into frames.
  • Prep including wall paper removal, sanding, drywall repairs, patching and caulking.
  • Mask off areas of the truck or miscellaneous parts that are not being paint.
  • Show more

Painter vs spray painter skills

Common painter skills
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Coats, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 7%
  • Caulking, 6%
  • Exterior Surfaces, 5%
Common spray painter skills
  • Painting Equipment, 11%
  • Spray Guns, 9%
  • Coats, 8%
  • Paint Guns, 8%
  • Primer, 6%
  • Surface Preparation, 5%

Browse construction and extraction jobs