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What is a spray painter and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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Being a spray painter is more than just spraying paint. There is a lot more to do than actually spraying paint. For example, when taking a role as a spray painter, you might also be asked to sanitize the work area, and you must do this with a complete and proper PPE. Also, you need to be knowledgeable in using power and hand tools to execute daily operations.

You can become a spray painter even without a bachelor's degree. A GED or a high school degree is enough to land a job as a spray painter. However, there are skills you must possess to enter the workforce.

Some companies and businesses look for customer-service skills in a spray painter. This is needed for effective communication. In addition, being detail-oriented is also a must for you to be observant and mindful of the work details. Lastly, a good color vision is important in this line of work.

The number of opportunities to become a spray painter is expected to be 22,400 by 2028. A growth rate of 6% is considered fast as average, and you can earn around $33,975 per year as a spray painter.

ScoreSpray PainterUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $40,155

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.4

Growth Rate 1%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.88%

Asian 2.10%

Black or African American 9.21%

Hispanic or Latino 28.46%

Unknown 4.62%

White 54.74%

Gender

female 11.14%

male 88.86%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress Level
5.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.7

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.5

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

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Spray Painter career paths

Key steps to become a spray painter

  1. Explore spray painter education requirements

    Most common spray painter degrees

    High School Diploma

    58.9 %

    Associate

    13.5 %

    Diploma

    13.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific spray painter skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Painting Equipment11.45%
    Spray Guns8.54%
    Coats8.24%
    Paint Guns7.95%
    Primer5.75%
  3. Complete relevant spray painter training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New spray painters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a spray painter based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real spray painter resumes.
  4. Research spray painter duties and 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.
  5. Prepare your spray painter resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your spray painter resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a spray painter resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Spray Painter Resume templates

    Build a professional Spray Painter resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Spray Painter resume.
    Spray Painter Resume
    Spray Painter Resume
    Spray Painter Resume
    Spray Painter Resume
    Spray Painter Resume
    Spray Painter Resume
    Spray Painter Resume
    Spray Painter Resume
    Spray Painter Resume
  6. Apply for spray painter jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a spray painter job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Spray Painter Job

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Average spray painter salary

The average Spray Painter salary in the United States is $40,155 per year or $19 per hour. Spray painter salaries range between $24,000 and $65,000 per year.

Average Spray Painter Salary
$40,155 Yearly
$19.31 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do spray painters rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Spray Painter reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

When you start a job that looks terrible and when you get done the customers look of satisfaction

Cons

Clean up lol


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2022
Pros

The finished product! My work reflects my attention to detail and quality craftsmanship!

Cons

Not being able to work ! Whether it be weather related or delays of any kind!


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

I love painting. Painting has been my dream from young age. I grew up watching pimp my ride but painting was the first thing i fell in love with

Cons

Well i cant say there are thing i dont like bout painting. It something that need dedication. All i dont like is Bad preparation when it comes to painting


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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