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How to Become a Painter and Decorator: Australian Careers in Building and Construction

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What is a Painter and Decorator?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Painter and Decorator?

A painter and decorator applies paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to protect and improve the look of buildings. They work on both homes and commercial spaces across Australia.

Good painters and decorators do more than hold a brush. They prepare surfaces, advise clients on colour and materials, and make sure every job meets safety and quality standards. They often work alongside other tradespeople on bigger building projects.

This trade suits people who enjoy hands-on work and have an eye for detail. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, on new builds and renovation projects. Many painters and decorators are self-employed and run their own business, while others work for painting contractors.

The trade offers real scope to specialise. Some focus on residential painting, others take on commercial or industrial work. Experienced painters can move into restoration of heritage buildings, decorative finishes, or project supervision.

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Career snapshots For Painter and Decorators

Around 51,000 people work as painting trades workers in Australia (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Future demand for the occupation is rated Moderate, driven by ongoing residential construction and commercial renovation work.

Average weekly earnings are around $1,400, or roughly $73,000 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). About 80% work full-time, while the rest take on casual or contract roles. The median age is 40 years, reflecting a mix of established tradespeople and newer entrants.

Women make up around 4% of the workforce. This share is slowly growing as more people from diverse backgrounds enter the trades. Self-employment is common, with many painters running their own contracting business.

What will I do?

Painters and decorators handle every stage of a paint or decorating project. They work on both the prep and the finish, and stay in contact with clients throughout. Their work is visible in homes, offices, and public buildings across Australia.

  • Surface preparation: clean, sand, fill cracks, and apply primer before any paint is used.
  • Colour and material advice: help clients choose paint types, colours, textures, and finishes to suit the space.
  • Painting: apply paint, varnish, stain or sealant using brushes, rollers, or spray tools.
  • Wallpaper installation: measure, cut, and hang wallpaper with accurate pattern matching.
  • Safety set-up: put up scaffolding and place drop sheets to protect floors and furniture.
  • Repair work: patch holes, fix surface damage, and strip old paint or wallpaper.
  • Quality checks: inspect completed work to ensure an even, clean finish.
  • Maintenance advice: give clients tips on caring for painted surfaces and when to repaint.
  • Working with other trades: coordinate with carpenters, electricians, and other tradespeople on site.
  • Record keeping: note materials used, time spent, and costs for each project.

What skills do I need?

A good painter and decorator combines a sharp eye for colour and detail with solid trade skills. Surface prep, paint application, and wallpaper hanging all require practice to do well. Knowing how products behave in different conditions (humidity, temperature, surface type) is a key part of the job.

Strong communication matters too. Painters and decorators explain their plans to clients, take briefs from builders, and give updates on progress. They need to manage time well, since many work on multiple projects or run their own business.

Physical fitness helps, since the work involves standing, climbing, lifting, and working in awkward spaces. A good eye for colour and proportion is an asset, especially for decorative and heritage work.

Skills/attributes

  • Attention to detail
  • Colour theory and design sense
  • Surface preparation techniques
  • Knowledge of paints, varnishes and coating products
  • Wallpaper and decorative finish application
  • Physical stamina and dexterity
  • Time management and planning
  • WHS and safety compliance
  • Problem-solving on the job
  • Customer service and communication
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Basic maths for measuring and estimating materials
  • Knowledge of tools and spray equipment
  • Adaptability across different project types

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.