73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
Lead statement
Painters and decorators apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main duties
- Read specifications to determine quantities of materials required
- Prepare and clean surfaces using methods such as scraping, sanding, sandblasting, hydro-blasting and steam-cleaning; remove old wallpaper and loose paint; repair cracks and holes in walls; and sandpaper and apply sealer
- Mix and thin paint to obtain desired colour and texture
- Apply paint or other materials, such as stains, lacquer, enamel, oil, varnish, fibreglass, metal coating or fire retardant using brushes, rollers or spray equipment
- Measure, cut and apply wallpaper or fabric to walls
- Assemble and erect scaffolding and swing stages
- May advise customer on selection of colour schemes and choice of wall coverings
- May provide cost estimates to clients.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program orover three years of work experience in the trade is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for painters and decorators is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified painters and decorators upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Example job titles
apprentice painter and decorator · painter and decorator apprentice · apprentice industrial painter and decorator · paperhanger · journeyman/woman painter and decorator · painter and decorator · painter-decorator · painter · maintenance painter · building painter · commercial building painter · plant maintenance painter · residential painter · house painter · bridge painter · roof painter · specialized painter and decorator · construction painter · commercial construction painter · residential construction painter · industrial maintenance painter · painter and paperhanger · industrial construction painter · rough painter - construction
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $20.00 | $28.00 | $40.99 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $18.00 | $25.00 | $38.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $18.00 | $23.00 | $33.24 |
| New Brunswick | $18.00 | $22.00 | $29.12 |
| Quebec | $24.00 | $34.98 | $41.83 |
| Ontario | $20.00 | $25.00 | $34.80 |
| Manitoba | $17.00 | $24.00 | $30.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $18.00 | $23.00 | $30.00 |
| Alberta | $20.00 | $26.00 | $34.82 |
| British Columbia | $21.00 | $28.00 | $35.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.