Painter and Decorator
Prepare and paint interior and exterior surfaces - homes, commercial premises, and new builds.
This UK painter and decorator career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £18,000 - £25,000
- Mid-career salary
- £28,000 - £40,000
- Senior salary
- £45,000 - £70,000+ (self-employed/specialist)
- Work environment
- Customers' homes, sites, indoors and out
- Time to entry
- 0 - 2 years (short course + on-the-job, or apprenticeship)
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Skilled Trades
What a Painter and Decorator does
Prepare and paint interior and exterior surfaces - homes, commercial premises, and new builds.
- Heritage / Specialist Decorator - Wallpapering, hand-finished period work, high-end private clients.
- Spray Finisher - Spray-finishing kitchens, doors, commercial fit-outs - higher day rate.
How to become a Painter and Decorator
- Look up Painter and Decorator roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Painter and Decorator - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Surface preparation
- Cutting in / steady hand
- Colour and product knowledge
- Time management
- Customer service