Question: When I was in high school, during the summers, I was a painters helper. It was great because I got to do a variety of things, and was outdoors a lot. I have had several part time office jobs while attending community college and don't really like being cooped up in an office sitting at a computer. I think I might want to return to painting, maybe become a painting contractor. Can you tell me more about painting jobs? How much could I earn if I become licensed as a painter?
—Ric

Response: Painters use their knowledge of paints and other covering materials to apply decorative and protective coatings to various kinds of structures. Typical duties include preparing surfaces by scraping and sanding using hand scraper, wire brush, sandpaper or turpentine, applying undercoating, and finishing coats and new wall coverings.

Painters also perform minor repairs and apply a priming agent or undercoating, finish coats, and new wall coverings. They may transfer items to and from work area, using hoist or hand truck. The tools used include brushes, rollers, and spray guns. Painters know how to set up scaffolds, ladders, rig jacks, and planks.

They are employed by private contractors or may work for small companies specializing in residential or for large companies equipped for all types of jobs.

Painters may be designated according to the job performed or the article they are painting. For example, a painter of wood products might be called a Last-Code Striper; a painter of steel and related materials may be called a Pipe Coater. Painters may also be categorized according to the coating applied such as Japanner (any industry); Lacquerer (machine shop); Car Varnisher (railroad equipment).

Employment Outlook:
Above average growth rate is projected through 2008 for construction and paperhangers, for coating and decorating painters, and for helpers-painters and related workers.

Salary Range:
Union workers usually earn higher pay than non-union workers. Apprentices start at 50% of the union journey-worker rate. Helpers earn lower pay. Salaried painters or maintenance painters may earn slightly lower pay than union painters. Union apprentices start at 25% to 50% of the journey worker's rate.

Entry pay ranges from the minimum wage (non-union) to $1,990 per month (union). Experienced workers may earn $1,250 to $3,895 per month (union). Top pay may range from $1,646 to over $6,065 per month.

Benefits:
Employees may be unionized and receive higher pay and a negotiated benefits package which may include paid vacation, sick leave, medical leave, and dental insurance plans. Many are offered partially paid retirement plans and vision and life insurance.

Licensing:
Consumer Affairs Department
Licensing Division
Contractor State board
9835 Goethe Rd
P.O.BOX 26000
Sacramento, CA 95826
(800) 321-2752
(916) 255-3900
www.cslb.ca.gov
Requirements for licensing are:
•Application ($250)
•Four years of verifiable experience at journey level or better within the last ten years required for taking the examinations.
•Successful completion of a written examination, a three hour trades test and a three hour business operations test
•Purchase of a License Bond (cost: $7,500 approximately)
•Bi-annual renewal of license is required to maintain active status ($300)
•License is $150.
Union:
International Painters and Allied Trades Union
1750 New York Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20006.
www.iupat.org
E-mail: mail@iupat.org
This is a labor union of 140,000+ men and and is the second fastest growing union in the nation. Union members are offered a variety of benefits including educational and training programs, loan services, and the opportunity to gain college credit for union apprenticeship programs.
The Southern California Painters and Allied Trades Union — District Council #36
Painter's Local Union #1595
297 North Marengo Blvd., Suite 115
Pasadena, CA 91101
Membership Contact: Alex Lopez
Main #: (626) 584-9925
Local #1595: (626) 304-9640
Membership Cost: $400 per year for three years.
Membership requirements: Proof of worker's compensation insurance

Apprenticeship:
Many employers require apprenticeship training for painters. Entry into the three-year apprenticeship program is selective, applicants with trade-related experience may have an advantage. Applicants must be at least 17, have high school education in most areas, pass a color perception test, and have the physical ability to do the work.
For further information, contact:
State of California Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Apprenticeship Standards
320 West 4th Street, Suite 830
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Association
Los Angeles Painting and Finishing Contractors Association, Inc.
1106 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA90041
(323) 258-8136
Fax (323) 258-2279
www.lac-pdca.org
This is a union organization of painting and finishing contractors. Membership benefits include a safety training & certification program, an online calendar of upcoming meetings, and industry updates through online newsletters.

— • —  
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

You may e-mail questions to swmcareer@aol.com.