“I’m originally from up north, and being a painter up there was a bit different than here in the south.
During the winter we didn’t get to do much work outdoors. All of our jobs would shift to indoor projects.
Here in South Carolina, the work is a bit more stable throughout the year. I also like the variety of projects
I work on each year. I learned how to be a painter from a mentor who was in the business, and then opened my own business when we moved here. It is good steady work. We are in a phase now where people are giving houses an updated look by painting them white. Between that and some of our commercial work, there is always a project ready to go.”

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Job Description

SOC Code: 47-2141

Painters, Construction and Maintenance paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural
surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. May remove old paint to prepare surface prior to painting.
May mix colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Customer service
• Prepare various surfaces
• Plaster holes
• Stand for long periods of time
• Caulking

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Estimate materials requirements for projects
• Interacting With Others
  • Order construction or extraction materials or equipment
• Work Output
  • Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces
  • Protect structures or surfaces near work areas to avoid damage
  • Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools
  • Prepare surfaces for finishing
  • Assemble temporary equipment or structures
  • Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities
  • Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities
  • Apply sealants or other protective coatings
  • Apply decorative or textured finishes or coverings

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

Job Statistics

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Trident
• Greenville
• Midlands
• Waccamaw
• Upstate
• Pee Dee

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• HSGI, Inc.
• 360 Painting, LLC
• Vermeer Corporation
• Aspen Square Management
• BELFOR Property Restoration
• City of Charleston - Parks

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Related Occupations

• Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
• Plasterers and Stucco Masons
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Paperhangers

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2024.

Learn More With SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.