Job
Painter and Decorator
- Department
- Construction
- Earning potential
- £21,000–£32,000
- Training time
- Level 2 apprenticeship: typically 24 months plus assessment; other routes vary
Painters and decorators give new homes their finished appearance.
They prepare surfaces and apply paints, coatings and wallcoverings so rooms and external features look good, wear well and meet the house builder’s specification.
I like how creative it can be. Being in control of the finished product and having the responsibility to carry out your own work is really rewarding.
Maisie
Painter and Decorator introduction
Painters and decorators give new homes their finished appearance. They prepare surfaces and apply paints, coatings and wallcoverings so rooms and external features look good, wear well and meet the house builder’s specification.
The role of a painter and decorator in house building
On a housing development, a painter and decorator works near the end of the build, after surfaces have been plastered and made ready. The job involves protecting fittings, repairing minor surface imperfections, preparing walls and woodwork, and applying consistent finishes across many homes. Quality matters because uneven paintwork, missed areas and poor preparation are easy to notice at handover. The work also protects surfaces against wear and moisture.
A day in the life of a painter and decorator
A day might start with checking which plots are ready, reading the finish schedule and making sure surfaces are dry and suitable. You could fill and sand walls, mask fittings, prime timber, apply paint by brush, roller or spray, and inspect completed rooms in different light. You will coordinate with plasterers, carpenters and site management so that other work does not damage the finished surfaces.
Skills for a painter and decorator
The following skills are particularly useful when working on new-home developments.
- Surface preparation — Filling, sanding and cleaning create the foundation for a durable, smooth finish.
- Attention to detail — Consistent edges, coverage and colour help homes meet the expected handover standard.
- Product knowledge — Different paints, primers and coatings suit different surfaces and conditions.
- Safe working — You must handle products safely, manage ventilation and work carefully on steps or access equipment.
- Planning and pace — Decorating needs to fit the plot completion programme without compromising quality.
- Communication — Clear discussions with site teams help resolve defects and coordinate access to rooms.
Routes into painter and decorator work
A common route is the Level 2 Painter and Decorator apprenticeship, which combines paid work with training. College courses and entry-level work alongside an experienced decorator can also help you develop practical skills. Some people specialise in new-build finishing after working on other domestic or commercial projects.
Qualifications and training
Skills England sets out the Level 2 Painter and Decorator occupational standard, including surface preparation, application methods and safe working. The Painting and Decorating Association offers industry information and professional support. Employers may require appropriate site-access training or evidence of competence for work on active construction sites.
Painter and Decorator pay and earning potential
The National Careers Service gives an indicative annual range of £21,000–£32,000. Actual earnings depend on experience, location, employer, responsibilities and whether work is employed or self-employed.
Career progression
With experience, you could become a senior or craft painter and decorator, supervise a decorating team or manage finishing work for a subcontractor. Some decorators become self-employed or build their own specialist businesses. Moving into site supervision is possible with broader construction experience and additional training, rather than being an automatic promotion.
Explore our career progression guide for a wider view of how house building careers develop.
Find painter and decorator opportunities
House builders and specialist decorating contractors recruit painters and decorators for new-home developments. Look for apprenticeships, trainee positions and experienced decorator roles, and check the type of finishing work each vacancy involves.
Painter and Decorator FAQs
Painters and decorators give new homes their finished appearance. They prepare surfaces and apply paints, coatings and wallcoverings so rooms and external features look good, wear well and meet the house builder’s specification.
They prepare walls, ceilings and woodwork, then apply the specified finishes. They also protect fittings, check the quality of completed work and correct imperfections before the home is handed over.
An apprenticeship is a well-established route. You can also begin with relevant college training or work alongside an experienced decorator, building your skills through practical experience.
Many new-home tasks take place indoors, but exterior painting and preparation may also be required. Working conditions depend on the development, season and stage of construction.
The National Careers Service gives an indicative range of £21,000–£32,000 a year. Earnings depend on experience, location, employment arrangements and the type of work undertaken.