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Nov 03, 2025
Painter Jobs in the UK: Build a Rewarding Career in the Finishing Trades
If you enjoy being detail-oriented, using colour, and demonstrating craftsmanship with various tools, a job as a painter within the UK construction industry could be a perfect fit. From homes into bewitching buildings to incredible commercial sites, painters are the essential component to taking it from concept to completion by providing a polished, immaculate finish that realizes all projects.
As the construction industry in the UK expands, the job demand for painters and decorators continues to increase, while providing a reliable job, good, competitive pay and the potential for a career.
What are the Responsibilities of a Painter?
A painter in construction is a professional who paints, coats, and finishes walls, ceilings, and other surfaces to protect and decorate buildings. Painters, depending on the job, are involved on both inside and outside surfaces in the process of completing a project. From preparation of the surface to the finish of the decor, painters are involved.
Some of the core task of a painter include:
- Preparing and cleaning surfaces to be painted
- Mixing paints and matching colors
- Painting surfaces with brushes, rollers or spray guns
- Providing even coverage and the best finish
- Working with decorators, plasterers, and site managers.
Painters are a vital part of the finish and longevity of desire for what a construction initial visual will look like.
Painters Skills, Qualifications and Job Requirements
Although there are a number of painter jobs in the UK that can be achieved with practical experience, formal training will make you more employable. Most employers "look for'' the following either skills or qualifications:
Core Skills:
- Attention to detail - steady hand-eye coordination
- Knowledge of paint types, finishes, and application methods
- Awareness of health and safety regulations, and substance handling
- Reading of blueprints, and outline to follow design
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Painting and Decorating
- Apprenticeships or on the job training in the construction trades
- A CSCS card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) to get on site
Types of Construction Painter Positions
Painter jobs differ across various construction job types. Here are the top listed jobs by demand:
- Residential Painter Jobs: Working on homes, apartments, and housing units.
- Commercial Painter Jobs: Working on offices, retail, or industrial sites.
- Industrial Painter Jobs: Specializing in machinery, steelwork, or infrastructure.
- Decorator Jobs: Including painting, wallpapering, varnishing, and decorative paint finishes.
- Maintenance Painter Jobs: On-going maintenance and upkeep in schools, hospitals, and hotels.
Whether you are highly skilled, or a newcomer to the trade, there are well above 1,000 jobs available in painting in the UK, in both the public sector and private sector.
Career Advancement and Salary Potential
There are excellent career advancement opportunities within the painting and decorating trade in the UK. With experience, you can move into supervisory roles, or become self-employed, these include:-
- Site Supervisor or Lead Painter
- Painting Contractor or Subcontractor
- Decorating Business Owner
- Estimator or Project Manager
- Average Salaries are as follows:
- Junior or Entry painter: £22,000 to £28,000 per year.
- Hired Painter/Decorator: £30,000 to £40,000 per year.
- Self-employed Contractors: £45,000+ based on the size of the project.
As you become more specialized in contracting or high-end decorative projects, your income potential goes up.
Why Choose a Career in Painting and Decorating?
Working as a painter combines creativity with practical skill. It’s ideal for individuals who enjoy visual work, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results.
Benefits include:
- High demand across the UK construction industry
- Opportunities for self-employment or freelance projects
- Flexible work environments and varied job sites
- Potential to upskill into decorating, plastering, or site supervision
Painting is not just a trade — it’s an art form that shapes the final appearance of every construction project.
Find the Best Painter Jobs in the UK on Construction Job Board
If you’re ready to begin or advance your career as a painter or decorator, explore the latest painter jobs on Construction Job Board.
We feature verified listings from top UK employers, including commercial painters, residential decorators, industrial painting contractors, and maintenance specialists.
Browse current openings here:
Painterjobs in UK
Find your next role, apply easily online, and take the next step in your construction career.
SEO FAQs for Painter Jobs
1. What qualifications do I need to become a painter in the UK?
To start a painting career in the UK, you can complete an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Painting and Decorating, or enter through an apprenticeship. Many painters also gain practical experience on construction sites and hold a CSCS card for work eligibility.
2. What are the main responsibilities of a construction painter?
A construction painter prepares, primes, and applies paint or coatings to walls, ceilings, and structures. They ensure high-quality finishes on both interior and exterior surfaces, working on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
3. How much do painter jobs pay in the UK?
The average salary for painters in the UK ranges from £22,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and project type. Self-employed painting contractors can earn significantly more.
4. Are there part-time or contract painter jobs available?
Yes, many employers offer part-time, temporary, or contract painter jobs across the UK, especially during peak construction seasons. Flexible opportunities are available for both residential and commercial projects.
5. What career progression is available for painters and decorators?
Painters can advance to supervisory roles, become painting contractors, or start their own decorating businesses. With experience, opportunities also open up in project management or site supervision.
6. Where can I find the latest painter and decorator job vacancies?
You can find up-to-date listings for painter jobs, decorator roles, and construction painting careers on Construction Job Board UK — the UK’s leading platform for verified construction job opportunities.
