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How to Become A Painter and Decorator

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What is a Painter and Decorator

A painter and decorator applies paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to buildings inside and out. It is a hands-on trade that blends creativity with technical skill.

Day to day, the job goes well beyond applying paint. They prepare surfaces and choose the right products for each job. They work closely with clients to bring their vision to life. They also make sure their work meets safety standards and holds up over time.

This trade suits people who enjoy working with their hands and want a career with real variety. You could work on a new home one week and a heritage restoration the next. The work spans residential, commercial, and industrial sites.

With the right training and experience, a career in painting and decorating opens up fast. You can specialise, run your own business, or move into related fields like project management and interior design.

Career Outlook for Painter and Decorator

About 51,000 Australians work as painting trades workers (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Future demand is rated Moderate. New homes, commercial fit-outs, and renovation work keep the trade busy.

Average pay is around $1,400 a week, or about $73,000 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). About 80% work full-time. Others choose casual or contract work for more control over their hours. The median age is 40. Many skilled painters will retire in the next decade, which opens up good entry chances for new starters.

Women make up about 4% of the painting workforce, and this share is growing. Doing specialist work in heritage sites or big commercial jobs can push your pay well above the average.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to become a Painter and Decorator

Step 1: Complete Year 10 and explore the trade

There are no set entry requirements to start a painting apprenticeship. Most employers look for Year 10 completion. Subjects like maths, English, and visual arts are useful preparation. A pre-apprenticeship in construction builds basic skills and can help you find an employer. These short courses take around 6 months at a TAFE and lead to a Certificate I or II in Construction.

Step 2: Complete the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620)

The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620) is the core trade qualification in Australia. Complete it through a 3 to 4 year apprenticeship at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). The apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training with off-the-job study. Topics include surface preparation, paint application, wallpapering, colour selection, and WHS compliance. If you need to confirm the current national code, check training.gov.au.

Step 3: Obtain your state licence or registration

Licensing rules differ by state. In New South Wales and South Australia, you need a licence to operate as a painting contractor. In Queensland, you need a licence from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). In Western Australia, you must register under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. There are no specific licensing requirements for painters in Victoria, the ACT, the Northern Territory, or Tasmania. Apply for your licence as soon as you finish your Certificate III.

Step 4: Build a portfolio and professional connections

Once qualified, photograph your best work and build a portfolio. A strong portfolio helps you win clients and referrals. Joining a body like Master Painters Australia gives you access to training and professional credibility. Most experienced painters find that word-of-mouth work grows once a quality reputation is established. Allow 1 to 2 years to build a solid client base.

Step 5: Consider specialisation or self-employment

After several years of experience, you can specialise in heritage restoration, decorative finishes, or commercial contracts. You can also register as a business and take on your own clients. An Australian Business Number (ABN) is required if you are self-employed. Short courses in colour consulting, estimating, or business management can support this next step.

What does a Painter and Decorator do?

A painter and decorator’s day covers a wide range of hands-on tasks. They start each project by assessing surfaces, discussing colour schemes with clients, and gathering the right tools and materials. After preparing surfaces (cleaning, filling, and priming) they apply paint, stain, varnish, or wallpaper with precision. Safety is always a priority. They set up drop sheets and scaffolding, follow WHS rules, and wear the right protective gear. Throughout the job, they check quality and make sure the finish meets the client’s expectations. Each project is different, which keeps the work fresh and interesting.

Tasks

A painter and decorator’s role involves creative and technical skills every single day. From prep work to the final coat, every task shapes the finished space.

  • Consulting with clients: discuss colour schemes, finishes, and project needs.
  • Preparing surfaces: clean, sand, fill holes, and apply primer.
  • Mixing paint and materials: blend colours and prepare products to spec.
  • Applying paint and finishes: use brushes, rollers, or spray tools for even coverage.
  • Hanging wallpaper and decorative finishes: measure, cut, and fit with precision.
  • Checking quality: inspect work at each stage for an even, defect-free result.
  • Maintaining tools and equipment: clean brushes, rollers, and spray guns after each job.
  • Following safety rules: use protective gear, set up drop sheets, and work safely on ladders and scaffolding.
  • Managing project timelines: plan tasks to keep jobs on track and on budget.
  • Advising on aftercare: give clients guidance on how to care for their painted surfaces.

Skills for Success

To succeed as a painter and decorator, you need a mix of hands-on skill and people skills. A strong eye for colour and design helps you advise clients and make spaces look their best. Precision and attention to detail are a must. Uneven lines or missed spots are hard to hide once the paint is dry.

You also need physical stamina. The work involves a lot of standing, bending, and working at height. Communication skills matter too. You will be explaining your work to clients and coordinating with other trades on site.

Staying up to date with new products, techniques, and design trends will help your career grow. Many painters and decorators build a loyal client base by consistently delivering quality work.

Skills & Attributes

  • Attention to detail
  • Colour theory and design sense
  • Surface preparation techniques
  • Knowledge of paints, varnishes and coating products
  • Wallpaper and decorative finish application
  • Physical stamina and dexterity
  • Time management and planning
  • WHS and safety compliance
  • Problem-solving on the job
  • Customer service and communication
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Basic maths for measuring and estimating materials
  • Knowledge of tools and spray equipment
  • Adaptability across different project types

Average Salaries

A painter and decorator in Australia earns around $73,000 a year on average (source: yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). This is based on average weekly pay of $1,400. New starters earn about $55,000 a year. Those with more experience, or who run their own business, can earn $95,000 or more.

min $55 K

max $95 K

av $73 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.