NOC 73112 · TEER Level 3

Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)

Painters and decorators apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Also known as:apprentice industrial painter and decoratorapprentice painter and decoratorbridge painterbuilding paintercommercial building paintercommercial construction painterInkerInlayerStagerStainerDrierDullerDusterDyer
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Good

Market Demand

school

TEER 3

Skill Level

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SK, NS, PE

Top Provinces

What They Do

  • Read specifications to determine quantities of materials required
  • Prepare and clean surfaces using methods such as scraping, sanding, sandblasting, hydro-blasting and steam-cleaning; remove old wallpaper and loose paint; repair cracks and holes in walls; and sandpaper and apply sealer
  • Mix and thin paint to obtain desired colour and texture
  • Apply paint or other materials, such as stains, lacquer, enamel, oil, varnish, fibreglass, metal coating or fire retardant using brushes, rollers or spray equipment
  • Measure, cut and apply wallpaper or fabric to walls
  • Assemble and erect scaffolding and swing stages
  • May advise customer on selection of colour schemes and choice of wall coverings
  • May provide cost estimates to clients.

Qualifications

  • checkCompletion of secondary school is usually required.
  • checkCompletion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program orover three years of work experience in the trade is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
  • checkTrade certification for painters and decorators is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
  • checkRed Seal endorsement is also available to qualified painters and decorators upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Market Outlook by Province

SK

Saskatchewan

The employment outlook will be Good for painters and decorators (except interior decorators) (NOC 73112) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about painters and decorators (except interior decorators) in Saskatchewan: Approximately 1,150 people work in this occupation. Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) mainly work in the following sectors: Construction (NAICS 23): 85% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 77% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 23% compared to 19% for all occupations37% of painters and decorators (except interior decorators) work all year, while 63% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 34 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.44% of painters and decorators (except interior decorators) are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 74% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 26% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 24% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 49% compared to 33% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 15% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 18% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

Good

Outlook

NS

Nova Scotia

The employment outlook will be Good for painters and decorators (except interior decorators) (NOC 73112) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.Here are some key facts about painters and decorators (except interior decorators) in Nova Scotia: Approximately 1,400 people work in this occupation. Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) mainly work in the following sectors: Construction (NAICS 23): 86%Real Estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 53): 6% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 88% compared to 82% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 12% compared to 18% for all occupations28% of painters and decorators (except interior decorators) work all year, while 71% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 33 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.39% of painters and decorators (except interior decorators) are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 88% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 12% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 25% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 44% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

Good

Outlook

PE

Prince Edward Island

The employment outlook will be Good for painters and decorators (except interior decorators) (NOC 73112) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.The prospect for employment in this occupation is good as there continues to be a shortage of workers and unfilled vacancies in the province due to strong gains in both residential and non-residential investment. The demand for workers in this occupation is expected to remain favourable driven by continued housing development to support population growth, as well as maintenance, renovation, and repair work. Opportunities are expected to arise as there will be a need to replace workers who retire.The demand for painters and decorators tends to fluctuate seasonally, with employment needs strongest during the summer months and declining at other times of the year. Employment in this field is sensitive to the level of construction activity as the majority of painters and decorators are found within this industry, employed mainly by building finishing contractors. Some decorators are employed in decorating and interior design firms, or sometimes in conjunction with realtors. Self-employment is common in this occupation.Painters and decorators with several years of on the job experience will fare better in securing employment in this occupation. Job prospects may be better for those with a driver's license or access to a vehicle since painters and decorators will be required to travel to various job sites.Here are some key facts about painters and decorators (except interior decorators) in Prince Edward Island: Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) mainly work in the following sectors: Construction (NAICS 23): 91% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 82% compared to 84% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 18% compared to 16% for all occupations34% of painters and decorators (except interior decorators) work all year, while 66% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.51% of painters and decorators (except interior decorators) are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 93% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 7% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 35% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 38% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 11% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 25% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

Good

Outlook

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Immigration Pathways

TEER 3 occupations require college or vocational training and qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

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Express Entry (FSTP)

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Canadian Experience Class

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Provincial Nominee Programs

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Top Companies Hiring

Organizations with the most NOC 73112 openings right now.

Dthouse Care

Dthouse Care

2 active roles · Rothesay, NB · Collingwood, ON

CleanHarbors

CleanHarbors

1 active role · Nisku, AB

hcontracting

hcontractingpro

1 active role · Edmonton, AB

CertaPro Pai

CertaPro Painters of Saskatoon, SK

1 active role · Saskatoon, SK

Pro Contract

Pro Contractor Pro

1 active role · Calgary, AB

Landmark Mun

Landmark Municipal Services

1 active role · Burlington, ON

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Core Competencies

Social Perceptiveness

to speak to customers to provide advice on colour schemes and wall coverings

Coordinating

to ensure the work is completed according to schedule and meets clients' specifications

Gross Body Coordination

to coordinate movements of their arms, legs and torso while maintaining balance, especially when working on ladders or scaffolding, applying paint across large surfaces

Stamina

to sustain prolonged physical effort, including standing, climbing and repetitive arm movements, while maintaining precision and focus over long work periods

Attention to Detail

to focus on precision in applying finishes, ensuring smooth surfaces, clean lines and accurate colour matching, while closely adhering to project specifications and avoiding errors

Knowledge in Client Service

to understand basic customer needs and expectations, focusing on following simple instructions to ensure client satisfaction

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