Painters, construction and maintenance
SOC Code: 47-2141
Painters, construction and maintenance carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $48,660 and +3.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 342,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 27% AI exposure, Painters, construction and maintenance sits 10 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 22% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Painters, construction and maintenance sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Painters, construction and maintenance has ai exposure of 27%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Painters, construction and maintenance vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Painters, construction and maintenance is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Painters, construction and maintenance (SOC 47-2141) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 342,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.8% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $48,660, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Painters, construction and maintenance. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Painters, construction and maintenance is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
- 2. Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.
- 3. Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.
- 4. Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.
- 5. Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.
- 6. Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.
- 7. Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.
- 8. Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.
- 9. Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.
- 10. Remove old finishes by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, burning, or using water or abrasive blasting.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Chemistry
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Painters, construction and maintenance?
Painters, construction and maintenance has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Painters, construction and maintenance?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Painters, construction and maintenance is projected to grow by 3.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 342,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Painters, construction and maintenance?
Key skills for Painters, construction and maintenance include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Time Management, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Painters, construction and maintenance earn?
The median annual wage for Painters, construction and maintenance is $48,660, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Painters, construction and maintenance?
The typical entry-level education for Painters, construction and maintenance is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Painters, construction and maintenance?
Painters, construction and maintenance roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).