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Painters, Construction and Maintenance

SOC 47-2141.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers residential, commercial, and light industrial painting operations including surface preparation, coating application, elevated work, and crew leadership across Job Zone 2 construction and maintenance environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Dropcloths and masking tape — apply to floors, trim, and fixtures under direct supervisor guidance before painting begins on a residential job site.
  2. Work orders and verbal instructions — read and follow to identify surface types, paint colors, and task priorities on assigned daily jobs.
  3. Brushes and rollers — use under close supervision to apply finish coats of interior latex paint to walls and ceilings in residential settings.
  4. Caulking guns and putty knives — fill visible cracks and nail holes with caulk or spackling compound under a journeyman's direction on interior surfaces.
  5. Sandpaper and hand scrapers — smooth rough or peeling surfaces on wood trim and drywall before primer is applied, following step-by-step instructions.
  6. Extension ladders — set up and stabilize safely on level ground to access second-story exterior surfaces under direct supervisor oversight.
  7. Surface cleaning solutions and mildew remover — wash exterior siding with guidance to remove dirt and mold before painting begins.
  8. Primers and sealers — apply a uniform coat to bare drywall or raw wood under supervision to prepare surfaces for finish paint.
  9. Basic hand tools and paint equipment — clean, store, and organize at the end of each workday to maintain a safe and functional job site.
  10. Personal protective equipment including drop cloths and respirators — select and wear correctly on painting tasks following safety briefings on a construction site.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Masking tape, paper, and plastic sheeting — apply precisely around windows, cabinetry, and hardware with minimal supervision to protect surfaces on commercial repaints.
  2. Work orders and homeowner specifications — interpret independently to plan daily task sequences, material quantities, and scheduling on multi-room residential projects.
  3. Spray guns, rollers, and brushes — select and use the appropriate tool to apply paints, stains, and varnishes efficiently on varied interior and exterior surfaces.
  4. Caulk, putty, and plaster — mix and apply to fill joints, gaps, and damaged areas on wood, masonry, and drywall surfaces to achieve smooth, paint-ready results.
  5. Sanding machines and steel wool — operate to smooth textured or uneven surfaces on existing structures before primer application, adjusting grit for material type.
  6. Ladders and scaffolding components — erect and inspect for stability when working at elevation on exterior walls or multi-story commercial buildings without direct oversight.
  7. Oil-based prep solutions and turpentine — treat metal and wood surfaces to remove grease and old finish, then sand to ensure proper adhesion of new coatings.
  8. Sealers and stain-blocking primers — apply to water-stained ceilings, bare metal, and knotty wood to prevent bleed-through and promote durable finish coat adhesion.
  9. Visual color discrimination and mixing techniques — match and blend custom tints to existing wall colors using color chips and test patches on repaint projects.
  10. Time management practices — prioritize and sequence tasks across multiple rooms or building sections to complete projects on schedule and within estimated labor hours.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Surface protection systems including tape, sheeting, and hard covers — plan and execute comprehensive site protection strategies independently on complex commercial or industrial projects.
  2. Customer and homeowner communications — interpret detailed specifications, ask clarifying questions, and confirm scope changes directly with clients throughout a project lifecycle.
  3. Spray equipment, rollers, and specialty applicators — operate across the full range of coating materials including epoxies, enamels, and industrial primers on bridges and structural steel.
  4. Crack repair and joint-filling materials — assess damage severity on masonry, concrete, and wood substrates and select the correct filler type and application method autonomously.
  5. Power sanding equipment and chemical strippers — choose and apply appropriate surface preparation methods for high-specification finishes on historic or architecturally sensitive structures.
  6. Scaffolding systems and swing stages — design setup configurations, inspect for code compliance, and lead safe assembly on elevated commercial or bridge painting operations.
  7. Multi-step surface treatment protocols — execute wash, neutralize, sand, and prime sequences on diverse substrates to meet manufacturer warranty and specification requirements.
  8. Primer and sealer product knowledge — evaluate surface conditions and select the technically correct primer system for new construction metal, masonry, or wood in demanding environments.
  9. Project management software and work documentation — use digital tools to track material usage, log daily progress, and update job records for residential or light commercial accounts.
  10. Critical thinking and quality control practices — inspect completed work against specifications, identify deficiencies, and determine corrective actions before client walkthrough on every project.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Crew work plans and daily schedules — develop and assign task sequences across a multi-person painting crew to maximize productivity on large-scale commercial or government contracts.
  2. Painting standards and best-practice procedures — establish site-specific protocols for surface preparation, coating application, and quality inspection that the entire crew follows consistently.
  3. New painter onboarding and skills development — mentor and demonstrate correct brush, roller, and spray techniques to apprentices and helpers on active job sites to accelerate competency growth.
  4. Coating system specifications and product selections — evaluate manufacturer data sheets and project requirements to recommend the optimal paint system for durability, cost, and compliance.
  5. Bid estimation and material takeoffs — calculate labor hours, paint quantities, and equipment costs to prepare competitive and accurate proposals for residential, commercial, or industrial contracts.
  6. Safety and OSHA compliance programs — author and enforce site-specific safety plans covering fall protection, respiratory hazards, and scaffolding for all personnel under supervision.
  7. Client relationship management — serve as primary point of contact for property owners and general contractors, communicating progress, resolving concerns, and securing repeat business.
  8. Quality assurance inspections — conduct final walk-through evaluations against contract specifications, document deficiencies using photo and written records, and direct remediation work before project closeout.
  9. Equipment fleet and supply inventory — manage procurement, maintenance scheduling, and cost tracking for spray rigs, scaffolding, and consumable materials across multiple active job sites.
  10. Continuous improvement and technique adoption — research emerging coating technologies and application methods, evaluate their fit for the organization's project types, and train the crew on adoption.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Painter · Architectural Coating Finisher · Bitumastic Applier · Bridge Painter · Brush Painter · Building Painter · Building Trades Painter · Calciminer · Caulker · Colored Liquid Plastic Applier · Commercial Painter · Construction Painter
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0052 · Painter
O*NET skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingTime Management
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServiceBuilding and Construction
Abilities
Arm-Hand SteadinessNear VisionTrunk StrengthManual DexterityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumVisual Color DiscriminationSpeech ClarityOral ComprehensionWritten Comprehension
Work styles
DependabilityAttention to DetailCautiousnessPerseveranceAchievement OrientationStress Tolerance
Technology
Customer relationship management CRM softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareProject management softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareOperating system softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  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.
CIP education codes
46.0408

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.