To become a painter and decorator in the UK you can take a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Painting and Decorating at college, do an apprenticeship such as the Painter and Decorator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or start as a decorator's mate and train on the job. You'll need a CSCS card to work on construction sites. In the US there are no formal education requirements.
Painting and decorating is one of the easiest trades to start and one of the hardest to do really well. Anyone can roll emulsion onto a wall, but the prep, the filling and the finish are what clients pay for. Plenty of decorators go on to run their own businesses.
I've built this guide from two official sources read as of October 2026: the National Careers Service profile for painters and decorators, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for construction and maintenance painters.
UK routes at a glance
| Route | What it involves | Usual entry requirements |
|---|---|---|
| College | Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Painting and Decorating, or a T Level in On Site Construction | 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 for Level 2; 4 or 5 at grades 9 to 4 for Level 3 |
| Apprenticeship | Finishing Trades Level 2 Foundation, Painter and Decorator Level 2 Intermediate or Craft Painter and Decorator Level 3 Advanced | From no specific qualifications (foundation) to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (advanced) |
| On the job | Start as a painter and decorator's labourer or mate and train with your employer | None set |
The UK route, step by step
- Choose college or an apprenticeship. A college diploma teaches the core skills and helps you find a trainee job with a decorating company. An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn.
- Check the age rules. The foundation apprenticeship is for people aged 16 to 21, or 22 to 24 if you have an education, health and care plan, or you're in or have been in care or prison.
- Get your CSCS card. You'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site.
- Join a trade body. The Painting and Decorating Association offers professional development and industry contacts.
What the job involves
The National Careers Service lists the day-to-day tasks. As a painter and decorator, you could:
- work out how much paint or wall covering a job needs
- lay dust sheets and prepare materials
- strip old wallpaper or layers of paint
- fill holes and cracks and make surfaces level
- apply primer and undercoat, then the top coats, or hang wallpaper
- mix paint to the right shade, often with computerised colour matching
- add special finishes such as stains, varnishes or marbling
You could work in clients' homes, in businesses or on building sites. The National Careers Service profile features Lee, a decorator of 27 years who works for a housing association, and his point is a good one: the skill is in the prep, the filling and rubbing down, so the paint sits right.
The US route
BLS says there are no formal education requirements to become a painter. Most painters learn on the job, some technical schools offer optional certificates, and some contractors run their own training programs.
Apprenticeships are less common but do exist. They last 3 or 4 years and are open to people who are at least 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent. Apprentices earn less than fully trained painters but get raises as they learn. For older buildings, the US Environmental Protection Agency provides certification for lead paint abatement.
US painter jobs and pay
| Measure | US figure (BLS) |
|---|---|
| Jobs in 2025 | 326,900 |
| Median annual wage (May 2025) | $49,400 |
| Projected growth, 2025 to 2035 | 3%, about as fast as average |
| Openings each year | About 24,900 |
| Largest employer | Painting and wall covering contractors, 42% of jobs |
Those figures are as of October 2026. Government jobs paid the highest median at $69,660, ahead of residential building construction at $52,000. Self-employment is common in the trade, which is why so many decorators end up running their own firms.
Physical side of the job
BLS notes that painting involves a lot of bending, kneeling, reaching and climbing. Painters on bridges or tall buildings may work at extreme heights, sometimes suspended by ropes or cables. Interior decorating is gentler, but you'll still be up ladders and on your knees most days.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Related trades
Many decorators pick up a second skill to take on bigger jobs. If smooth walls are your thing, read my guide on how to become a plasterer. If you'd like to fit doors, skirting and frames too, how to become a carpenter covers that route.
My verdict
Painting and decorating is a low-cost way into a trade you can run for yourself. In the UK, take a Level 2 diploma or an apprenticeship and get your CSCS card. In the US, find a contractor who'll train you, and look at lead paint certification if you'll work on older homes. Either way, your reputation is built on the prep nobody sees. Take photos of every finished job from the start, because a portfolio and word of mouth are what bring in your next client once you go it alone. Good reviews from your first few customers count for more than any advert.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications do you need to be a painter and decorator?
None are required to start, but the National Careers Service lists a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Painting and Decorating and apprenticeships up to the Craft Painter and Decorator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
Do painters and decorators need a CSCS card?
To work on a construction site, yes. The National Careers Service says you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card or equivalent.
How much do painters make in the US?
BLS lists a median annual wage of $49,400 for construction and maintenance painters in May 2025, as of October 2026.
How long is a painting apprenticeship?
In the US, BLS says painting apprenticeships last 3 or 4 years. In the UK, apprenticeships run at Level 2 and Level 3.
Can you become a decorator without going to college?
Yes. The National Careers Service says you can start as a painter and decorator's labourer or mate and train on the job.
