Decorator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $21.03 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $26.38 |
| Top | $30.71 |
Interest in copying information to mix and thin paint to obtain desired colour and texture; in preparing and cleaning surfaces using methods such as scraping, sanding, sand-blasting, hydro-blasting and steam-cleaning; in removing old wallpaper and loose paint; in repairing cracks and holes in walls; and in sandpapering and applying sealers
Interest in operating spray equipment and other associated equipment; and in using brushes and rollers to apply paint and other materials
Interest in speaking to customers to provide advice on colour schemes and wall coverings
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
In general, painters and decorators:
Painters and decorators arrange their work so they will be outdoors in late spring, summer and early fall, and indoors in the late fall and winter. They must stand for long periods of time often working with their arms raised over their heads. There is some risk of injury from falling off ladders, scaffolds or swing stages, and from working with hazardous chemicals such as paint thinners and removers.
Painters and decorators may be required to lift and move items that weigh up to 20 kilograms.
Painters and decorators need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy work that involves variety and creativity.
To work in Alberta, a painter and decorator must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must:
The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three 12 month periods) that include a minimum of 1,300 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year. High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for credit or certification.
Painter and decorator apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:
For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Painters and decorators apply paint, coatings and other finishes to the interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures. For more information, see the Trades and Occupations section of Alberta's Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act and Painter and Decorator Trade Regulation, you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
The term of apprenticeship for apprentice painter and decorators in Alberta is three years (three 12 month periods) that include a minimum of 1,300 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training in each year. Apprentices must find suitable employers who are willing to hire and train apprentices, and successfully complete technical training examinations.
Painter and decorators trained in other provinces and territories can work in Alberta if they hold a certificate or license recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board or have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified in Alberta. For more information, see the Recognized Trade Certificates page of the Tradesecrets website.
Any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Service Offices located throughout Alberta. For a list of office locations and telephone numbers, click on "Contact Us" on the home page of the Tradesecrets website (tradesecrets.alberta.ca).
Painters and decorators are employed by contractors involved in new construction, repair, alteration or remodelling work, and organizations that own or manage large buildings such as apartment complexes or schools. Many painters and decorators are self-employed.
Although there is indoor painting to do in the winter, the work is seasonal to some extent. Employment prospects are also affected by economic conditions, particularly conditions in the construction industry.
Experienced painters and decorators may advance to supervisory positions with painting and decorating contractors, or set up their own businesses. Alberta certified journeyperson painters and decorators who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
In Alberta, 79% of people employed as painters and decorators work in the Construction (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 7,000 Albertans are employed in the Painters and decorators occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.1% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 7 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $21 to $42 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates). Apprentices earn 55% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 75% in the second and 85% in the third.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $28.00 | $21.03 | $18.00 |
| Overall | $20.00 | $40.00 | $26.38 | $22.00 |
| Top | $23.00 | $48.00 | $30.71 | $30.00 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Public Administration | $72,242 |
|---|---|
| Educational Services | $70,593 |
| Manufacturing | $68,263 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $57,791 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $52,848 |
| Construction | $41,485 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Alberta Painting Contractors Association website: www.apca.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Calgary Construction Association website: www.cca.cc
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 29, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.