A painter and decorator applies finishes to the outside or inside surfaces of industrial, commercial or domestic buildings, using either paint, varnish, wallpaper or other coverings. Surfaces might be wood, plaster or metal. Jobs could include walls, ceilings, fences, boats, bridges or oil rigs and platforms.
The Work
You could be:
measuring surfaces and calculating how much paint or wallpaper you need
preparing the work area, covering with dust sheets and setting up any ladders, scaffolding or cradles
washing old paintwork and removing old paint and wallpaper using a blowtorch, liquid paint remover and a scraper or a steam stripper
smoothing the surface with sandpaper and filling in cracks with plaster or other suitable material
measuring and mixing colours to the required shade, by hand or using a computer, then applying the paint using brushes, rollers or a spray
carrying open paint pots up a ladder or scaffolding and balancing them while painting
cutting wallpaper to size, spreading paste over each piece of wallpaper, hanging it on the wall, matching patterns and trimming around doorways and windows; applying wallpaper to ceilings
applying ornamental decoration such as coving or ceiling centre pieces, or creative textured finishes such as marbling
clearing up as you go and once the job is finished.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
As of August 2026 the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) recommends the following rates for a 4-year apprenticeship in Scotland based on a 39-hour week are:
Year 1 – £321.98 (£8.26 an hour)
Year 2 – £436.69 (£11.20 an hour)
(Above for entrants under 21, otherwise take Year 3 rate)
Year 3 – £511.55 (£13.12 an hour)
Year 4 – £511.55 (£13.12 an hour) (without SCQF Level 5)
Year 4 – £564.21 (£14.47 an hour) (with SCQF Level 5).
Full craft rate of £16.76 per hour is payable when SCQF Level 6 is achieved, including if achieved before the end of Year 3.
A qualified painter and decorator can earn up to around £22.00 an hour. From this you may have to buy your own ladders, brushes and other equipment. You can earn extra through overtime and bonuses. You may get travel and lodgings allowances. If you are self-employed you will negotiate your own rates.
Conditions
You might work outside at heights where it could be cold and windy.
When working indoors there may be strong fumes.
You would wear protective clothing including overalls.
You might have to buy your own brushes and equipment.
You would work around 40 hours a week, often doing evening or weekend overtime.
You would sometimes travel between work sites.
Outdoor work can be seasonal, with shorter hours and sometimes lay-offs in winter.
Most entrants get in through a Modern Apprenticeship.
You do not always need formal qualifications, but some employers ask for subjects at National 4 or 5 including English, Maths and a science or technological subject.
You could study the Foundation Apprenticeship in Construction (SCQF Level 4 or 5) in S3-S6, which can help to get into a relevant Modern Apprenticeship.
You usually have to sit an aptitude test as part of the application process.
A driving licence is useful and may be necessary.
You must be physically fit.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.
Look for jobs with private firms and local authorities.
2026
