Salary progression Building painter

Average salary 36 900 kr
Males 37 700 kr
Females 31 800 kr

What does a Building Painter do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Building Painter primarily works with painting, treating, and maintaining surfaces on buildings, both indoors and outdoors. Tasks include preparing surfaces, spackling, sanding, and painting walls, ceilings, facades, and carpentry. The profession requires precision, a good sense of color and form, and the ability to work independently as well as in teams. Building Painters are often on construction sites or in private homes, and the work environment can range from dusty and noisy to calmer, finished spaces. Safety equipment and ergonomic working methods are important to prevent work-related injuries.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for Building Painters has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,500 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 36 800 SEK, and in 2024, the average salary has risen to 36 900 SEK, corresponding to a total increase of approximately 6.7% over three years. This development can partly be explained by the high demand for painters in the construction sector and the skills shortage in the labor market. Union agreements and increased requirements for professional skills have also contributed to the positive salary trend. Despite the increase, significant wage gaps between men and women remain, which is a challenge for the industry.

Building Painter Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 36 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 37,800 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 221 SEK
  • Gender pay gap: Men 37 700 SEK, women 31 800 SEK (women earn 84% of men's wages)
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on sector and region

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Building Painter, a high school education within the construction and civil engineering program, with a focus on painting, is generally required. Practical experience is crucial, and many employers prefer applicants who have completed apprenticeships or internships. Certifications and further training can increase employability and opportunities for higher wages.

  • High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, focus on painting (3 years)
  • Apprenticeship: Practical training or trainee arrangements are common
  • Certifications: Professional certificates from industry organizations may be required
  • Further training: Opportunities for specialization in decorative painting or leadership
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition, color vision, and precision

The painting profession requires not only technical skill but also an eye for detail and the ability to quickly adapt to new materials and trends. Building Painters often have the opportunity to work at various sites, from historic buildings to modern new constructions, making each project unique.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Building Painters are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, holiday pay, and insurance for work-related injuries. Other common compensations include per diems for work in different locations, work clothing, and sometimes wellness allowances. Some employers also offer bonuses tied to project completion or productivity.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for Building Painters is characterized by high demand and a shortage of trained personnel. Competition for jobs is therefore relatively low, but demands for quality and efficiency have increased. Physically demanding tasks and exposure to chemicals and dust pose daily challenges. Additionally, gender imbalance and wage gaps between men and women mean the industry faces ongoing efforts to create a more equal work environment. Changes in the construction sector and economic fluctuations can also affect the availability of assignments.

Tips for Aspiring Building Painters

To succeed as a Building Painter, practical skills and a solution-oriented mindset are valuable, as the profession often requires quick decisions and adaptation to new situations. Precision is important, especially when preparing surfaces and selecting materials. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration and contribute to a better work environment on construction sites. Physical endurance is necessary, as workdays can be long and strenuous. An interest in color and form is also advantageous, as aesthetic judgments are part of many tasks. Being open to further training and new methods provides a competitive edge. Finally, good communication skills are essential for professional interaction with clients and partners.

Key Facts about Building Painters

  • Education level: High school education, construction and civil engineering program (3 years)
  • Work environment: Varies, both indoors and outdoors at construction sites
  • Demand: Significant shortage of labor, 379 registered job vacancies
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 84% of what men do within the profession
  • Future outlook: Opportunities for employment are considered large, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years

Career Paths and Future Prospects

After several years of experience, a Building Painter can advance to leadership roles such as site supervisor, project manager, or foreman within painting. Specializations in decorative painting, damage management, or contracting are also possible career paths. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast, the opportunities for work remain large, and the recruitment situation is characterized by a shortage of trained personnel. Over five years, demand for Building Painters is expected to stay unchanged, providing good prospects for stable employment. Those interested in further development can also start their own business or train as a supervisor in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Building Painters

  • What does a Building Painter earn?
    - The average salary for a Building Painter is 36 900 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, region, and employer.
  • How does one become a Building Painter?
    - Most complete the construction and civil engineering program at high school with a focus on painting and then undergo an apprenticeship period.
  • What are the occupational health and safety risks?
    - Working at heights, dust, chemicals, and heavy lifting are common risks within the profession.
  • Are there job opportunities for Building Painters?
    - Yes, the job market is strong with a significant shortage of trained workers and many vacancies.
  • What education is required?
    - High school education within the construction and civil engineering program, with a focus on painting, is most common. Some practical training or apprenticeship is often required.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Opportunities for employment are considered large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.
  • Are there gender pay gaps?
    - Yes, women earn on average 84% of what men do within the profession.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Building painter is 38100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Building painter is 31800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29400 kr 29400 kr
25-34 36000 kr 36000 kr
35-44 37300 kr 37500 kr
45-54 38700 kr 38800 kr
55-64 38300 kr 38300 kr
Snitt 84% 36900 kr 36900 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Building painter has the SSYK code 7131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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