How much does a Painter, construction make

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  2. Painter, construction
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Painter, construction

36 800 kr

Painters

32 500 - 37 800 kr / month

Women earn 86% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Painter, construction

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 37 700 kr
Females 32 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 15 Vacant jobs ->

What does a painter do in the construction industry? – Tasks and work environment

Paintors in construction are responsible for preparing, treating, and finishing surfaces in both new construction and renovation projects. Tasks include filling, sanding, wallpapering, and painting walls, ceilings, facades, and other building components. Different techniques and materials are often used depending on the substrate and client requirements. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors, requiring precision, physical stamina, and good safety awareness. Painters often work in teams but also independently, and safety is a key aspect as work at heights and with chemicals occurs.

Salary development over time

The salary for painters in the construction industry has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,500 SEK per month, rising to 34 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 36 800 SEK in 2024. This development represents a total increase of approximately 6.7% over the period. The trend reflects a continued strong demand for skilled painters, especially as new construction and renovation needs in Sweden remain high. Competition for experienced painters and increased quality requirements have contributed to positive salary growth. Factors such as regional differences and gender disparities also influence salary levels within the profession.

Painter salaries in construction – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (female, private sector)
  • Highest salary: 37,800 SEK/month (male, regional sector, upper secondary education max 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 221 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Men 37 700 SEK, women 32 600 SEK – women earn 86% of men's salary
  • Regional differences: Salary levels vary depending on region, with higher wages in metropolitan areas and larger construction projects

Education and qualifications

To work as a painter in construction, a vocational upper secondary education in painting is usually required. The education combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, often through an apprenticeship. After completing the education, certifications and further training can provide additional skills and increase employment opportunities.

  • Vocational training via upper secondary school construction and civil engineering program, painting specialization (3 years)
  • Apprenticeships and internships with companies
  • Possibility for adult education or adult education programs
  • Certificates or journeyman's certificate after approved exams
  • Prerequisites: Approved grades in basic subjects

The painting profession offers great variation in workdays, where projects can range from historic buildings to modern office complexes. Those who enjoy seeing quick results of their work and have a sense for color and form often find extra job satisfaction in this role.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Paintors in construction often have access to collectively negotiated benefits such as occupational pension, insurances, and paid vacation. Other common compensations include workwear, wellness allowances, and sometimes per diems when working at different locations. Overtime pay and bonuses may also occur depending on the employer and project.

Competition and challenges

The job market for painters in construction is characterized by high demand and a shortage of qualified workers. Despite this, the profession faces challenges such as seasonal variation, physically demanding environments, and exposure to chemicals. Competition for the most attractive positions is greatest in metropolitan regions, where wages are often higher but requirements for experience and specialized skills are also greater. New materials and techniques increase demands for continuous skills development, and digital tools are becoming more common in planning and quoting processes.

Tips for those wanting to become painters in the construction industry

To succeed as a painter in construction, it is good to have both practical skills and an eye for detail. Precision is crucial since preparation and finishing are vital for the final result. Good teamwork skills are needed as work often occurs in teams and in contact with other trades. Flexibility and initiative facilitate adapting to changing projects and work environments. Physical endurance is also important as the work involves manual tasks and sometimes heavy lifting. Being punctual and organized helps meet deadlines and quality standards. Finally, an interest in color, form, and materials is a big advantage for thriving and developing in the role.

Key facts about painters in construction

  • Education level: Vocational upper secondary education (3 years) or adult education
  • Work environment: Varied, both indoors and outdoors, often in teams
  • Demand: High – shortage of qualified painters nationwide
  • Typical work form: Full-time, project-based work
  • Special skills: Surface treatment, wallpapering, color choices, and preparatory work

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, opportunities open for more responsible roles such as supervisor, project manager, or specialized painter in decorative painting or restoration. According to the Employment Service, job opportunities for painters are plentiful, and the recruitment situation is characterized by a lack of trained personnel. The forecast indicates that demand will remain unchanged over five years. Currently, there are 378 job openings in the profession, highlighting the need for new painters in the labor market. Further training or specialization can lead to niche assignments and higher salaries.

Common questions about painters in construction

  • What does a painter earn in construction?
    - The average salary for a painter in the construction industry is 36 800 SEK per month.
  • How does the salary development look for painters?
    - Salaries have increased from 34,500 SEK in 2022 to 36 800 SEK in 2024, nearly 7% over three years.
  • Are there differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 37 700 SEK and women 32 600 SEK, meaning women earn 86% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a painter in construction?
    - Vocational upper secondary education with a focus on painting or equivalent adult education is required, often supplemented with an apprenticeship and journeyman's exam.
  • What are the future prospects for painters?
    - The Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are abundant and demand will remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for painters in construction?
    - The highest salary is 37,800 SEK (male, regional sector), the lowest is 32,500 SEK (female, private sector).
  • What personal qualities are important for painters?
    - Accuracy, teamwork ability, physical endurance, and a sense for color and form are key qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-09-18 14:12:01

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Painter, construction is 37800 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 33600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Painter, construction is 32500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30000 kr 30100 kr
25-34 36500 kr 36500 kr
35-44 38200 kr 38200 kr
45-54 38600 kr 38600 kr
55-64 38600 kr 38600 kr
Snitt 86% 36800 kr 36800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Painter, construction has the SSYK code 7131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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