Painting and Wall Covering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips learners with the technical expertise needed to professionally finish both interior and exterior structural surfaces using a range of protective and decorative coating materials. Emphasis is placed on precision, material performance, and compliance with industry standards, preparing graduates for hands-on roles in construction, renovation, and specialized finishing trades.
- Surface Preparation: Techniques for cleaning, sanding, priming, and repairing substrates to ensure optimal adhesion and long-term durability of coatings.
- Coating Application Methods: Mastery of tools and processes for applying paint, lacquer, sealants, and other protective or decorative finishes with consistency and efficiency.
- Wallpaper Installation: Skills in measuring, cutting, aligning, and adhering wallpaper to achieve seamless, professional-grade results on walls and ceilings.
- Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Hands-on training in using spray guns, rollers, brushes, and power tools, along with routine upkeep to ensure safety and performance.
- Finish Selection & Specification: Knowledge of material properties, aesthetic outcomes, and environmental conditions to choose the most suitable coatings for specific applications.
- Safety & Environmental Practices: Protocols for handling hazardous materials, proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, and minimizing environmental impact during application and cleanup.
- Adhesion & Material Science: Understanding the chemical and physical principles behind how coatings bond to different surfaces and resist wear, moisture, and UV exposure.
- Industry Codes & Compliance Standards: Familiarity with building codes, safety regulations, and quality benchmarks governing finishing work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Painting and Wall Covering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Painting and Wall Covering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Painting and Wall Covering degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Painters, Construction and Maintenance and Paperhangers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,031,780 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 47-1011 | $78,690 | $51,290 - $126,690 | 806,080 | $37.83 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance 47-2141 | $48,660 | $36,680 - $76,550 | 224,180 | $23.40 |
| Paperhangers 47-2142 | $48,260 | $35,020 - $69,470 | 1,520 | $23.20 |
Painting and Wall Covering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $50,310 in Arkansas to $84,700 in Hawaii—a 68% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, Alaska, and Illinois. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,031,780 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Painting and Wall Covering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Painting and Wall Covering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Painting and Wall Covering is found at Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (20 graduates), Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) (4 graduates), Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) (2 graduates), American River College (ARC) (1 graduates), and Macomb Community College (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 28 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
20 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Belleville, Illinois | Public | swic.edu |
| Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
| American River College (ARC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Sacramento, California | Public | arc.losrios.edu |
| Macomb Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Warren, Michigan | Public | macomb.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Painting and Wall Covering programs
How much can I earn with a Painting and Wall Covering degree?
Salaries for Painting and Wall Covering graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers earn a median of $78,690 annually, while Painters, Construction and Maintenance earn around $48,660. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $84,700 compared to $50,310 in Arkansas. Approximately 1,031,780 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Painting and Wall Covering programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Painting and Wall Covering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (20 graduates), Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) (4 graduates), and Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) (2 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Painting and Wall Covering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 26 in 2010 to a peak of 48 in 2020, before declining slightly to 28 in 2023-24. This represents a 8% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Painting and Wall Covering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Painters, Construction and Maintenance, and Paperhangers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,031,780 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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