The annual income for painters varies in the range of US $ 30,063 and US $ 50,955, which contributes more than half of the average income of an average household (see Reference 1 and Resource 2). A job as a house painter brings responsibilities such as painting structural and residential buildings, storage units, structural steel and the interior of buildings and homes. The vast majority of states require that you obtain a painter’s license before starting work.
Step 1
Choose an area of expertise, either interior, exterior or both. Interior painting requires knowledge about interior finishes, ceilings and equipment care in the rooms. Exterior paint requires knowledge on external surfaces, cleaning walls and surface protection against environmental factors such as rain. Buy your work tools depending on the type of paint you choose.
Step 2
Apply for your professional license in your state’s office under construction regulations. Take the state exam, which tests your painting skills. Once approved, the state will give you a license for a fee; the rate and tests vary from state to state.
Step 3
Get insurance to cover yourself and insure your work tools against damage. Insurance covers you from accidents that may happen while you work. Obtain insurance for the client’s property in case you damage it while working.
Step 4
Venture to work as a freelance painter or join a construction firm that hires painters. Working in a construction firm helps you learn; How to put a price on your services and negotiate contracts with customers and suppliers, about professional painting equipment and different painting techniques. As an independent painter, research costs in your neighborhood and create your own prices. Advertise in the newspaper classified section in your area or talk to a real estate agent and offer your services at a competitive price.