Painters, Construction and Maintenance
47-2141.00
Updated 2025

Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. May remove old paint to prepare surface prior to painting. May mix colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency.

Sample of reported job titles: Building Trades Painter, Commercial Painter, Facilities Painter, Highway Painter, House Painter, Industrial Painter, Maintenance Painter, Painter, Professional Painter, Texturer

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
90
 
Core
Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
88
 
Core
Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.
87
 
Core
Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.
86
 
Core
Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.
81
 
Core
Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.
78
 
Core
Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.
75
 
Core
Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.
72
 
Core
Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.
66
 
Core
Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.
63
 
Core
Remove old finishes by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, burning, or using water or abrasive blasting.
62
 
Core
Remove fixtures such as pictures, door knobs, lamps, or electric switch covers prior to painting.
58
 
Core
Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.
56
 
Core
Waterproof buildings, using waterproofers or caulking.
53
 
Core
Select and purchase tools or finishes for surfaces to be covered, considering durability, ease of handling, methods of application, and customers' wishes.
52
 
Core
Mix and match colors of paint, stain, or varnish with oil or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colors and consistencies.
53
 
Supplemental
Polish final coats to specified finishes.
43
 
Supplemental
Cut stencils and brush or spray lettering or decorations on surfaces.
Not availableNew
Clean tools and equipment, such as brushes and rollers.
Not availableNew
Hang wallpaper.
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Technology Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

Hot technology
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceWork Activity
88
 
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
84
 
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
83
 
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
79
 
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
77
 
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
77
 
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
76
 
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
74
 
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
74
 
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
73
 
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
73
 
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
73
 
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
72
 
Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
69
 
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
67
 
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
64
 
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
64
 
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
60
 
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
59
 
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
59
 
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
58
 
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
58
 
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
58
 
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
57
 
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
54
 
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
54
 
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
54
 
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
49
 
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
49
 
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
49
 
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
49
 
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
49
 
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
43
 
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
39
 
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
34
 
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
30
 
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
20
 
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
16
 
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
16
 
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
16
 
Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
15
 
Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Detailed Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities

Work Context Save Table: XLSX CSV

  • Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?
    • 97%
      97%
       
      Continually or almost continually
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams — How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?
  • Telephone Conversations — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
    • 81%
      81%
       
      Every day
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
    • 65%
      65%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 34%
      34%
       
      More than half the time
  • Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
    • 18%
      18%
       
      Very important
  • Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals — How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?
    • 32%
      32%
       
      A lot of freedom
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Limited freedom
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      More than half the time
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Very important
  • Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Very high responsibility
    • 33%
      33%
       
      High responsibility
    • 33%
      33%
       
      Moderate responsibility
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General — How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
    • 64%
      64%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 18%
      18%
       
      Less than half the time
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Never
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?
    • 35%
      35%
       
      Every day
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Very close (near touching)
    • 35%
      35%
       
      Slightly close (e.g., shared office)
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
    • 17%
      17%
       
      More than half the time
  • Spend Time Walking or Running — How much does this job require walking or running?
    • 18%
      18%
       
      More than half the time
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
    • 31%
      31%
       
      Very high responsibility
    • 16%
      16%
       
      No responsibility
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities — How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?
    • 19%
      19%
       
      Important
  • Written Letters and Memos — How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Very important results
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Minor results
  • Frequency of Decision Making — How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
    • 48%
      48%
       
      Every day
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Never
  • Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Extremely competitive
    • 33%
      33%
       
      Highly competitive
    • 19%
      19%
       
      Moderately competitive
    • 31%
      31%
       
      Slightly competitive
  • E-Mail — How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Extremely important
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Very important
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Not important at all
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Every day
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 33%
      33%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
    • 18%
      18%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Every day
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Never
  • Conflict Situations — How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Every day
    • 33%
      33%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 33%
      33%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Never
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Every day
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 33%
      33%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Never
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Every day
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
    • 33%
      33%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Every day
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 49%
      49%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Never
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
  • Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Very serious
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Not serious at all
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 34%
      34%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 33%
      33%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Never
  • Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?
    • 18%
      18%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 49%
      49%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Never
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Extremely important
    • 66%
      66%
       
      Not important at all
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 66%
      66%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Never
  • Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 18%
      18%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 65%
      65%
       
      Never
  • Public Speaking — How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 65%
      65%
       
      Never
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?
  • Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Slightly automated
    • 82%
      82%
       
      Not at all automated
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?
    • 96%
      96%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?
    • 96%
      96%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
    • 98%
      98%
       
      Never

Experience Requirements

Job Zone Save Table: XLSX CSV

Title
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
SVP Range
(4.0 to < 6.0)

Training & Credentials

State training
Local training
Certifications
Find certifications nationwide
State licenses

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Example apprenticeship titles for this occupation:

  • Architectural, Coatings Finisher
  • Painter (Const)
  • Painter, Indust Coating and Lining App Specialist
  • Painter, Shipyard
  • Pavement Striper
  • Pavement Striper

Specific title(s) listed above are vetted by industry and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for use in a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Start your career and build your skillset. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to learn about opportunities related to this occupation.

Worker Requirements

Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceSkill
50
 
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
50
 
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
50
 
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
47
 
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
47
 
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
47
 
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
44
 
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
44
 
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
35
 
Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
35
 
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
25
 
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
25
 
Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
25
 
Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
25
 
Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
25
 
Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
25
 
Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
25
 
Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
25
 
Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
25
 
Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
25
 
Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
25
 
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
22
 
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
22
 
Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
22
 
Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
22
 
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
22
 
Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
19
 
Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
19
 
Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
16
 
Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
16
 
Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
13
 
Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
10
 
Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
10
 
Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
0
 
Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
0
 
Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Knowledge Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceKnowledge
54
 
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
51
 
Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
47
 
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
45
 
Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
42
 
Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
41
 
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
41
 
Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
41
 
Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
38
 
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
36
 
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
36
 
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
30
 
Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
29
 
Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
26
 
Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
25
 
Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
21
 
Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
17
 
Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
17
 
Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
17
 
Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
17
 
Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
17
 
Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
16
 
Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
16
 
Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
15
 
Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
14
 
Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
14
 
Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
14
 
Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
14
 
Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
11
 
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
10
 
Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
8
 
Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
8
 
History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
5
 
Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required for some jobs
  • Post-secondary certificate required for some jobs
  • Less than high school diploma required for some jobs

Worker Characteristics

Abilities Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceAbility
69
 
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
60
 
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
53
 
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
53
 
Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
50
 
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
50
 
Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
50
 
Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
50
 
Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
50
 
Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
50
 
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
50
 
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
50
 
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
50
 
Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
50
 
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
47
 
Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
47
 
Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
47
 
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
47
 
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
47
 
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
47
 
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
47
 
Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
47
 
Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
47
 
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
44
 
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
44
 
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
44
 
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
28
 
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
28
 
Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
28
 
Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
25
 
Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
25
 
Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
25
 
Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
25
 
Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
25
 
Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
25
 
Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
25
 
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
25
 
Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
25
 
Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
25
 
Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
25
 
Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
25
 
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
22
 
Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
22
 
Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
22
 
Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
19
 
Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
19
 
Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
19
 
Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
19
 
Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
16
 
Night Vision — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
16
 
Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
6
 
Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
6
 
Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
100
 
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
39
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
29
 
Artistic — Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
9
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
4
 
Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
0
 
Enterprising — Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Styles Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceWork Style
99
 
Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
89
 
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
89
 
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
82
 
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
82
 
Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
78
 
Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
78
 
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
75
 
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
75
 
Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
72
 
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
72
 
Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
72
 
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
68
 
Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
61
 
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
61
 
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
54
 
Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2024)
$23.40 hourly, $48,660 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2024)
342,200 employees
Projected growth (2024-2034)
Average (3% to 4%)
Projected job openings (2024-2034)
28,100
State trends
Top industries (2024)
Construction (53% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 wage data and 2024-2034 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2024-2034). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

More Information

Professional Associations

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

National Associations
Accreditation, Certification, & Unions