Painting trades worker

Painting trades workers help develop Western Australian homes, businesses and public spaces. Their expertise and creativity transform interior and exterior surfaces of buildings.

This occupation excludes painters working in visual arts and industrial spray-painting activities.

Want to make your mark in WA? Now is the perfect time to move and work in WA.

There’s a range of painting work waiting for you.

You can find out more about what you need to work as a painting trades worker in WA, and what you need to know before you move west, using the links below.

If you’re ready to check out all the jobs available right now, go to Seek.

Painter licences in WA

You’ll be required to be registered to carry out painting work valued over $1,000 in Western Australia. Learn more about painters’ registration for painting practitioners and contractors from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

If you work in construction, you’ll need a Construction Induction Card, also known as a white card. More information is available at Construction induction training.

Required registration and licences

  • Painters’ registration

  • Construction induction card

You may also require

  • Builders registration

  • Driver’s licence

Painting trades workers moving to WA from overseas

Skilled workers seeking to connect with WA employers can do so by registering for the Skilled Migrant Employment Register. If an employer wishes to contact you through the register, Migration WA will provide them with your contact details.

To work in Australia, you’ll need a valid visa. There are several different visa options available, including temporary and permanent visas. Your eligibility will depend on your situation and qualifications. More information on the types of visas available can be found on the Migration WA website.

Painting trades workers moving to WA from another state or territory within Australia

You’ll need to apply for mutual recognition. Mutual recognition entitles you to trade in another state once you have informed the second state’s licencing authority.

Learn more about mutual recognition for painters and how to apply.

If you need a vehicle for your work, you’ll need to ensure your Driver’s licence/s are transferred. If you’re bringing your vehicle with you, you must transfer the registration over to WA. Learn more about licence and vehicle registration transfers via the Department of Transport website.

Each state and territory in Australia has individual licensing requirements. Check the validity of any other relevant licences and transfer to WA or apply where required.

How much can I earn as a painting trades workers in Australia?

$92,000

According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Earnings and Hours Survey, as of May 2024, Painters in Western Australia were on average earning $1,700 per week or around $92,000 per year before tax. Most painters are earning between $68,000 and $116,000 per year (before tax).

What kind of work could I have as a painting trades workers in WA?

Some work WA painters can expect as part of their role includes:

  • Applying paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to interior or exterior surfaces.

  • Erecting scaffolding and ladders, and place drop sheets.

  • Preparing surfaces by removing old paint and wallpaper, as well as fixing woodwork and filling holes and cracks.

How to become a painting trades worker in WA

You can become a painting trades worker by completing a three-year apprenticeship.

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll complete a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, which is a nationally recognised qualification.

For more information, visit the Jobs & Skills WA website.

Training and qualifications

  • 3-year apprenticeship

  • Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

Ready for your next painting role in WA?

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