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Chicago Painters Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Chicago

PAINTER - SEASONAL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.30/hr

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT PAINTER Chicago Department of Transportation Division of In-House Construction Number of Positions: 3 (Additional vacancies pending budget approval possible) Salary: $56.30/hr.

City of Chicago

PAINTER - SEASONAL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.30/hr

PAINTER - SEASONAL Job Number: 419801 Description BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT PAINTER Chicago Department of Transportation Division of In-House Construction Number of Positions: 3 (Additional vacancies ...

Spray-Net Chicago West

Spray Painter

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

All of the Chicago Western Suburbs including Naperville, West Chicago, Wheaton, Schaumburg, Carol ... Spray application painting using specialized equipment * Ensure surfaces properly prepared for ...

Potbelly Corporate

Painter

Chicago, IL

$21 - $25/hr

Onsite Monday- Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM in our Chicago, IL warehouse We are seeking an experienced painter and finishing specialist to join our in-house fabrication team, producing custom furniture ...

Potbelly

Painter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Onsite Monday- Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM in our Chicago, IL warehouse We are seeking an experienced painter and finishing specialist to join our in-house fabrication team, producing custom furniture ...

Mac Properties

Painter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

We are looking for skilled Painters to join our team! At Mac, our Maintenance team is not only ... residents in Chicago, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Our vision is to enable better lives through ...

Mac Properties

Painter

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

We are looking for skilled Painters to join our team! At Mac, our Maintenance team is not only ... residents in Chicago, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Our vision is to enable better lives through ...

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Chicago Painters information

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How much do chicago painters jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for chicago painters in the United States is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Chicago painter?

Chicago painters are professional tradespeople or artists based in Chicago who specialize in applying paint, stain, and coatings to buildings, homes, or other surfaces. This can include both residential and commercial projects, ranging from interior and exterior painting to decorative finishes and restoration work. Some Chicago painters may also focus on fine art, creating murals or custom pieces for public or private spaces. Many work for painting companies, while others are independent contractors. Their work enhances the appearance, value, and protection of properties throughout the Chicago area.

What is the difference between Chicago Painters vs Chicago Decorators?

AspectChicago PaintersChicago Decorators
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, possibly state licensingHigh school diploma, design certifications (optional)
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial, industrial painting sitesInterior and exterior design projects, showrooms, homes
Industry UsagePrimarily involved in surface preparation and paintingFocus on aesthetics, color schemes, and interior design

Chicago Painters primarily focus on surface preparation and applying paint, while Chicago Decorators emphasize interior design and aesthetic enhancements. Both roles may work in similar environments but serve different client needs related to surface finishing versus visual appeal.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chicago painter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chicago Painter, you need proficiency in surface preparation, painting techniques, and an understanding of color theory, often supported by a high school diploma or completion of an apprenticeship program. Familiarity with tools such as brushes, rollers, sprayers, scaffolding, and safety equipment is essential, and OSHA safety certifications are commonly valued. Attention to detail, time management, and good communication skills help painters deliver quality results and coordinate effectively with clients and team members. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality painting work in both residential and commercial settings.

What are some common challenges Chicago painters face when working on residential or commercial projects?

Chicago painters often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, which can impact project timelines and the application of exterior finishes. Working in older buildings may require additional prep work, such as lead paint remediation or repairing damaged surfaces. Painters also need to coordinate closely with other trades on-site to ensure a smooth workflow and minimal downtime. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and attention to detail are essential for overcoming these obstacles and delivering high-quality results.
What cities are hiring for Chicago Painters jobs? Cities with the most Chicago Painters job openings:
What states have the most Chicago Painters jobs? States with the most job openings for Chicago Painters jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chicago Painters jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chicago Painters jobs are:
Chicago Painters jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chicago Painters job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,394 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

PAINTER - SEASONAL

City of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$56.30/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
PAINTER
Chicago Department of Transportation
Division of In-House Construction
Number of Positions: 3
(Additional vacancies pending budget approval possible)
Salary: $56.30/hr.
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59 pm CST on 8/13/2026
This position is open to the public and all current City employees covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF PAINTERS ALLIED TRADE COUNCIL, LOCAL 14 (BARGAINING UNIT #39). Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Under supervision, performs journey-level work in the preparation and painting of interior and exterior walls, floors, ceilings, structures and surfaces of municipal facilities; and performs related duties as required
Essential Duties:
  • Reads blueprints, specifications and work orders to assess work required and to determine most appropriate preparation and application methods to use
  • Applies primer, paint, stain, varnish, and other finishes to multi-surfaces such as, concrete, metal, glass, wood, vinyl, sheetrock, and plaster with sprayers, rollers, and brushes
  • Cleans and prepares surfaces to ensure paint and other finishes will adhere properly
  • Fills and smooths holes, cracks, and joints with spackle, caulk, and compounds
  • Removes old paint from wood, brick, metal, and other surfaces by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, air blasting, and power washing
  • Erects scaffolding and ladders to perform painting work above ground level
  • Mixes latex and oil-based paints, tints primers, and prepares epoxies
  • Paints viaducts, crosswalks, stripes, parking lots, and street pavement markings such as, stop bars, skip dashes, bike lanes and symbols, and other markings
  • Loads and unloads equipment and supplies from work vehicle
  • Spreads drop clothes to protect equipment and surrounding areas
  • Cleans paint applicators, equipment, and work sites after paint jobs are completed
  • Moves furnishings, equipment, and other obstacles to complete painting jobs, as needed

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.
Location: 1501 W. PERSHING
Days: Monday - Friday
Hours: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
  • Successful completion of a U.S. Department of Labor registered painting apprenticeship training program and journeyman status; OR, should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are available:
  • Successful completion of a company or industry-sponsored apprenticeship training program as a painter, PLUS two (2) years of journey-level work experience as a painter
  • Five (5) years of journey-level work experience as a painter

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
  • A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required
  • Some positions may require completion of a U.S. Department of Labor Outreach Training
  • Program (OSHA card)
  • Some positions may require an EPA Lead Abatement Certification
  • Some positions may require previous work experience painting concrete viaducts and using paint to create pavement markings including curbs, gutters, stop bars, crosswalks, skipping dashes, bike lanes and symbols

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This is a non-interview title and does not require a test. Bidders who APPLY CORRECTLY will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement. Non-Bidders who APPLY CORRECTLY will be hired in lottery/random order.
For Information on our employees' benefits, please visit our benefits website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure, visit our classifications website at: https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf
Application Evaluation: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resources staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state, and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligibility list in lottery order. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience, the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference for applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices, click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair
Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor

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