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Painter Apprentice Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

University of Iowa

Painter

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

UI Health Care Engineering Services is seeking a full time Painter. This position will be scheduled ... Assists in directing the work of apprentices. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: * Four years of ...

New

University of Iowa

Painter

Iowa City, IA

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

UI Health Care Engineering Services is seeking a full time Painter. This position will be scheduled ... Assists in directing the work of apprentices. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: * Four years of ...

New

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Painter

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

Description UI Health Care Engineering Services is seeking a full time Painter. This position will ... Assists in directing the work of apprentices. Qualifications MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

The University Of Iowa

Painter

Iowa City, IA

$61K/yr

Assists in directing the work of apprentices. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: * Four years of ... Painter * Appointment Type: Merit * Schedule: Full-time * Work Modality Options: On Campus ...

New

Vermeer Corporation

Industrial Painter (Evenings)

Pella, IA · On-site

$25.36 - $28.02/hr

What We're Looking For: - Entry-level painting experience, completion of a formal painting or coatings program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred. - Ability to successfully ...

Ranews Companies LLC

Painter

Allison, IA

$19 - $26/hr

Now Hiring - Industrial Painter Ranew's Companies is seeking an Industrial Painter to join our team in Allison, IA. Industrial painters apply paint and other coatings to a variety of materials and ...

Friendship Village Retirement Community

Painter

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Painter - Full Time Apply online at: Friendship Village is hiring a Full Time Painter to work with our Maintenance team. Must have previous experience. The ideal candidates are painting professionals ...

Trinity Industries

Expert Painter

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

As a Painter at Trinity, you'll prepare, coat, and finish metal and/or other surfaces. You'll operate conventional/airless spray equipment to apply industrial paint finishes on metal and/or other ...

Trinity Logistics Group

Expert Painter

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

As a Painter at Trinity, you'll prepare, coat, and finish metal and/or other surfaces. You'll operate conventional/airless spray equipment to apply industrial paint finishes on metal and/or other ...

TrinityRail

Expert Painter

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

As a Painter at Trinity, you'll prepare, coat, and finish metal and/or other surfaces. You'll operate conventional/airless spray equipment to apply industrial paint finishes on metal and/or other ...

Friendship Village Retirement Community

Painter

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Painter - Full TimeApply online at: Village is hiring a Full Time Painter to work with our Maintenance team. Must have previous experience. The ideal candidates are painting professionals with the ...

Geater Machining & Manufacturing, Co.

Painter

Independence, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

The basic function of the Painter is to mix, prepare, and apply atomized paint, ink or other coating agents to products or materials to aesthetically enhance and/or provide corrosion resistance per ...

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All JobsPainter Apprentice JobsPainter Apprentice Jobs in Iowa

Painter Apprentice information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do painter apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for painter apprentice in Iowa is $17.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a painter apprentice do?

The duties of a painter apprentice are to learn and perform painting techniques and other essential tasks under the supervision of an experienced painter. Typically, their responsibilities involve prep, such as masking, sanding, and laying drop sheets, and then applying paint under the direction of a supervisor. Other responsibilities include caulking, finishing, and touch-up work. After you gain experience and skills through training and instruction, you can become a journeyman. Qualifications to be a painter apprentice vary, but often include a high school diploma or GED. Some prior experience in painting or construction is useful.

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

To thrive as a Painter Apprentice, you need basic knowledge of surface preparation, paint application techniques, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like brushes, rollers, sprayers, sanders, and personal protective equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively are important soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality results, workplace safety, and effective teamwork as you develop expertise in the trade.

What is a painter apprentice?

Painter Apprentices are individuals who are learning the trade of painting by working under the supervision of experienced painters. They assist with preparing surfaces, mixing paints, and applying coatings on various structures while gaining hands-on experience. Apprenticeships typically involve both on-the-job training and classroom instruction to teach safety, techniques, and industry standards. The goal is to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become a professional painter. This entry-level position is often the first step towards a career in the painting and decorating industry.

What is the difference between Painter Apprentice vs Painter Helper?

AspectPainter ApprenticePainter Helper
Required CredentialsBasic high school diploma; on-the-job trainingMinimal; often no formal credentials needed
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, residential and commercial projectsAssist with prep work and cleanup, similar environments
Job RoleLearn painting techniques, assist skilled paintersSupport painters with prep, cleanup, and material handling

Painter apprentices are in training to become skilled painters, learning techniques and gaining experience. Painter helpers assist experienced painters with basic tasks, often without formal training. While both roles work in similar environments, apprentices focus on skill development, whereas helpers support daily operations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression in the painting industry.

Can you do a painter apprenticeship?

Yes, aspiring painters can pursue apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience and learn techniques under experienced painters. Apprenticeships typically require a minimum age, a high school diploma or equivalent, and may involve on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to certification and better job opportunities in the painting industry.

What are the most common challenges painter apprentices face during their first year on the job?

During their first year, Painter Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering proper surface preparation techniques, learning to work efficiently with different types of paints and finishes, and adapting to physically demanding tasks like working on ladders or scaffolding. They may also need to quickly develop attention to detail to ensure clean lines and smooth finishes, as well as learn to follow safety protocols in various environments. Building effective communication with experienced painters and other team members is crucial for growth and a positive work experience.

How to become a painter apprentice?

To become a painter apprentice, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and demonstrate good physical fitness. You can apply directly to painting contractors or join apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, where learning skills like surface preparation and safety protocols is essential.
More about Painter Apprentice jobs
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Painter Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Painter Apprentice job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,570 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Painter

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

UI Health Care Engineering Services is seeking a full time Painter. This position will be scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday with additional hours as needed. Under general supervision, position applies knowledge and skill at the journey level, to prepare surfaces and mix and apply paint, and performs other related duties.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Prepares surfaces for refinishing by sanding, scraping, filling cracks and taping sheet rock; works from ground or floor level, from ladders, and from stationary and swing stages.
  • Applies paint with brush, roller and sprayer; hangs wallpaper and vinyl and acoustical wall covering materials; glazes, refinishes and antiques woodwork; and mixes stains and paints.
  • Determines method, materials, and equipment needed to complete job assignments.
  • Keeps a record for each project: materials used, colors, textures, locations, dates, and tasks performed.
  • Cleans and maintains brushes, rollers, sprayers and other tools and equipment.
  • Cuts and sets glass and reputties windows and may perform plastering duties.
  • Assists in directing the work of apprentices.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
  • Four years of experience in the trade, including apprenticeship.

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission relevant materials). Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. Please contact joseph-beebe@uiowa.edu with questions.

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