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Painter Apprentice Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

TrinityRail

Career Painter

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$17 - $23/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 ...

PPG

Painter

Waterloo, IA

$18.85/hr

Painter - Cedar Falls, IA Payrate: $18.85 Hourly 1st Shift: Either 8 hour days (4:45am to 1:15pm) or 10 hour days (4:45am to 3:15pm) As a Painter you will be a crucial part of our operations! Your ...

PPG

Painter

Cedar Falls, IA

$18.85/hr

Painter - Cedar Falls, IA Payrate: $18.85 Hourly 1st Shift: Either 8 hour days (4:45am to 1:15pm) or 10 hour days (4:45am to 3:15pm) As a Painter you will be a crucial part of our operations! Your ...

Trinity Industries

Career Painter

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$17 - $23/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

Career Painter

Shell Rock, IA

$17 - $23/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 ...

Five Star Painting

Painting Subcontractor

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$40K/yr

If you are a painting subcontractor interested in working with our dynamic team, please fill out the application. The ideal candidates are painting professionals with the highest standards with ...

PDM

Industrial Painter

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

When not in paint booth working in shop doing odd jobs drilling holes, grinding and helping where needed. Areas of Accountability: * Learn & understand company safety policies and procedures and ...

PDM

Industrial Painter

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

When not in paint booth working in shop doing odd jobs drilling holes, grinding and helping where needed. Areas of Accountability: * Learn & understand company safety policies and procedures and ...

Caesars Entertainment

Painter (Harrah's)

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Applies paint, varnishes, and stains to interior and/or exterior surfaces. * Prepares surfaces for painting by removing old paint, using paint remover, scraper, wire brush, or blowtorch. Fills nail ...

Ceasars Entertainment

Painter (Harrah's)

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Responsible for effective coordination and completion of all painting responsibilities in the hotel and casino. Harrah's Council Bluffs, Horseshoe Council Bluffs, the Mid-America Center, and the ...

Precision Pulley and Idler

Painter

Corning, IA · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Painter Division: Precision Pulley & Idler (PPI) Location: Corning, IA - On-site Shift: 1st F LSA: Non - Exempt Grade: 1 Job Status: Full Time Travel Required: 0% Revision Date: March 28, 2024 ...

Woodbine Manufacturing

Painter (2nd Shift)

Woodbine, IA · On-site

$24/hr

Overall Positive Attitude As a Liftgate and Parts Painter, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the visual appeal and protection of our products through skilled painting techniques. You will be ...

Liberty Diversified International

Painter I

Milford, IA · On-site

$20/hr

Description As Painter I, you will apply proper paint application to office products and office furniture by applying high-quality standards and partnering with other manufacturing cells, to ensure ...

Dover Corporation

Painter II

Centerville, IA · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Painter II FLSA Status: Hourly / Non-Exempt Department: Operations Supervisor: Production Supervisor Shift: 2nd What we are looking for: Paint is responsible for prepping, cleaning, and checking the ...

Dover Corporation

Painter II

Centerville, IA · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Painter II FLSA Status: Hourly / Non-Exempt Department: Operations Supervisor: Production Supervisor Shift: 2nd What we are looking for: Paint is responsible for prepping, cleaning, and checking the ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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.

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, a painter apprenticeship is available and typically involves working under experienced painters to learn skills such as surface preparation, painting techniques, and safety procedures. Apprenticeships often require a high school diploma or equivalent and may include classroom instruction combined with on-the-job training, lasting from one to four years depending on the program.

How do you become a painter apprentice?

To become a painter apprentice, individuals typically need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and often complete an application or interview process. Apprenticeship programs are usually offered through unions, trade schools, or painting contractors and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, focusing on skills like surface preparation, painting techniques, and safety procedures.
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 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,570 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Career Painter

TrinityRail

Shell Rock, IA • On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

TrinityRail rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 178 rated vehicle equipment hire

Job description

TrinityRail Maintenance Services, Inc. is searching for a talented team player to fill the open role of Career Painter on 1st shift at our Shell Rock, IA location.
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 types of surfaces. You'll also mix and apply alkyds, epoxies, gel coats, powder coats, urethane, zinc epoxies, and water borne paint systems according to a prescribed formula.
The Painter adjusts nozzles on spray guns to obtain the proper dispersion of spray and monitors the flow and viscosity of the paint for solution. The Painter utilizes mill gauge and monitors the pressure amount properly, and cleans paint lines, paint guns, and performs other cleaning preventive maintenance to ensure painting apparatus remains in working order. The Painter also regulates temperature/air circulation in drying ovens.
What you'll do :
  • Proficiently apply exterior coatings by spray and/or hand-held methods
  • Proficiently seal and/or bake final exterior coatings
  • Proficiently apply interior primer coats
  • Prepare painting area
  • Apply primer or first exterior coat
  • Prepare and/or mix paint
  • Follow all safety rules and practices
  • May be involved in safety committees or initiatives
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications
What you'll need :
  • 1 year of experience in manufacturing

What TrinityRail employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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