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Sign Painter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fusion Sign and Design

Paint Prep/Painter

Chino, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Paint helper/Prepper for an electrical sign company. Job Summary: The Paint Helper/Prepper is responsible for preparing sign components and surfaces for painting and assisting painters with their ...

Saint Mary's College of California

Painter

Moraga, CA · On-site

$50K - $77K/yr

Paints signs and sets-up vinyl letter signs (for windows, vehicles, etc.), paints parking lots, crosswalks, curbs and bleachers. * Prepares work area: barricades area, tapes-off; lays paper/linen ...

Aerotek

Painter

Stanford, CA

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

Paint signs and other specialty surfaces as requested. * Occasionally hang wallpaper and complete related finishing tasks. * Bring and use personal painting tools and materials, including rollers ...

City of San Diego

Equipment Painter

San Diego, CA · On-site

$69K - $82K/yr

Experience in painting art, homes, and/or commercial signs or billboards is NOT qualifying. City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written ...

City of San Diego, CA

Equipment Painter

San Diego, CA · On-site

$69K - $82K/yr

NOTES: * Experience in painting art, homes, and/or commercial signs or billboards is NOT qualifying. * City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must ...

Auberge Collection

Painter

Los Olivos, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Cover surfaces with drop cloths or masking tape and paper for protection during painting and post appropriate paint signs. * Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, and other finishes to property walls ...

Auberge Collection

Painter

Los Olivos, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Cover surfaces with drop cloths or masking tape and paper for protection during painting and post appropriate paint signs. * Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, and other finishes to property walls ...

City of Compton

Painter II

Compton, CA · On-site

$62K - $73K/yr

... may paint signs; may schedule and explain specific work assignments to subordinate employees ... performs other related duties as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Basic materials ...

ASM Global

LACC Painter (FT) Union

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33.63/hr

Responsibilities included, but not limited to, patching walls, roof repair, fine finishing work, concrete sealing, sign making, both interior and exterior painting of all surfaces in the facility.

ASM Global

LACC Painter (PT) Union

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33.63/hr

Responsibilities included, but not limited to, patching walls, roof repair, fine finishing work, concrete sealing, sign making, both interior and exterior painting of all surfaces in the facility.

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Sign Painter information

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$27

How much do sign painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for sign painter in California is $22.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sign painter?

Sign painters are skilled artisans who design, create, and paint signs by hand for businesses, events, and various public or private spaces. They use techniques such as lettering, illustration, and decorative painting on surfaces like wood, glass, metal, and walls. While digital printing has become common, many people still appreciate the unique, handcrafted quality and craftsmanship that sign painters provide. Their work often involves both artistic talent and precise technical skills.

What does a sign painter do?

As a sign painter, you use a brush, paint, stencils, sprayers, and other equipment to help create custom signs for clients. Since you typically paint images or letters by hand, you often use several kinds of brushes and various colors to customize each sign according to specifications. You typically work in a workshop, using work orders, sketches, or blueprints to guide your painting. Other duties and responsibilities include preparing the surface of the sign before painting and adding laminate or other protection afterward. In this role, you may be asked to climb up to signs to paint or to repair existing signage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sign painter?

To thrive as a Sign Painter, you need strong artistic ability, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of color theory, often supported by a portfolio or relevant training in graphic arts. Familiarity with design software (such as Adobe Illustrator), various paints, brushes, and lettering techniques, as well as safe use of ladders and scaffolding, is typically required. Creativity, patience, and effective communication with clients are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that sign painters can create visually appealing, durable, and accurate signage that meets client needs and withstands environmental conditions.

What are the typical work environments and clients a sign painter can expect to work with?

Sign Painters often work both indoors and outdoors, creating signage for a variety of clients, including small businesses, large corporations, and local government agencies. The environments can range from workshops and studios to on-site locations, such as storefronts or construction sites. Collaboration is common with graphic designers, business owners, and project managers to ensure the finished sign meets client specifications and branding requirements. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as project scopes and working conditions can vary greatly.

What is the difference between Sign Painter vs Graphic Designer?

AspectSign PainterGraphic Designer
CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but apprenticeship or vocational training commonBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field often required
Work EnvironmentHands-on, physical work often outdoors or in workshopsOffice or digital workspace, primarily computer-based
Industry UsageUsed mainly in signage, advertising, and storefrontsUsed across marketing, branding, digital media, and print

Sign painters focus on creating physical signs through hand-painting or traditional methods, often working outdoors or in workshops. Graphic designers develop visual concepts primarily using digital tools for various media. While both roles involve visual communication, sign painters emphasize craftsmanship in physical signage, whereas graphic designers work mainly in digital environments for broader media applications.

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Sign Painter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sign Painter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,695 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Paint Prep/Painter

Fusion Sign and Design

Chino, CA • On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Paint helper/Prepper for an electrical sign company.

Job Summary:
The Paint Helper/Prepper is responsible for preparing sign components and surfaces for painting and assisting painters with their tasks ensure that surfaces are clean, smooth, and ready to receive paint, ensuring a high-quality finish for electrical signs. 

Key Responsibilities:
Surface Preparation:
  • Clean and degrease sign components to ensure proper paint adhesion.
  • Sand surfaces to remove imperfections, rust, or old paint.
  • Fill dents and scratches with appropriate fillers and sand them smooth.
  • Mask off areas that are not to be painted (e.g., electrical components, lighting fixtures).
  • Apply primers and sealers as needed to prepare the surface for painting.

Painting Assistance:
  • Assist sign painters with the application of paint, coatings, or other finishes using various methods (e.g., brushes, rollers, sprayers).
  • Mix paints and match colors as required.
  • Transport and set up equipment and materials needed for painting.
  • Identify and report any issues or imperfections to the painters or supervisor.

Maintenance and Housekeeping:
  • Clean and maintain tools, equipment (e.g., spray guns, sanders), and the work area.
  • Follow safety protocols, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling hazardous materials appropriately, 
  • Dispose of waste materials in accordance with company policies.

Teamwork and Collaboration:
  • Work effectively as part of a team, coordinating tasks and communicating with painters and other team members.
  • Assist with other duties as assigned by the supervisor or management. 

Required skills and qualifications:
Skills:
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to spot imperfections.
  • Experience with sanding and masking techniques.
  • Knowledge of surface preparation techniques (e.g., cleaning, priming).
  • Ability to follow instructions and work according to established procedures and safety guidelines.
  • Physical stamina and strength to lift and move materials (up to 50 lbs.).
  • Good hand-eye coordination.
  • Troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve basic painting-related issues.

Painter:
  • Painting: Operate professional spray equipment to apply evenly coated finishes on channel letters, cabinets, and pylons.
  • Color Matching: Mix paints and match exact brand color codes or blueprints.
  • Experience: 1 to 3+ years of industrial, automotive, or sign painting experience.
  • Technical Skills: Know how to use paint sprayers and read work orders or blueprints.
  • Physical Ability: Lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long shifts.
  • Safety: Wear proper protective gear (PPE) and follow hazardous material.
  • Expert Mixing: Match precise corporate brand colors using advanced computer mixing systems.
  • Premium Finishes: Apply high-end polyurethane, metallic, and clear-coat finishes flawlessly.
  • Complex Masking: Execute multi-colored layouts, detailed vinyl masking, and intricate corporate logo paint schemes.
  • Quality Assurance: Inspect final sign parts for runs, dust, or uneven thickness before assembly.