ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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 ...

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 ...

City of San Diego

Equipment Painter

San Diego, CA

$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

Painter

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Painter positions perform journey-level painting work throughout the City's facilities; strip and ... signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates ...

The Kia Forum

Painter

Inglewood, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Responsibilities include, but are 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.

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, CA

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 ...

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

$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.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSign Painter JobsSign Painter Jobs in California

Sign Painter information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$27

How much do sign painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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.

More about Sign Painter jobs

What are popular job titles related to Sign Painter jobs in California?

For Sign Painter jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sign Painter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Sign Painter jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Sign Painter jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sign Painter job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Sign Painter jobs in CA?

For Sign Painter jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Sign Painter (Motor Vehicle Operator) (Seasonal)

Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$33.42/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The work of a Sign Painter at Goldan Gate NRA includes designing, fabricating, and installing pedestrian and vehicle wayfinding signs, traffic signs, regulatory and safety signs, visitor information signs, and interpretative panels.

These positions may be filled for a period, up to 1560 hours, but can vary due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: November 2026.
Open to the first 30 applicants.

Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/17/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:
  1. Ability to do the work of a Sign Painter (MVO) without more than normal supervision. (SCREEN OUT)
  2. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic).
  3. Practices in Construction, Structure.
  4. Dexterity and Safety.
  5. Knowledge of materials.
  6. Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
  7. Ability to interpret instructions and specifications, etc. (other than blueprints).
If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.
You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.

Employment Type: OTHER

Apply