Texas has no state license for painters. Most learn on the job; the painters union (IUPAT) runs paid apprenticeships of up to four years.
Facts from the official pages, checked October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm on the linked page before you apply.
An apprenticeship is a paid job with training, and your pay goes up as you learn.
Check their site for when applications open
Painter · Varies by trade
Painters District Council 10 · Finishing Trades Institute (FTI) of District Council 10, 832-388-6926
What painters do all day, the training and the pay nationwide, in about 90 seconds.
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Tap CC on the player for captions. On CareerOneStop ↗
Issued by IUPAT
Up to four years of paid work and at least 144 classroom hours a year. Experience can shorten it.
| Where | Middle half (25th–75th) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $19.04 – $23.91 | $22.18 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $18.84 – $24.05 | $21.90 |
| San Antonio | $18.30 – $22.75 | $20.88 |
| Austin | $19.81 – $23.59 | $22.38 |
| All of Texas | $18.78 – $23.74 | $21.86 |
An hour, for all workers in the occupation, not by license level. BLS: “Someone new to the field may expect wages near the 10th or 25th percentile, whereas those with more experience and education could expect wages near the 75th or 90th percentile.” BLS
Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Painters, Construction and Maintenance). bls.gov/oes
U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission
An apprenticeship is a paid job with classes. Texas helps pay for the classes, but programs may still charge an application fee, tuition or books.
Texas Workforce Commission
If you qualify, your local Workforce Solutions board can pay a school for an approved training program. Each board sets its own limit, and money depends on its budget.
the mikeroweWORKS Foundation
A scholarship for trade school programs of two years or less. You'll need a tuition bill from your school, a short video and references.
We're not connected with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Apply on their site.
Training money in Austin, Houston, DFW and San Antonio →Veteran or still serving? →
Checked Oct 2026 from each program's own site. Amounts and rules can change; their page has the final word.
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Complete the apprenticeship's training hours to become a journey worker.
Ask about getting into this trade in Texas. Our team answers.
Nationally recognized certifications that can help you get hired or move up. Optional unless an employer asks for one.
National Center for Construction Education and Research
National Center for Construction Education and Research
Environmental Protection Agency
From CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Listed by schools and certifying organizations; we don't check them.
Schools and programs within 25 miles, nearest first. Ask each one about cost, start dates and help paying.
SkillMill (10002859 Austin)
Interplay Learning · Austin · 1.3 mi
Certificate, 1 year to less than 2 years · Online · Prepares for: Environmental Control Syst. Instal/Services (HVAC)
Fine/Studio Arts, General
The University of Texas at Austin · Austin · 1.3 mi
Bachelor's degree, usually 4 years · In-person
Visual and Performing Arts, General
The University of Texas at Austin · Austin · 1.3 mi
Bachelor's degree, usually 4 years · In-person
Art/Art Studies, General
The University of Texas at Austin · Austin · 1.3 mi
Bachelor's degree, usually 4 years · In-person
Heating AC Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers
Interplay Learning · Austin · 1.3 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · Mix of in-person and online · Prepares for: Certificate of Completion of an Apprenticeship
Electricians
Interplay Learning · Austin · 1.3 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · Mix of in-person and online · Prepares for: Certificate of Completion of an Apprenticeship
From CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Listed by schools and certifying organizations; we don't check them.