Building Painter Jobs in Australia – Visa Sponsorship

Building Painter Jobs in Australia – Did you know that Australia needs over 5,000 qualified building painters by 2025? With average salaries reaching up to AUD 85,000 per year, building painter jobs in Australia offer compelling opportunities for skilled professionals worldwide.

However, navigating the Australian immigration system can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or recently qualified, understanding visa requirements, skills assessments, and employer sponsorship options is crucial for a successful move.

Building Painter Jobs in Australia

 

Importantly, painters who prepare properly and follow the right steps significantly increase their chances of securing work in Australia. From qualification recognition to choosing the right visa pathway, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about landing a painting job in Australia.

Understanding the Australian Painter Job Market

The Australian painting industry is thriving with over 60,000 individuals employed and approximately $10 billion in annual revenue as of 2024 ^[1]. This robust sector presents excellent opportunities for overseas painters looking to establish their careers in Australia.

Current demand for building painters in Australia

The Painting and Decorating Services industry in Australia has grown steadily at a compound annual growth rate of 1.4% over the past five years, reaching an estimated $9.60 billion market size in 2025 ^[2]. Currently, there are 23,033 businesses operating in this sector across the country ^[2].

Notably, building painters are in high demand across Australia, with the profession listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) ^[3]. This classification makes qualified painters eligible for various skilled migration pathways.

The industry distribution reflects Australia’s population centers, with the highest concentration of painting jobs in:

• New South Wales: 28.0%
• Victoria: 26.8%
• Queensland: 22.1%
• Western Australia: 10.1%
• South Australia: 7.3%
• Other territories: 5.7% ^[4]

Although the residential construction sector experienced a temporary downturn following mortgage interest rate hikes, favorable trends in non-residential building and infrastructure construction have helped offset this decline ^[2]. The industry is projected to grow approximately 4% over the next five years, driven by population growth and increasing construction activity ^[5].

Average salary expectations in different regions

Building painters in Australia enjoy competitive compensation. The median full-time earnings for painting trades workers is $1,400 per week or approximately $35 per hour ^[4]. The average annual salary for building painters ranges from $75,000 to $85,000 ^[6].

Entry-level building painters with 1-3 years of experience can expect around $56,119 annually, while senior professionals with 8+ years of experience earn an average of $92,196 ^[7]. Additionally, painters often receive performance bonuses, with the average bonus being $2,254 ^[7].

Salaries vary significantly by location, with the highest-paying regions being:

1. Perth: $85,000
2. Mackay & Coalfields: $82,500
3. Brisbane: $80,000
4. Gold Coast: $80,000
5. Sydney: $80,000 ^[6]

Furthermore, industrial sectors offer premium compensation, with painting roles in Mining, Resources & Energy commanding the highest average salaries at $101,252 ^[6].

Types of painting jobs available

The Australian market offers diverse opportunities for building painters beyond traditional residential work. Each specialization requires specific skills and offers different compensation levels:

Industrial painters: Apply protective and decorative coatings to industrial structures, machinery, and metal surfaces. These positions typically pay more than residential projects and involve working on large-scale commercial buildings ^[8].

Decorative painters: Focus on enhancing interior esthetics through specialized painting techniques, color blending, and creating contemporary or traditional appearances ^[8].

Designer painters: Extend their expertise beyond building interiors to work in fashion and interior design, producing wall finishes like wallpapers and decorative poster designs ^[8].

Restoration painters: Specialize in cleaning, preparing, and retouching old works of art, requiring exceptional skills and additional training ^[8].

The painting industry derives most of its revenue from residential construction and home renovation work ^[2]. In fact, painting wall and ceiling surfaces on new and existing buildings contributes more than half of the industry’s revenue ^[2].

For overseas painters seeking employment in Australia, it’s essential to note that most positions require the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating qualification, which can be obtained through Recognition of Prior Learning for those with substantial experience ^[9].

Meeting Australian Qualification Requirements

Securing the right qualifications is the gateway to building painter jobs in Australia. Before applying for visas or seeking employment, understanding the specific requirements for painting trades workers is essential.

ANZSCO code 332211 explained

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) categorizes painting trades workers under code 332211. According to this classification, painting trades workers “apply paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to protect, maintain and decorate surfaces of buildings and structures.”

This occupation falls under Skill Level 3, which corresponds to a qualification level commensurate with:

• AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or
• AQF Certificate IV

Essentially, ANZSCO 332211 covers professionals who prepare surfaces, mix and apply paints, hang wallpaper, and perform related finishing work on buildings and structures. Consequently, meeting the skill level requirements is crucial for visa eligibility.

Required skills and experience

To qualify as a painter in Australia, you must obtain the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620 or previous equivalent versions). This qualification is mandatory for registration and licensing in most Australian states and territories.

Besides formal education, you must demonstrate:

• A minimum of three years of work experience as a painter and decorator
• At least 12 months of relevant work experience within the last 36 months
• Proficiency in specific skills such as surface preparation, sanding, decoration, and working at heights

Additionally, painters working in Australia need a White Card (construction induction certification), which is required for anyone working on construction sites. In some cases, other certifications may be necessary, particularly for specialized work environments.

Australian employers specifically look for painters with the following skills:

• Surface preparation techniques
• Commercial painting experience
• Working at heights certification
• EWP (Elevated Work Platform) license
• Thoroughness and attention to detail

First thing to remember is that licensing requirements vary by state and territory, so research specific regional requirements before applying for jobs or visas.

Getting your qualifications recognized in Australia

For overseas-trained painters, having your qualifications recognized involves several pathways:

If you don’t hold a relevant qualification comparable to the Australian Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, you’ll need to complete this qualification through a Registered Training Organization (RTO). Given that, you can pursue Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you have substantial painting experience.

The primary assessment authority for painters is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). The assessment process involves:

1. Documenting your work experience through pay slips, invoices, bank statements, and service statements
2. Providing photo/video evidence of you performing painting duties
3. Completing an online technical interview to verify your skills
4. Paying the assessment fee (USD 795.00 for the paper-based TRA application)

Important to realize, many RTOs offer online options for obtaining the Certificate III qualification through RPL, designed specifically for overseas painters. For instance, the National Institute of Painting and Decorating provides an online version allowing painters worldwide to upload evidence of their practical skills.

Once you’ve obtained Australian qualification recognition, you’ll be better positioned to apply for appropriate visas and seek employment opportunities in Australia’s thriving painting industry.

Navigating the Visa Application Process

For qualified painting professionals, Australia offers several viable visa pathways to turn qualifications into employment opportunities. Once your painting credentials are recognized, understanding which visa suits your circumstances becomes the next crucial step.

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) represents an attractive option for painters who want to immigrate to Australia without employer or state sponsorship. This permanent residency visa allows painters to live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely.

To qualify for this visa, you must:

• Score at least 65 points on the points test (though historically, higher scores have been needed for invitations)
• Have your occupation (painting trades worker – ANZSCO 332211) on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Be under 45 years of age when invited to apply
• Possess at least competent English language skills
• Complete a positive skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia

Indeed, the 189 visa grants permanent residency status immediately upon approval, allowing you to enroll in Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship. The visa application fee is AUD 4,770 for the main applicant, with additional charges for family members included in your application.

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

Alternatively, the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. This permanent visa also provides immediate permanent residency status but typically has more flexible points requirements than the 189 visa.

Subsequently, after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, states with painter shortages may nominate you based on their specific criteria. Each state maintains different nomination quotas and requirements for painters. For instance, New South Wales allocated 3,000 places for subclass 190 visas in the 2024-25 program year.

The eligibility criteria mirror those of the 189 visa, with the addition of meeting state-specific requirements. Generally, states require either current residence in their territory or a commitment to live and work there for a specified period after visa grant.

Employer Sponsored Visas (subclass 186 and 482)

In contrast to points-tested visas, employer-sponsored pathways offer alternatives for painters with job offers from Australian companies.

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) allows skilled painters to obtain permanent residency when nominated by an Australian employer. Through the Direct Entry stream, you must:

• Be under 45 years old
• Have your occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List
• Possess at least three years of relevant work experience
• Have a positive skills assessment
• Meet English language requirements

Meanwhile, the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) provides a pathway for painters to work in Australia temporarily for up to four years. This visa requires employer sponsorship and can later transition to permanent residency through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream after working for your employer for two years.

Typically, the 482 visa has lower English language requirements (IELTS overall score of at least 5.0) compared to the permanent pathways, making it accessible to more candidates. Moreover, it offers a quicker entry route for painters who secure employment offers from Australian companies willing to sponsor overseas talent.

Each visa pathway presents distinct advantages depending on your qualifications, experience, and circumstances. Ultimately, your choice should align with your long-term goals for building a painting career in Australia.

Preparing for the Skills Assessment

A successful skills assessment is the cornerstone of your journey toward building painter jobs in Australia. Since July 2024, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) has streamlined the assessment process for painters, making it more accessible for qualified professionals worldwide.

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) process

The skills assessment for painting trades workers (ANZSCO: 332211) through TRA is primarily paper-based. Unlike some other trades, painters don’t need to complete a technical interview or practical assessment. This straightforward approach involves document evaluation rather than hands-on demonstration of skills.

TRA recently simplified the process by removing mandatory Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) requirements for specified construction occupations, allowing painters with relevant qualifications to undertake a more affordable Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) instead. The standard application fee is currently USD 795.00, with processing times typically ranging from 6-8 weeks. Once issued, your skills assessment remains valid for three years.

Documentation needed

Preparing thorough documentation fundamentally determines your assessment outcome. For the TRA application, you must provide:

• Qualification certificates demonstrating formal training
• Proof of at least 12 months of relevant employment within the last 3 years
• Additional employment evidence including wage slips, bank statements, and employer references
• Photo/video evidence showing you performing painting duties and tasks
• Contact details of work referees who can confirm your skills

For painters without formal qualifications but with extensive experience, you’ll need to demonstrate at least 6 years of work experience to obtain recognition through the Recognition of Prior Learning pathway.

Common assessment challenges and solutions

Throughout the assessment process, applicants frequently encounter several hurdles. Being prepared for these challenges beforehand can significantly improve your chances of success:

Understanding assessment criteria: Many applicants struggle to comprehend the specific requirements. Therefore, thoroughly research the assessment guidelines and consider consulting with migration specialists who specialize in painter assessments.

Documentation gaps: Missing or incomplete documentation remains the most common reason for unsuccessful applications. Organize your evidence systematically, ensuring all employment claims are thoroughly substantiated with third-party evidence.

Recognition of overseas qualifications: Foreign credentials often require additional verification. Provide certified translations and detailed course descriptions to demonstrate equivalence to Australian standards.

Timeline management: Processing delays can disrupt migration plans. Accordingly, begin your application early, allowing buffer time for addressing any additional information requests from TRA.

With proper preparation and attention to detail, navigating the TRA skills assessment process becomes a manageable step toward your goal of securing building painter jobs in Australia.

Finding Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship

Securing visa sponsorship for building painter jobs requires targeted strategies to stand out in Australia’s competitive job market. With only around 215 painting positions available across Australia offering sponsorship, knowing where and how to apply becomes critical.

Top recruitment platforms for painter jobs

Several specialized platforms list building painter jobs with visa sponsorship in Australia:

• SEEK.com.au – Australia’s largest job platform with dedicated visa sponsorship filters for painter positions
• Indeed Australia – Features approximately 100 visa sponsorship painter jobs nationwide
• Jora – Currently listing over 105 visa sponsorship painter positions throughout Australia ^[10]

On top of that, Delta Immigration maintains a regularly updated database specifically for ANZSCO 332211 (Painting Trades Workers) roles offering employer sponsorship under various visa streams including subclass 482 (TSS), 186 (ENS), and 494 (SESR) ^[11].

Creating an Australian-style resume

Australian resumes differ significantly from those in other countries:

Unlike one-page US resumes, Australian resumes should be 2-3 pages for recent graduates and 3-4 pages for experienced professionals ^[12]. Your resume must be written in correct Australian English and avoid including photos unless specifically requested by the employer.

Key elements to include:

• Resume summary highlighting your painting qualifications and experience
• Work history in reverse-chronological order with quantified achievements
• Education details including your Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
• Technical painting skills relevant to Australian standards

Primarily, your resume should demonstrate transferable skills like blueprint reading, surface preparation techniques, and applying decorative finishes ^[13].

Networking strategies that work

Even before arriving in Australia, establishing industry connections can help secure sponsorship:

1. Connect with Australian painting contractors through LinkedIn and industry associations
2. Join Australian painter trade groups and forums where job opportunities are shared
3. Reach out directly to companies with track records of sponsoring overseas painters

Prior to submitting applications, research regions with painter shortages. For instance, industrial painting roles in Perth command the highest average salaries at approximately USD 79,040-88,920 per year and frequently offer visa sponsorship ^[10].

Mentioning visa eligibility upfront in applications saves time for both parties. Some employers explicitly state “work visa can be provided for this role” in their listings, making these positions ideal targets for overseas painters ^[10].

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Conclusion

Building painter jobs in Australia offer remarkable opportunities for skilled professionals seeking international career growth. Competitive salaries, steady industry growth, and multiple visa pathways make Australia an attractive destination for qualified painters worldwide.

Success depends primarily on proper preparation and following the right steps. Qualified painters must first secure their skills assessment through TRA, then choose the most suitable visa pathway based on their circumstances. Whether through independent skilled visas or employer sponsorship routes, painters who meet Australian qualification standards significantly increase their chances of securing work.

The Australian painting industry continues expanding, particularly in major cities like Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane. Additionally, specialized sectors such as industrial painting offer premium compensation packages, making them especially attractive for experienced professionals.

Remember, thorough documentation, proper qualification recognition, and strategic job searching through Australian recruitment platforms remain essential steps toward landing painting jobs in Australia. Painters who invest time understanding local industry requirements and building professional networks ultimately position themselves for long-term success in Australia’s thriving construction sector.