Construction Painter Jobs in Canada
Sector: Construction & Trades · Typical gross pay: $20–$41 CAD/hour · Typical locations: Manitoba (Winnipeg), Saskatchewan (Regina / Saskatoon), Alberta
Hiring snapshot
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What employers usually want to see in your CV
- Clear painting scope: prep, patching, priming, finishing, touch-ups
- Project types: residential, commercial tenant improvements, new builds, maintenance
- Any site safety training (WHMIS / fall protection / lift tickets if applicable)
- Tools you can work with (sprayer/roller/brush; masking; caulking; sanding systems)
- Mobility: preferred province/city and availability
Pay in Canada (gross) and what drives the rate
Construction painter wages are typically quoted as gross hourly pay in Canada. The final rate depends on province, type of site (residential/commercial), union vs non-union, experience, and whether your scope includes specialty coatings or leadership.
Benchmarks (gross CAD/hour)
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (construction painter) | $20.00 | $28.00 | $40.99 |
| Manitoba (construction painter) | $17.00 | $24.00 | $30.00 |
| Winnipeg Region, MB (construction painter) | $18.00 | $24.00 | $30.00 |
| Saskatchewan (construction painter) | $18.00 | $23.00 | $30.00 |
| Alberta (construction painter) | $20.00 | $26.00 | $34.82 |
What you’ll do (day-to-day tasks)
This is a practical, production-focused role. Most employers hire painters who can keep pace, protect finished areas, and deliver consistent finishes across large surfaces.
- Protect surfaces: masking, taping, covering floors and fixtures
- Prepare substrates: scraping, sanding, patching, caulking, sealing
- Prime and apply coatings: roller/brush and (where used) spray systems
- Maintain clean lines, uniform coverage, and consistent sheen
- Touch-ups and punch list work; coordinate with other trades
- Follow site safety rules, ventilation requirements, and PPE standards
- Handle materials safely; label, store, and dispose per site procedure
- Basic tool care: cleaning sprayer parts, rollers, brushes, and tips
Requirements and certificates
Typical requirements
- Construction painting experience (or strong general labour background with documented painting scope)
- Basic English for site communication (safety, instructions, reporting issues)
- Reliability, punctuality, and readiness for physically active work
- Comfort with ladders/scaffolds and repetitive upper-body motion
- Ability to follow specs: sheen, coats, dry times, and recoat windows
Often requested (varies by province/site)
- WHMIS (hazard communication) and safe handling of coatings/solvents
- Working at Heights / fall protection awareness (for elevated work)
- Aerial lift / scissor lift ticket (when the site requires it)
- Respirator fit suitability (where spraying or strong fumes are present)
Work conditions on Canadian sites
- Worksites: residential new builds, multi-unit refresh, commercial tenant improvements, maintenance
- Environment: dust, fumes/odours, temperature swings (depending on interior/exterior scope)
- Physical load: standing, bending, kneeling; carrying paint and tools; repetitive motion
- Safety: PPE rules, ventilation, controlled access zones, hazard communication
- Tools: rollers/frames, brushes, sanding systems, caulking tools, sprayers (project dependent)
- Travel: some employers move crews between sites; ask about commute expectations
Work authorization and documents (Canada)
To work legally in Canada, you must have valid status and be authorized to work. Common pathways include an employer-specific work permit (tied to one employer and conditions) or an open work permit (not job-specific, available only in certain situations).
- Identity documents: passport and status documents that confirm you can work in Canada
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): required to work and be paid in Canada
- Site checks: some roles may require a background check or additional onboarding paperwork
- Trade proof: references, letters of experience, certificates (where applicable)
Candidate fit
You are a good fit if you…
- can deliver clean finishes consistently on large areas (not only small repairs)
- treat surface prep as “the job” (sanding, patching, caulking, masking)
- work safely around other trades and keep your zone organized
- understand recoat windows, coverage expectations, and defect prevention
- can handle ladders/scaffolds and don’t rush elevated work
- communicate basic issues clearly (materials, defects, safety concerns)
- can maintain pace without sacrificing finish quality
This role is not for you if you…
- avoid prep work and only want “final coat” tasks
- ignore masking/protection and rely on others to clean up mistakes
- cannot follow site safety rules or PPE requirements
- struggle with repetitive physical work or heights-based tasks
- need constant supervision to stay on standard and schedule
FAQ
Is a CV required to apply?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Are wages shown net or gross?
All pay on this page is shown as gross (before deductions). Net pay depends on taxes and statutory deductions.
Do I need a license or Red Seal?
Requirements depend on province and employer. Some jurisdictions have specific trade certification rules; where certification is not compulsory, it can still improve your pay and mobility.
What documents do I need to work legally in Canada?
You must have valid status and work authorization. Many workers need a work permit (employer-specific or open, depending on eligibility). A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to work and be paid in Canada.
What makes a painter stand out on Canadian sites?
Strong prep discipline, clean protection/masking habits, consistent finishes, safe ladder/scaffold work, and clear communication with supervisors and other trades.