Construction Painter Apprenticeship in Kentucky

Wages, programs & career outlook
KY Median Salary
$45,630/yr
-6% vs. national
National Median
$48,660/yr
KY Employment
1,450
Construction Painters employed
KY Sponsors
642
Registered programs

Kentucky Wage Spread

Annual wages for Construction Painters in Kentucky across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$35,260
25th %ile
$38,110
Median
$45,630
75th %ile
$55,200
90th %ile
$69,590

Construction Painter Apprenticeship in Kentucky

Construction Painters in Kentucky earn $45,630/yr — roughly in line with the $48,060 national median across all occupations. The financial case depends on low training costs and strong job security.

At $45,630 per year, Kentucky pays 6% less than the national Construction Painter median. The gap isn't dramatic but worth factoring into an apprenticeship decision.

The 3.8% projected growth rate for Construction Painters signals steady demand — not a boom, but reliable. 28,100 openings per year keep the pipeline of opportunities flowing.

With 1,450 Construction Painters employed (0.7% of the U.S. total), Kentucky is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

The Construction Painter apprenticeship path spans 3 years in a time-based format. During those 6,000 hours, apprentices rotate between jobsite work under a journeyman and formal instruction in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation.

Kentucky's 642 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

Construction Painter compensation in Kentucky runs from $35,260 to $69,590 — a compressed $34,330 range. Less wage variation typically means more predictable career economics but fewer breakout earning opportunities.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Kentucky

642 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Kentucky. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
True's Electric 89 Roy Rd Po Box 852
Kentucky Career Center - Clinton County Albany
Bray Construction Services Alexandria Campbell County
DTS Industries, LLC Annville Jackson County
ASHLAND FCI Ashland
ASHLAND IRONWORKERS, J.A.T. T.F. Ashland Boyd County
ASHLAND PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS Ashland Boyd County
Kentucky Career Center - Ashland Ashland
Robert C Byrd Institute (RCBI) Apprenticeship Works Ashland Boyd County
Kentucky Career Center JobSight Barbourville
Armag Corporation Bardstown
Autokiniton - TOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. Bardstown Nelson County
Bardstown Child Care Program/Bardstown Independent Schools Bardstown
Bardstown Independent Schools Bardstown
Crocus Academy Main Street Bardstown
HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES, INC Bardstown Nelson County
Kentuck Career Center- Bardstown Bardstown
LaRue Carey Insurance Group Bardstown
Nelson County Board of Education Bardstown
Nelson County Public Schools Bardstown Nelson County
ORBIS Bardstown Nelson County
Wolfe County Board of Education Beattyville Wolfe County
Tetra Tech Ec Inc. Bedford
BENTON ELECTRIC SYSTEM Benton Marshall County
iKids Childhood Enrichment Benton
+ 5 more sponsors in Kentucky

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Construction Painters make in Kentucky?
The BLS reports a median wage of $45,630/yr for Construction Painters in Kentucky (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How many years does it take to become a Construction Painter through apprenticeship?
The standard Construction Painter apprenticeship is 3 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Construction Painters?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Construction Painters combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
What is the job outlook for Construction Painters?
The BLS projects 3.8% employment growth for Construction Painters through 2034 — steady demand. About 28100 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
Where can I apply for a Construction Painter apprenticeship in Kentucky?
There are 642 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Kentucky. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do Construction Painter apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Kentucky, a first-year Construction Painter apprentice might earn around $22,815/yr (roughly half the $45,630 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 3-year program.

Construction Painter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Kentucky

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.