Australia remains one of the top destinations for skilled tradespeople, and painters are in strong demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects. With visa sponsorship available in 2026, qualified international painters can secure stable employment, competitive wages, and potential pathways to permanent residency. With hourly rates ranging from AUD $27 for entry-level to over $42 for experienced supervisors
Why Painters Are in High Demand in Australia
Australia’s expanding construction and real estate sectors continue to drive demand for skilled painters. Major infrastructure upgrades, housing developments, and commercial renovations across cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth create ongoing opportunities.
Key reasons for demand:
- Rapid urban development
- Housing and renovation growth
- Maintenance of commercial properties
- Skilled labor shortages in trades
Painting and decorating is listed under Australia’s skilled occupation categories, making it eligible for employer sponsorship programs.
Read Also: Top Painter Jobs in Australia
Details of Painter Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
Key Points
- Job Title: Painter
- Location: Australia
- Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
- Working Hours: 35–40 hours per week
- Salary: AUD 27–35 per hour
- Experience Required: Minimum 1 year preferred
- Education: High School Diploma (Certificate III preferred)
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes (Employer-Sponsored)
- Accommodation: May be provided or subsidized
Types of Painting Jobs Available
Depending on your specialization, you may apply for:
- Residential Painter/Decorator
- Commercial & Industrial Painter
- Automotive Spray Painter
- Restoration & Maintenance Painter
- Protective Coating Painter
- Interior Finisher/Wallpaper Installer
- Decorative & Artistic Painter
Job Responsibilities
As a professional painter, your duties typically include:
- Preparing surfaces (cleaning, sanding, priming)
- Mixing and matching paint colors
- Applying paint using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment
- Repairing cracks and surface damage
- Removing old paint safely
- Erecting scaffolding and ladders
- Following Australian safety standards
- Maintaining tools and materials
Requirements for Painter Jobs in Australia
To qualify for visa-sponsored roles:
- Minimum High School Diploma
- Certificate III in Painting & Decorating (preferred)
- 1–2 years of practical experience
- Basic English communication skills
- Good color vision and physical fitness
- Ability to work at heights
- Eligible for employer-sponsored visa
Visa Sponsorship Options
Common visa pathways include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers temporarily.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) – Permanent residency pathway for skilled workers.
Many painters start on a 482 visa and transition to permanent residency through the 186 visa after meeting work requirements.
Salary Expectations
- Entry-Level: AUD 25–27/hour
- Experienced Painter: AUD 30–35/hour
- Supervisor / Lead Painter: AUD 38–42/hour
Annual Salary Range: AUD 55,000 – 70,000+
Higher wages are common in metropolitan areas due to strong construction demand.
Benefits of Painter Jobs in Australia
- Competitive hourly wages
- Overtime and public holiday pay
- Superannuation contributions
- Paid annual leave
- Health coverage under employer policies
- Possible accommodation support
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Exposure to modern painting technologies
Where to Find Painter Jobs in Australia
Search on trusted job platforms such as
- Seek
- Indeed (Australia section)
- Workforce Australia
Use keywords like:
- “Painter jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship 2026”
- “Commercial painter sponsorship Australia”
- “Painting and decorating jobs Australia for foreigners”
How to Apply for Painter Jobs in Australia
- Prepare an updated CV highlighting painting experience and completed projects.
- Include certifications (if available).
- Apply through verified job portals.
- Attend online interviews.
- The employer initiates the visa sponsorship process.
- Submit required documents (passport, medical, police clearance).
Conclusion
Painter jobs in Australia in 2026 with visa sponsorship offer a rare mix of strong income, job security, and migration opportunity. With construction projects rising nationwide and employer-sponsored visas actively supporting skilled trades, qualified painters are well-positioned for long-term success.
If you have practical skills, discipline, and attention to detail, this could be your pathway to building a stable career and a future in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for painters in Australia in 2026?
Entry-level painters typically earn AUD $27 per hour, experienced professionals earn AUD $30–35 per hour, and supervisors can earn AUD $38–42 per hour. Annual salaries usually range between AUD $55,000 and $70,000+.
Can foreigners get painter jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship?
Yes. Many Australian employers sponsor skilled painters under programs such as the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Is painting listed as a skilled occupation in Australia?
Yes. Painting and decorating are included under Australia’s skilled occupation categories, making qualified workers eligible for employer-sponsored visas.
