How much does a painter and decorator earn?

Perhaps you are a painter or varnisher and have just moved to Germany, are planning a career change or are still considering which apprenticeship you would like to do. Whatever your reason, you'll want to know how much you can earn in this profession. In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about training, earning opportunities, from hourly wages to annual salaries, as well as the differences between the individual German federal states.

How much do painters and decorators earn per hour, per month and per year?

Your income as a painter and decorator depends on various factors, including experience, region and employer. On average, you can expect to earn the following amounts:

• Hourly wage: About 16,35 € gross
• Monthly salary: Approximately €2,834 gross (around €1,842 net)
• Annual salary: Around €34,000 gross (around €22,000 net)

This information comes from StepStone and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

How does your salary increase with a completed apprenticeship as a painter and decorator?

Completing an apprenticeship has a positive effect on your salary. During the three-year dual training program, you can expect to earn the following:

• 1st year of apprenticeship: approx. 740 € gross per month
• 2nd year of apprenticeship: Around €815 gross per month
• 3rd year of apprenticeship: Approximately € 980 gross per month

After successfully completing your training, your starting salary will be around €2,664 gross per month. You can further increase your income with additional qualifications, such as a master craftsman title or further training as a technician in the field of paint and varnish technology. This information also comes from StepStone.

The salary as a painter or varnisher in the different federal states of Germany

Salaries vary depending on the federal state. Here is an overview of the average annual salaries:

• Bremen: Approx. 38,000 €
• Saarland: Around € 37,000
• Baden-Württemberg: Approximately € 36,500
• Schleswig-Holstein: Around € 36,000
• Rhineland-Palatinate: approx. € 35,950
• Bavaria: Around € 35,750
• Lower Saxony: Approximately € 35,000
• North Rhine-Westphalia: around € 35,000
• Hamburg: Approx. 33,300 €
• Thuringia: Approximately € 32,400
• Brandenburg: Approximately € 31,800
• Hesse: Around € 31,600
• Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Approx. 30,150 €
• Berlin: Around € 30,000
• Saxony: Approximately € 30,000
• Saxony-Anhalt: Around € 30,000

This data was provided by StepStone.

Career opportunities as a painter or varnisher in Germany

As a painter or decorator, you have various opportunities to advance your career:

• Master craftsman examination: With the master craftsman title, you can take on management positions or set up your own company.
• Further training as a technician: Specializations, e.g. in paint and varnish technology, open up further fields of activity.
• Study: A degree in color technology or restoration can broaden your career prospects.

Your salary as a painter and decorator depends on many factors, including training, experience and region. With the right qualifications and further training, you can significantly improve your income and career opportunities.

More about salaries in skilled trades

If you are also interested in salaries in other skilled trades, you can find more articles here:

• SHK plant mechanic salary: What is the salary of an HVAC plant mechanic?
• Pest controller salary: The salary of a pest controller
• Roofer salary: What does a roofer earn?

On WorkerHero you will not only find job offers for skilled workers, but also many helpful articles on salaries, career opportunities and entering the German job market. Check out our magazine and stay informed!