Painter / Drywall Finisher
IUPAT Local 106
Apply paints, coatings, and wall coverings, and finish drywall in commercial, residential, and industrial settings.
Starting Pay
$19.39/hr
1st year apprentice
Journeyman Pay
$38.77/hr
~$78k/year
Apprenticeship
4 years
earn while you learn
Total Package
$105,000+
wages + benefits
Overview
The Work
Painters and drywall finishers from IUPAT Local 106 handle painting, drywall finishing, and glazing work across northeastern Minnesota, including Duluth, the Iron Range, and the surrounding Northland region. Work ranges from commercial interior painting and drywall finishing to industrial coatings in port facilities and mine buildings. The Duluth area's mix of commercial construction and heavy industrial maintenance keeps finish tradespeople working across a variety of project types.
Day One as an Apprentice
Your first day you'll report to a job site in the Duluth area or surrounding region and meet your journeyman mentor. Expect to start with surface preparation — sanding, taping, masking, and learning proper setup and cleanup procedures. Early weeks focus on understanding coatings, application techniques, and job-site safety.
This trade is
Pay Scale
Pay increases each year of the apprenticeship as a percentage of the journeyman rate. All rates are hourly; estimated annual at 2,000 hrs/year.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st Year Apprentice | $19.39/hr | ~$39k |
| 2 | 2nd Year Apprentice | $23.26/hr | ~$47k |
| 3 | 3rd Year Apprentice | $27.14/hr | ~$54k |
| 4 | 4th Year Apprentice | $31.02/hr | ~$62k |
| 5 | Journeyman Painter | $38.77/hr | ~$78k |
Benefits Package
Full family health insurance, defined-benefit pension, annuity savings, and paid vacation. NE Minnesota's lower cost of living means your wages and benefits go further than in the metro.
Apprenticeship Program
4 years
Program Length
600 hrs
Classroom Hours
6,000 hrs
On-the-Job Hours
How to Apply
Apply through IUPAT District Council 82 at iupat82.org or contact the Duluth hall directly. You'll need a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license. Training is coordinated through the district council's apprenticeship program.
Application Windows
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Check iupat82.org for current intake dates and orientation schedules.
Requirements
General Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- At least 18 years old at time of application
- Good color vision
- Reliable transportation — job sites are spread across NE Minnesota
- Drug-free workplace — pre-employment drug test required
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working on ladders and scaffolding for extended periods
- Standing, bending, and reaching overhead for long stretches
- Ability to work in areas with paint fumes (respirator provided)
Tools You'll Need
- Basic hand tools (brushes, rollers, putty knives, taping knives)
- Work boots (steel-toed often required on commercial and industrial sites)
- Hard hat and safety glasses (often provided by employer)
Physical Demand
3/5
Technical Level
2/5
Union Hall
Market Outlook
Steady Demand
MN DEED and BLS both project 4% growth for construction painters (SOC 47-2141) 2022–2032 and 2024–2034 respectively (average), with flat 0% projections for drywall tapers (SOC 47-2082). Around 500 annual painter openings in Minnesota, driven primarily by replacement demand.
Next Steps
Ready to learn more or apply? Here's what to do right now.
Wage source: Journeyman base hourly rate is sourced from the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Commercial Prevailing Wage Schedule (effective 2025-12-22), which is derived from the prevailing collective bargaining agreement for Duluth, Iron Range & Northland. Total package (with fringe benefits) is higher than the base rate shown. Apprentice progression rates are calculated as standard percentages of journeyman scale and may differ slightly from the actual CBA. This page is not affiliated with IUPAT Local 106 or any union. Verify all information — including current pay rates, application windows, and requirements — directly with IUPAT Local 106.