Painter / Drywall Finisher
IUPAT Local 681
Apply paints, coatings, and wall coverings, and finish drywall in commercial, residential, and industrial settings.
Starting Pay
$17.64/hr
1st year apprentice
Journeyman Pay
$35.28/hr
~$71k/year
Apprenticeship
4 years
earn while you learn
Total Package
$95,000+
wages + benefits
Overview
The Work
Painters and drywall finishers from IUPAT Local 681 cover Rochester and southern Minnesota. Rochester's healthcare campus and the ongoing Destination Medical Center expansion drive strong demand for finish tradespeople. You'll work on commercial interiors, healthcare facilities, residential projects, and institutional buildings — anywhere that needs professional-quality paint, coatings, or drywall finishing across the southern part of the state.
Day One as an Apprentice
Your first day you'll report to a job site in the Rochester area and meet your journeyman mentor. Expect to start with surface preparation — sanding, taping, masking, and learning how to properly set up and protect a work area. Early weeks focus on understanding different coatings and finishes, proper 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 | $17.64/hr | ~$35k |
| 2 | 2nd Year Apprentice | $21.17/hr | ~$42k |
| 3 | 3rd Year Apprentice | $24.70/hr | ~$49k |
| 4 | 4th Year Apprentice | $28.22/hr | ~$56k |
| 5 | Journeyman Painter | $35.28/hr | ~$71k |
Benefits Package
Full family health insurance, defined-benefit pension, annuity savings, and paid vacation. Rochester's growing economy and lower cost of living compared to the metro make this a financially strong position.
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 Rochester 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 southern 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 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 Rochester & Southern Minnesota. 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 681 or any union. Verify all information — including current pay rates, application windows, and requirements — directly with IUPAT Local 681.