Painter / Drywall Finisher
IUPAT District Council 82
Apply paints, coatings, and wall coverings, and finish drywall in commercial, residential, and industrial settings.
Starting Pay
$22.88/hr
1st year apprentice
Journeyman Pay
$45.75/hr
~$92k/year
Apprenticeship
4 years
earn while you learn
Total Package
$125,000+
wages + benefits
Overview
The Work
Painters and drywall finishers under IUPAT District Council 82 handle commercial, residential, and industrial painting and drywall finishing across the seven-county Twin Cities metro. The council covers Locals 61 (residential) and 386 (commercial), so your work might range from rolling paint in new apartment complexes to spraying industrial coatings in warehouses. Training is provided through the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM). The Twin Cities' multi-family residential boom keeps painters busy year-round.
Day One as an Apprentice
Your first day you'll report to a commercial or residential job site and meet your journeyman mentor. Expect to start with surface preparation — sanding, taping, masking, and learning proper setup. Early weeks focus on understanding different coatings, proper application techniques, and how to protect finished surfaces and surrounding areas.
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 | $22.88/hr | ~$46k |
| 2 | 2nd Year Apprentice | $27.45/hr | ~$55k |
| 3 | 3rd Year Apprentice | $32.03/hr | ~$64k |
| 4 | 4th Year Apprentice | $36.60/hr | ~$73k |
| 5 | Journeyman Painter | $45.75/hr | ~$92k |
Benefits Package
Full family health insurance, defined-benefit pension, annuity savings, and paid vacation. The finishing trades offer strong benefits with less physical wear on your body compared to many other construction trades.
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 Little Canada hall directly. You'll need a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license. Training is provided through the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM).
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
- 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
Local Union
IUPAT District Council 82
Address
3205 Country Drive
Little Canada, MN 55117
Phone
(651) 224-5480Market 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 Twin Cities Metro. 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 District Council 82 or any union. Verify all information — including current pay rates, application windows, and requirements — directly with IUPAT District Council 82.