How much does a painter earn?
Painters (Maler und Lackierer) design and protect surfaces in new builds and renovations – from walls and ceilings to facades, woodwork and specialised coatings. Gross pay depends on region, collective agreements, employer and specialisation. As a guide, qualified painters in Germany in 2026 often earn about €3,100–€3,700 gross per month; during apprenticeship around €950–€1,250 is typical.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Guide figures as of 2026. Actual pay depends on collective agreements, employer, region, experience and order situation and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
A painter works on construction sites, in homes and commercial buildings: assessing and preparing substrates, filling, priming, painting, varnishing and wallpapering. Everyday work includes choosing materials and colours, occupational safety, scaffolding and work at height, and coordinating with clients, site management and related trades – often under deadline pressure in new builds and renovations.
- Assess, fill, sand and prime substrates; repair cracks and uneven areas properly.
- Paint, varnish or apply specialised coatings to walls, ceilings, facades and timber components.
- Cut and hang wallpapers and wall coverings; mix colours and check surface quality.
- Use scaffolds and ladders safely; follow PPE and hazardous-substance rules.
- Coordinate with clients, site management and other trades; plan materials and document workflows.
- Maintain tools and machines, leave sites clean and uphold quality standards.
