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Painter and Decorator Salary in Adelaide

Trades

Painters apply paint and finishes to buildings, structures, and other surfaces.

Average Salary
$58,500
per year
Take-Home Pay
$48,992
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$43-81k
$59K
$43K$81K

Job Market Outlook

Low AI Risk

Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential

Balanced

Job supply roughly matches candidate availability

+6% growth

Moderate projected employment growth over 5 years

Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Painter and Decorator Take-Home Pay Breakdown in Adelaide

Based on the average Painter and Decorator salary of $58,500 in Adelaide, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$58,500$58,500
Income Tax-$8,338-$8,338
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,170-$1,170
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$585
Superannuation (11%)+$6,435+$6,435
Annual Take-Home$48,992$48,407
Monthly Take-Home$4,083$4,034
Fortnightly Take-Home$1,884$1,862

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Enter your actual salary to see a personalized breakdown including your specific tax situation, HECS debt, and family status.

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Your salary
$59,000
Take-home$48,992
Tax-$8,338
Super+$6,435

How to Become a Painter and Decorator

Everything you need to know about breaking into a career as a Painter and Decorator in South Australia.

Qualifications Required

Essential Requirements
  • Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
  • White Card (construction induction)
  • Driver's license
Preferred Qualifications
  • Certificate IV in Building and Construction
  • Experience with spray painting
  • Wallpapering skills
Relevant Certifications
Working at heights certificationLead paint removal certificationAsbestos awareness

Career Progression

Salary Growth Trajectory
$32KEntry$59KMid$67KSenior$82KLead
Entry Level

Painting Apprentice

$32,175
estimated in Adelaide
0-3 years
Mid Level

Qualified Painter

$58,500
estimated in Adelaide
3-7 years
Senior Level

Lead Painter / Specialist

$67,275
estimated in Adelaide
7-12 years
Leadership

Painting Contractor

$81,900
estimated in Adelaide
10+ years

Skills in Demand

Spray painting techniquesCommercial and industrial coatingDecorative finishesHeight work (rope access)Wallpapering

Tips for Breaking In

  1. 1Commercial work often pays better than residential
  2. 2Develop spray painting skills for efficiency
  3. 3Build a reputation for quality and reliability
  4. 4Own business offers best earning potential
  5. 5Specialize in high-end decorative work for premium rates

Career information is general guidance based on industry standards. Requirements may vary by employer and location.

Painter and Decorator Hourly Rate in Adelaide

Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):

Entry Level
$22/hr
Average
$30/hr
Senior
$41/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Painter and Decorator earn in Adelaide?

The average Painter and Decorator salary in Adelaide is $58,500 per year, or approximately $30 per hour. Salaries range from $43,200 to $81,000 depending on experience.

What is the take-home pay for a Painter and Decorator in Adelaide?

A Painter and Decorator earning $58,500 in Adelaide takes home approximately $48,992 per year after tax, or $4,083 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $48,407 per year.

How much do Painter and Decorators make per hour in Adelaide?

Painter and Decorators in Adelaide earn approximately $30 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $22/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $41/hour.

Is Adelaide a good place to work as a Painter and Decorator?

Adelaide offers Painter and Decorator salaries around average in Australia at $58,500. The city has a cost of living index of 82 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are lower than Sydney.

About Painter and Decorator Salaries in Adelaide

The average Painter and Decorator in Adelaide, South Australia earns $58,500 per year, or approximately $30 per hour. Salaries typically range from $43,200 for entry-level positions to $81,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Painter and Decorator earning the average salary in Adelaide can expect to take home approximately $48,992 per year, or $4,083 per month.

Adelaide is home to approximately 1.4 million people and has a cost of living index of 82 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Adelaide are lower Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Painter and Decorator Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $43,200, while senior roles can reach $81,000.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Painter and Decorator roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Adelaide's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Painter and Decorators earn $$22-$41 per hour.

Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.