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Painter and Decorator Salary in Wollongong

Trades

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

Average Salary
$57,200
per year
Take-Home Pay
$48,108
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$42-79k
$57K
$42K$79K

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 Wollongong

Based on the average Painter and Decorator salary of $57,200 in Wollongong, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$57,200$57,200
Income Tax-$7,948-$7,948
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,144-$1,144
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$572
Superannuation (11%)+$6,292+$6,292
Annual Take-Home$48,108$47,536
Monthly Take-Home$4,009$3,961
Fortnightly Take-Home$1,850$1,828

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
$57,000
Take-home$48,108
Tax-$7,948
Super+$6,292

How to Become a Painter and Decorator

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

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
$31KEntry$57KMid$66KSenior$80KLead
Entry Level

Painting Apprentice

$31,460
estimated in Wollongong
0-3 years
Mid Level

Qualified Painter

$57,200
estimated in Wollongong
3-7 years
Senior Level

Lead Painter / Specialist

$65,780
estimated in Wollongong
7-12 years
Leadership

Painting Contractor

$80,080
estimated in Wollongong
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 Wollongong

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

Entry Level
$21/hr
Average
$29/hr
Senior
$40/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Painter and Decorator earn in Wollongong?

The average Painter and Decorator salary in Wollongong is $57,200 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. Salaries range from $42,240 to $79,200 depending on experience.

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

A Painter and Decorator earning $57,200 in Wollongong takes home approximately $48,108 per year after tax, or $4,009 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $47,536 per year.

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

Painter and Decorators in Wollongong earn approximately $29 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $21/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $40/hour.

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

Wollongong offers Painter and Decorator salaries below average in Australia at $57,200. 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 Wollongong

The average Painter and Decorator in Wollongong, New South Wales earns $57,200 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. Salaries typically range from $42,240 for entry-level positions to $79,200 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Painter and Decorator earning the average salary in Wollongong can expect to take home approximately $48,108 per year, or $4,009 per month.

Wollongong is home to approximately 310,000 people and has a cost of living index of 82 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Wollongong are lower Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Painter and Decorator Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $42,240, while senior roles can reach $79,200.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Painter and Decorator roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Wollongong's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Painter and Decorators earn $$21-$40 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.