Question 1

How long is the wait for decorators?

Accepted Answer

TradeMatch's 2026 Wait-Time Index put the median wait for painter / decorator at 2 weeks from accepting a quote to work starting, with the slowest 10% waiting 4 weeks (jobs from Q3 2025 to Q1 2026).

Question 2

Are decorators getting busier or quieter?

Accepted Answer

Steady. Shortest wait of the common trades (median 2 weeks) and not lengthening, per TradeMatch. Painting businesses fell 6% year on year (Markel). Across construction as a whole, most indicators point quieter: the UK Construction PMI was 43.6 in October 2026.

Question 3

Is there a shortage of decorators?

Accepted Answer

CITB's Construction Workforce Outlook says the UK needs about 760 extra painters and decorators a year from 2026 to 2030 to cover growth and people leaving, around 1.1% of the current workforce each year.

Question 4

How much do decorators earn?

Accepted Answer

The National Careers Service gives an average of £21,000 a year for starters, rising to £32,000 with experience. Self-employed earnings vary widely and aren't covered by this figure.

Question 5

How do I become a painter?

Accepted Answer

Common routes are a college course, an apprenticeship (for example Painter and Decorator (Level 2) / Craft Painter and Decorator (Level 3)), or starting as an assistant and training on the job, according to the National Careers Service. Adult career-changers often take private courses; see our guide for published prices.

Question 6

How much does a painter course cost?

Accepted Answer

Published prices we checked run from £525 (Able Skills, 5 Day Advanced Wallpapering Course) to £3,995 (Able Skills, Level 2 Painting & Decorating Diploma). Prices change, so check with the provider.

Painter / decorator: common questions