Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Long-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Paperhangers apply specialized skills to finish interior surfaces, working in a role that combines physical ability, precision, and a sense of design. Nationally, this occupation has a median annual salary of $48,260 with employment of about 2,000 workers. Projected employment growth of 5.3% suggests that the field is expected to expand over time. The role draws on several strengths, including physical strength and stamina, fine motor skills, mechanical aptitude, and creativity and innovation. Success in this career also benefits from being detail oriented, having strong customer service and interpersonal skills, and demonstrating leadership when needed. Mathematics and science skills are also part of the overall skill profile. With no formal educational credential typically required, this path can appeal to individuals who want a hands-on career that emphasizes skill development and work quality over formal schooling, while still offering measurable long-term employment growth at the national level.
Paperhangers earn a national median annual salary of $48,260, with some locations offering higher typical pay. Among the top states, California has a median salary of $62,790 and New York follows closely at $60,230. Pennsylvania’s median salary is $61,800, while Colorado and Ohio are closer to the national level at $48,180 and $47,830 respectively. At the metro level, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area posts a median salary of $63,450, and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont leads with $71,270. These figures show that pay can vary significantly by region, with certain states and metros providing substantially higher median wages than the national median. For individuals considering this field, comparing local pay levels can be an important part of deciding where to work and how earnings might align with personal financial goals.
Nationally, paperhangers have employment of about 2,000 workers and a projected employment growth rate of 5.3%. This projected growth indicates that the total number of positions is expected to increase over time. While projected growth is positive, the reported number of annual openings is 0. This combination suggests a field with expanding employment but limited reported openings in the data provided. People considering this career should recognize that opportunities may be concentrated in particular areas or employers rather than widely distributed. The consistent 5.3% growth rate reported across highlighted states and metro areas aligns with the national projection, suggesting that the growth expectation is similar in multiple parts of the country. Overall, the occupation shows measurable projected expansion, but the low reported annual openings underscore the importance of focusing on specific regions and employers when planning a job search or career move.
Location plays a major role in paperhanging careers, with several states and metro areas standing out. Among states, California and New York combine relatively high median salaries ($62,790 and $60,230) with higher employment levels of 130 and 300, respectively, and both have a projected growth rate of 5.3%. Colorado also has employment of 130 and a median salary of $48,180. Pennsylvania and Ohio have smaller employment counts (30 and 70) but offer median salaries of $61,800 and $47,830. Opportunity scores vary, from 67.38 in California and 65.78 in New York down to 42.84 in Ohio, signaling differing overall conditions. At the metro level, New York-Newark-Jersey City stands out with an opportunity score of 77.27, median salary of $63,450, and employment of 220. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont offers the highest listed salary at $71,270 and an opportunity score of 68.75, making both metros notable choices for location-focused job seekers.
The typical education requirement for paperhangers is no formal educational credential. This means entry into the occupation does not depend on completing a specific degree or formal program. Instead, success is closely tied to developing a strong set of practical and interpersonal skills. Important abilities include physical strength and stamina and fine motor skills, which support the hands-on nature of the work. Mechanical skills and a grounding in science and mathematics contribute to understanding measurements, materials, and processes. Creativity and innovation, along with being detail oriented, support producing high-quality finished work. Customer service and interpersonal skills help in working effectively with clients and colleagues, while leadership skills can be valuable when coordinating tasks or guiding others. For individuals who prefer to build a career based on demonstrated skill and performance rather than formal schooling, this occupation can align well with that preference.
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