Lead Painter – Detail-Oriented Residential Interior | San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time | Contract Available
Location: San Diego, CA (On-site, client homes)
Pay: $30–$45/hr depending on experience
Schedule: Monday–Friday (occasional Saturdays)
We're Not Looking for Just Any Painter.
We're a residential painting contractor in San Diego doing high-end interior work — and we're growing fast. The problem? Most painters we've hired can roll a wall. What they can't do is own a job.
We're tired of following up on every detail, re-explaining standards, and finding out about problems from clients instead of our own crew. We need someone who walks into a home, reads the scope, executes at the highest level, and makes the homeowner feel taken care of — all without us having to babysit.
If that sounds like how you already work, keep reading.
What This Role Actually Looks Like
You're not just painting — you're running the job. That means:
- Executing detailed interior work across the full scope: walls, ceilings, trim, doors, built-ins, millwork, and cabinetry — all to a standard that's clean, sharp, and built to last
- Prepping like a professional — patching, sanding, caulking, priming — because you know the finish is only as good as what's underneath it
- Briefing homeowners before work begins, setting clear expectations, and checking in throughout so they never feel ignored or surprised
- Leading a small crew (1–3 painters), potentially help overseeing other jobs a couple hours a day, holding the standard, and making sure the quality doesn't drop when you step away
- Communicating issues immediately — if something is off, we hear it from you, not the client
- Leaving every job site immaculate — this is someone's home, and it stays that way
You're the Right Fit If…
- You have 10+ years of professional painting experience focused on high-end residential interiors
- You understand what "detail work" really means — tight cut lines, proper sheen transitions, no lap marks, no missed spots, no excuses
- Cabinets and fine millwork don't intimidate you — you know the process: cleaning, deglossing, filling, priming, sanding between coats, and applying a finish that looks like it came from the factory
- You've worked directly with homeowners and know how to handle questions, timelines, and the occasional difficult personality without losing your professionalism
- You've led or mentored other painters and can hold a crew to your standard without drama
- You text back. You update. You flag problems early. You communicate like a professional.
- You take pride in your work not because someone's watching, but because that's simply who you are
What We Offer
- Consistent, year-round work — no slow seasons, no chasing leads
- Pay that reflects your actual skill level, not a flat rate that insults your experience
- You'll be treated like the professional you are
- Quality materials and proper tools — we don't ask people to do premium work with bargain supplies
- A real path to Crew Lead or Project Manager as we grow — if you want it
Deal Breakers (Please Don't Apply If…)
- You need step-by-step direction on a job you should already know how to run
- Your prep work is "good enough" — we don't do good enough
- You're not comfortable speaking directly with homeowners
- You disappear, show up late without a heads up, or go quiet when things get complicated
How to Apply
Send us a message with:
- Photos or videos of your interior work — trim, built-ins, cabinets, anything that shows your attention to detail
- A few sentences about your experience leading jobs or managing a crew
- Your availability and preferred rate
We read every application. If your work is as good as your reputation, we'll move fast.
Paintonomy – San Diego's detail-obsessed residential painting contractor.
Pay: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Opportunities for advancement
- Professional development assistance
- Profit sharing
Work Location: In person
