Painter Salary in 2026
How much do painters make? The national average is $45,000 per year — but experienced leads and specialty coating techs can earn $65,000–$90,000+. Here's the full breakdown.
$45K/yr
National Average
$22/hr
Hourly Rate
+5%
Job Growth
15,000+
Total Employed
Painting is a core trade that touches nearly every construction and remodeling project, from residential repaints to industrial coatings in factories and bridges. Demand stays steady because painted surfaces wear down, buildings change hands, and homeowners invest in curb appeal and interior updates. In 2026, the national average painter salary is around $45,000 per year (about $22 per hour), but earnings vary widely based on specialization, market, and skill level. Entry-level painters may start around $30,000–$36,000, while mid-level techs who can prep, mask, and spray efficiently often reach the high $40Ks. Senior painters and foremen in high-cost markets can exceed $65,000, and specialty roles like industrial coatings or lead abatement command premium rates due to safety requirements and certification needs. Seasonality plays a role in exterior work in colder states, while commercial and industrial painting offers more consistent year-round demand. Painters who add spray equipment expertise, decorative finishing skills, or compliance certifications can move quickly into higher-paying jobs or leadership roles. This guide breaks down painter salaries by experience, state, specialization, and certifications so you can see what the market pays — and what to aim for as you advance in the trade.
Painter Salary by Experience Level
Experience is the single biggest driver of pay in the trades. Here's what you can expect at each stage.
Entry-Level
$30,000–$36,000
Avg: $33,000/yr
New painters learning prep, masking, rolling, and basic sprayer operation under crew supervision.
Mid-Level
$40,000–$48,000
Avg: $44,000/yr
Handles full interior and exterior jobs independently, including trim work, drywall repairs, and efficient setup.
Senior Painter
$52,000–$65,000
Avg: $58,000/yr
Leads crews, manages jobsite quality control, and completes high-end or commercial projects.
Master Painter
$70,000–$90,000+
Avg: $80,000/yr
Top earners running crews, specializing in high-end finishes or industrial coatings, or operating a painting business.
| Experience Level | Years | Salary Range | Avg Annual | Avg Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 0–2 years | $30,000–$36,000 | $33,000 | $16/hr |
| Mid-Level | 3–7 years | $40,000–$48,000 | $44,000 | $21/hr |
| Senior Painter | 8–15 years | $52,000–$65,000 | $58,000 | $28/hr |
| Master Painter | 15+ years | $70,000–$90,000+ | $80,000 | $38/hr |
Painter Salary Calculator
Estimate your salary based on years of experience and location.
Estimated Annual Salary
$44,000/year
≈ $21/hour · 5 yrs experience · National Average
* Estimate based on BLS data + regional adjustments. Actual salary varies by employer, certifications, and local market.
Painter Salary by State (2026)
Where you work matters — salaries can vary by $30,000+ depending on your state. Here are the highest and lowest-paying states.
Top Paying States
| State | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $56,000 | $27/hr |
| Hawaii | $54,000 | $26/hr |
| New York | $53,000 | $25/hr |
| Massachusetts | $52,000 | $25/hr |
| California | $51,000 | $25/hr |
| Illinois | $50,000 | $24/hr |
| Washington | $50,000 | $24/hr |
| Connecticut | $49,000 | $24/hr |
| New Jersey | $48,000 | $23/hr |
| Oregon | $47,000 | $23/hr |
Lower Paying States
| State | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $40,000 | $19/hr |
| Ohio | $39,000 | $19/hr |
| Tennessee | $38,000 | $18/hr |
| Alabama | $37,000 | $18/hr |
| Mississippi | $36,000 | $17/hr |
Salary by Specialization
Your specialty matters. Industrial and commercial work typically pays significantly more than residential service.
Commercial Painting
$55K$45,000–$65,000
Offices, retail, and multi-family projects with larger scopes and steady demand.
Industrial Coating
$68K$55,000–$80,000
Protective coatings in plants, warehouses, and infrastructure. Requires safety training and compliance.
Decorative / Faux Finish
$60K$45,000–$75,000
High-end residential and custom finishes that command premium pricing.
Spray Tech Specialist
$61K$48,000–$72,000
Advanced sprayer operation for cabinets, trim, and commercial interiors with faster production rates.
Lead Abatement
$65K$50,000–$85,000
Certified removal and remediation work on older buildings. Higher pay due to compliance requirements.
Certifications That Increase Pay
Investing in certifications pays off. Many certified tradespeople earn 10–25% more than their uncertified peers.
| Certification | Full Name | Salary Impact |
|---|---|---|
| EPA RRP | EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (Lead) | +$4,000–$10,000/yr |
| SSPC | SSPC Protective Coatings Certification | +$5,000–$12,000/yr |
| PDCA | PDCA Certified Painting Contractor | +$3,000–$8,000/yr |
| OSHA 10/30 | OSHA 10-Hour / 30-Hour Safety | +$2,000–$5,000/yr |
Painter vs Other Trades
How does Painter pay compare to other skilled trades?
| Trade | Avg Annual | Hourly | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| PainterYou | $45,000 | $22/hr | +5% |
| Roofer | $48,000 | $23/hr | +2% |
| Handyman | $42,000 | $20/hr | +4% |
| Cleaning Business Owner | $90,000 | $43/hr | +6% |
| Landscaper | $42,000 | $20/hr | +4% |
Job Outlook & Growth Projections
+5%
Projected Growth
2022–2032
15,000+
New Jobs Expected
estimated new positions
Yes
Faster Than Average
compared to all occupations
Painter demand should remain healthy through the early 2030s, driven by ongoing remodeling, commercial tenant improvements, and infrastructure maintenance. The strongest opportunities will be for painters who can handle spray systems, industrial coatings, or lead-safe work, as these roles face less competition and command higher rates. Companies that can keep crews productive year-round by balancing interior, commercial, and specialty projects tend to pay more and retain experienced painters longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Painter salaries, answered.
The national average painter salary in 2026 is about $45,000 per year. Entry-level painters earn around $30,000–$36,000, while senior painters and crew leads can reach $65,000+.
The national average is about $22 per hour. Experienced commercial and industrial painters can earn $28–$38/hr depending on certifications and market.
Top-paying states include Alaska, Hawaii, New York, Massachusetts, and California, where cost of living and commercial demand are higher.
License requirements vary by state. Many states require a contractor license to run a painting business, while employees work under a licensed contractor.
Yes. EPA RRP certification allows lead-safe work on older properties and often adds $4,000–$10,000 in annual earning potential.
Exterior painting is seasonal in colder climates, but interior and commercial work helps keep painters busy year-round.
Business owners and specialty coating contractors can earn six figures, especially with commercial contracts and larger crews.
Many painters start as helpers, move into lead or foreman roles, then advance into estimating, project management, or business ownership.
ServBuilder helps painting companies schedule jobs, manage crews, and get paid faster.
ServBuilder helps painter businesses manage scheduling, invoicing, and dispatch — so you can focus on the work.