Skip to content
Contract Painter, painting a home living room wall.

US Painters’ Salaries: State-by-State Breakdown

Painters’ Salaries in the United States

The painting profession is a diverse field, encompassing various types of work, such as residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The income of painters can vary significantly, depending on factors like location, experience, and employment status. In this blog post, we will explore the average and top-end salaries of painters in the United States, broken down by state, as well as discuss the factors that can influence these figures.

https://youtu.be/RCd6tdNzsAU

Factors Influencing Painters’ Salaries

Independent Contractors vs. Employees

One major factor that can affect a painter’s income is their employment status. Independent contractors often have more control over their earnings, as they set their own rates and can take on as many projects as they choose. In contrast, employees typically have a capped income, as they earn a fixed salary or hourly rate determined by their employer.

Type of Work

The type of painting work can also impact a painter’s earnings. For instance, painters who specialize in high-end residential or commercial projects may command higher rates than those working primarily on smaller, less lucrative jobs.

Experience and Skill Level

Experience and skill level play a crucial role in determining a painter’s income. As painters gain more experience and develop their skills, they can demand higher rates and attract more lucrative projects.

Painters’ Salaries by State

The table below provides a breakdown of the average and top-end hourly rates for painters in each state and their estimated annual income.

State Average Hourly Rate Top Hourly Rate Average Annual Income Top Annual Income
Alabama $18 $25 $37,440 $52,000
Alaska $22 $30 $45,760 $62,400
Arizona $20 $27 $41,600 $56,160
Arkansas $16 $22 $33,280 $45,760
California $24 $34 $49,920 $70,720
Colorado $21 $29 $43,680 $60,320
Connecticut $23 $31 $47,840 $64,480
Delaware $20 $27 $41,600 $56,160
Florida $19 $26 $39,520 $54,080
Georgia $18 $25 $37,440 $52,000
Hawaii $23 $32 $47,840 $66,560
Idaho $17 $24 $35,360 $49,920
Illinois $21 $29 $43,680 $60,320
Indiana $18 $25 $37,440 $52,000
Iowa $17 $23 $35,360 $47,840
Kansas $17 $24 $35,360 $49,920
Kentucky $17 $23 $35,360 $47,840
Louisiana $18 $25 $37,440 $52,000
Maine $18 $25 $37,440 $52,000
Maryland $21 $29 $43,680 $60,320
Massachusetts $24 $33 $49,920 $68,640
Michigan $19 $26 $39,520 $54,080
Minnesota $20 $28 $41,600 $58,240
Mississippi $16 $22 $33,280 $45,760
Missouri $18 $25 $37,440 $52,000
Montana $17 $24 $35,360 $49,920
Nebraska $17 $23 $35,360 $47,840
Nevada $20 $27 $41,600 $56,160
New Hampshire $19 $26 $39,520 $54,080
New Jersey $22 $30 $45,760 $62,400
New Mexico $17 $23 $35,360 $47,840
New York $23 $31 $47,840 $64,480
North Carolina $18 $25 $37,440 $52,000
North Dakota $19 $26 $39,520 $54,080
Ohio $19 $26 $39,520 $54,080
Oklahoma $17 $24 $35,360 $49,920
Oregon $19 $27 $39,520 $56,160
Pennsylvania $20 $28 $41,600 $58,240
Rhode Island $21 $29 $43,680 $60,320
South Carolina $17 $24 $35,360 $49,920
South Dakota $16 $22 $33,280 $45,760
Tennessee $17 $24 $35,360 $49,920
Texas $18 $25 $37,440 $52,000
Utah $18 $25 $37,440 $52,000
Vermont $19 $26 $39,520 $54,080
Virginia $19 $27 $39,520 $56,160
Washington $21 $29 $43,680 $60,320
West Virginia $16 $22 $33,280 $45,760
Wisconsin $18 $25 $37,440 $52,000
Wyoming $17 $23 $35,360 $47,840

How to Increase Your Earnings as a Painter

Develop Your Skills

Investing time and effort in improving your painting skills and acquiring specialized knowledge in specific

areas, such as faux finishes or historic restoration, can make you more valuable in the market. As you gain expertise, you can demand higher rates and attract more high-end clients.

Build Your Portfolio and Reputation

A strong portfolio showcasing your best work can help you stand out among competitors. Additionally, maintaining a positive reputation by providing excellent customer service, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality work can lead to more referrals and repeat business.

Networking and Marketing

Actively networking with other professionals in your industry, such as contractors, interior designers, and architects, can help you secure more job opportunities. Invest in online and offline marketing strategies to increase your visibility and reach potential clients. Sendwork’s Embedded Forms is an excellent resource.

Diversify Your Services

Expanding your range of services, such as offering wallpaper installation, power washing, or minor carpentry work, can help you attract a broader client base and increase your income potential.

Identify Opportunities for Growth

Painters’ salaries in the United States can vary significantly depending on location, experience, employment status, and the type of work performed. By understanding your state’s average and top-end salaries, you can set realistic expectations for your earnings and identify opportunities for growth. To increase your income potential as a painter, focusing on developing your skills, building a solid portfolio and reputation, networking, marketing, and divers

Back To Top