Painter Salaries

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Painter make?

The average salary for a Painter is $47,677 per year in the US.

As a painter, you have the opportunity to earn a good salary. The average yearly salary for painters is around $47,677. This figure shows that many painters enjoy a stable income in their careers.


When it comes to specific earnings, salaries can vary based on experience, skills, and the type of work you do. For example, some painters earn roughly $29,800 a year, while others can make upwards of $97,500. This range highlights the potential for growth in this profession.


The salary distribution shows that about 30% of painters earn around $35,955, while another 25.8% make approximately $42,109. Painters who gain more experience and specialize in certain areas can see their salaries increase significantly.


Investing in your skills and experience can lead to higher earnings, making this a rewarding career choice for those passionate about painting.

View Painter Jobs Nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Painter?

Job seekers looking for high-paying painter positions should consider cities like Los Angeles, CA, and San Francisco, CA, which offer average salaries of $75,231 and $76,088, respectively. Other notable cities include Durham, NC, and Seattle, WA, where painters can earn around $71,836 and $68,716. Exploring opportunities in these regions can lead to rewarding careers in the painting industry.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Painter jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $75,231 and San Francisco, CA with the lowest at $76,088.
  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $75,231
    Working in Los Angeles offers multiple opportunities in the painting industry due to its booming real estate and entertainment sectors. Many companies, like CertaPro Painters, provide residential and commercial painting services, making it an exciting place for painters.
    Find Painter jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. Durham, NC
    Average Salary: $71,836
    Durham features a growing economy and a vibrant arts scene, creating demand for skilled painters. Local companies often seek talented individuals to contribute to beautiful homes and trendy businesses.
    Find Painter jobs in Durham, NC


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $68,716
    Seattle's robust construction market provides many job opportunities for painters. With tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft in the area, there is a steady need for both commercial and residential painting services.
    Find Painter jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $61,069
    In Washington, DC, painters can find work in historic buildings, government offices, and new developments. The city's diverse architecture offers a unique variety of projects that can enhance a painter's experience.
    Find Painter jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $59,706
    Boston’s rich history and bustling renovation projects mean that painters have plenty of work in this historic city. Local firms focus on both restoration and new installations, providing a rewarding environment.
    Find Painter jobs in Boston, MA


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $59,675
    San Jose's fast-growing tech industry leads to numerous construction projects, creating a steady need for painters. The demand for both residential and commercial services keeps the job market vibrant.
    Find Painter jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Springfield, MO
    Average Salary: $59,394
    Springfield offers a more localized market for painters, with opportunities in residential home painting and small businesses. The community-oriented environment allows painters to build strong relationships with clients.
    Find Painter jobs in Springfield, MO


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $55,753
    San Diego's beautiful weather and active lifestyle contribute to a steady flow of painting jobs, especially in residential areas. Local companies thrive on providing quality services to homeowners looking to beautify their spaces.
    Find Painter jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Beaumont, TX
    Average Salary: $55,092
    In Beaumont, painters can find opportunities in home renovations and commercial projects. The local economy, fueled by the energy sector, offers stable work and a friendly community.
    Find Painter jobs in Beaumont, TX


  10. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $76,088
    San Francisco features a vibrant painting market due to its diverse architecture and ongoing construction. Painters can work on everything from historic buildings to modern developments, ensuring a dynamic work experience.
    Find Painter jobs in San Francisco, CA

What are the best companies a Painter can work for?

For those seeking high-paying opportunities in painter jobs, top companies stand out for their impressive salaries. Electronic Arts leads the way with an average salary of $125,470, closely followed by Blizzard Entertainment at $115,719. Other notable mentions include The Walt Disney Company and Stardock, offering salaries around $88,392 and $85,143, respectively, making these employers appealing choices in the industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Painter jobs, highlighting Electronic Arts with the highest at $125,470 and Hasbro, Inc. with the lowest at $151,759.
  1. Electronic Arts
    Average Salary: $125,470
    Electronic Arts offers painter jobs that focus on creating visual elements for video games. The company operates primarily in California, with opportunities in locations such as Redwood City and Los Angeles.


  2. Blizzard Entertainment
    Average Salary: $115,719
    At Blizzard Entertainment, painters work on developing engaging graphics for popular games. The main office is in Irvine, California, providing various artist roles to support game development.


  3. The Walt Disney Company
    Average Salary: $88,392
    The Walt Disney Company employs painters to bring stories to life in animation and theme parks. Most job opportunities are available in California and Florida, focusing on creativity and character design.


  4. Stardock
    Average Salary: $85,143
    Stardock hires painters to contribute to game development, often requiring artistic skills in digital painting and design. The company is located in Plymouth, Michigan, and provides a collaborative work environment.


  5. California State University
    Average Salary: $73,586
    California State University offers painter positions for maintaining and beautifying campus facilities. Jobs are available across various campuses in California, focusing on both interior and exterior projects.


  6. US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $72,363
    The US Department of Veterans Affairs hires painters to improve and maintain the appearance of their facilities. Positions are available nationwide, focusing on service to veterans and maintaining building aesthetics.


  7. The Tatitlek Corporation
    Average Salary: $69,255
    The Tatitlek Corporation employs painters for various projects, including those related to federal contracts. Their teams work nationwide, focusing on quality craftsmanship and project execution.


  8. Windstream
    Average Salary: $66,318
    Windstream hires painters primarily for maintenance and facility improvements. Job opportunities are available in different locations across the United States, supporting a pleasant work environment.


  9. Budget Suites of America
    Average Salary: $63,607
    Budget Suites of America employs painters to maintain the aesthetic quality of their properties. The company operates in several states, focusing on providing fully equipped and welcoming accommodations.


  10. Hasbro, Inc.
    Average Salary: $151,759
    Hasbro, Inc. offers exciting painter roles focusing on design and creation for toys and games. The company operates mainly in Rhode Island, providing unique opportunities for those interested in creative industries.

How to earn more as a Painter?

As a painter, you can increase your income by focusing on several key factors. Improving your skills and expanding your services will help you stand out in this competitive field. Here are five important ways to earn more as a painter:

  • Specialize in a Niche: Consider focusing on a specific area, such as decorative painting or commercial projects. Becoming an expert in a niche can attract clients willing to pay more for specialized skills.
  • Gain Certifications: Obtaining certifications can boost your credibility and show clients you are committed to quality work. Look for courses that enhance your painting techniques or focus on safety practices.
  • Network with Other Professionals: Build relationships with contractors, interior designers, and real estate agents. Networking can lead to referrals, opening doors to higher-paying jobs.
  • Offer Additional Services: Consider providing services beyond painting, such as wallpaper installation or minor repairs. These extra offerings can help you attract more clients and increase your earnings.
  • Improve Marketing Efforts: Invest time in marketing yourself through online platforms, social media, and local advertising. A strong online presence can draw in more clients and help you justify higher rates.

Compare Salaries

Find the right job for you

Compare different job titles.
Select a job title
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
job person scaling upwards

Currently 1,396 Painter job openings, nationwide!

How's the job market for a Painter in the US?

Learn what a Painter does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Painter today.
Position
Overview
Painter
1,396 Job Openings