



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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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