Painter Salaries

Painters enjoy a rewarding career both creatively and financially. The average yearly salary for a painter stands at around $47,233. This figure reflects a range of earnings depending on experience and skill level.

The salary distribution shows that about 10.1% of painters earn around $29,700, while 27.1% make approximately $35,636. As painters gain more experience and specialize in their craft, their earnings can increase significantly. For example, about 26.7% earn around $41,573, and 16.2% can expect to make around $47,509.

For those who reach higher levels in their profession, the potential expands even more. Around 6.3% of painters earn about $53,445, while the top earners can make as much as $95,000 per year. This potential for higher income can be very motivating for those entering the field.

1. Los Angeles, CA
   Average Salary: $76,633
   Los Angeles offers a vibrant art scene, making it an exciting place to work in this field. You can find opportunities with companies like City of Angels Painting and other local artists who bring homes and businesses to life.
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2. Seattle, WA
   Average Salary: $68,974
   In Seattle, the beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Northwest allows for inspiration and creativity. Local companies like Puget Painting provide numerous job openings, contributing to the city's thriving arts community.
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3. Durham, NC
   Average Salary: $61,842
   Durham, known for its growing arts environment, welcomes many skilled workers in this trade. Whether you join local businesses or work on residential projects, you can explore varied and rewarding painting opportunities.
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4. San Jose, CA
   Average Salary: $61,114
   San Jose boasts a booming tech industry, which keeps buildings busy with renovations and new developments. With firms like Bay Area Paint and others in demand, the area offers stable work prospects.
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5. Washington, DC
   Average Salary: $60,236
   In Washington, DC, historic sites and government buildings require careful and skilled work. Companies focused on preservation and restoration provide meaningful projects for painters looking to make an impact.
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6. Boston, MA
   Average Salary: $59,332
   Boston's rich history brings many historic homes and buildings that need care and maintenance. Local businesses such as Boston Pro Painting always look for dedicated professionals to enhance the city's charm.
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7. Springfield, MO
   Average Salary: $58,143
   Springfield's growing economy and expanding neighborhoods create various projects for painting professionals. Opportunities exist with local businesses as well as private homes, allowing for diverse work experiences.
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8. San Diego, CA
   Average Salary: $56,513
   San Diego's beautiful weather and scenic views make working in this area enjoyable. Local companies like San Diego Painters focus on both residential and commercial painting, ensuring a steady flow of work.
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9. Austin, TX
   Average Salary: $55,352
   Austin has a vibrant cultural scene that includes diverse building styles, providing an array of painting opportunities. Local companies and creative projects give jobs to skilled workers wanting to contribute to the city's unique atmosphere.
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10. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $77,744
    San Francisco's iconic architecture creates an exciting workspace for painters. With numerous established businesses like San Francisco Painting Company, many professionals find rewarding projects that showcase their talent.
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1. Blizzard Entertainment
   Average Salary: $109,353
   Blizzard Entertainment offers exciting opportunities for Painters at their headquarters in Irvine, California. The company focuses on creating stunning visual art for their popular video games, ensuring a dynamic and creative work environment.
   




2. Warner Bros. Discovery
   Average Salary: $109,323
   At Warner Bros. Discovery, Painters play a crucial role in production design across various projects. Based in Burbank, California, the company encourages creativity and collaboration among its artistic teams.
   




3. GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc.
   Average Salary: $92,500
   GungHo Online Entertainment America, located in San Francisco, California, hires Painters to support their game development. The company values artistic innovation, offering a stimulating atmosphere for artists.
   




4. Stardock
   Average Salary: $83,302
   Stardock, based in Plymouth, Michigan, employs Painters to enhance their game art and design. The company enjoys a supportive culture that helps artists grow and express their talents.
   




5. The Walt Disney Company
   Average Salary: $82,372
   The Walt Disney Company offers Painter positions at their locations in Burbank, California, and Orlando, Florida. Artists at Disney work on iconic projects, contributing to the magic that defines the brand.
   




6. Arizona State University
   Average Salary: $76,211
   At Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, Painters contribute to various campus projects. The university provides a creative setting where artists can connect and showcase their skills.
   




7. California State University
   Average Salary: $73,586
   California State University employs Painters to work on university projects in various campuses across California. The institution values creativity and encourages artistic expression among its staff.
   




8. The Tatitlek Corporation
   Average Salary: $69,175
   The Tatitlek Corporation, operating in multiple locations, offers Painter positions supporting government contracts. The company provides a professional setting where artists can apply their skills to meaningful projects.
   




9. Windstream
   Average Salary: $66,827
   Windstream hires Painters for their operational sites, focusing on maintaining and enhancing company facilities. The organization supports a positive work culture that values employees' contributions.
   




10. Electronic Arts
    Average Salary: $119,670
    Electronic Arts, located in Redwood City, California, provides competitive Painter positions within their game studios. The company prides itself on creating an inspiring atmosphere for its creative teams.
    

To earn more as a painter, focus on these key factors:

1. Enhance Your Skills: Taking courses or workshops can improve your techniques. Better skills lead to higher-quality work, which attracts more clients.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your best work in a portfolio. A strong portfolio helps potential clients see your talent and style, making them more likely to hire you.
3. Network Effectively: Connect with other professionals in the industry. Attend events and join local groups to meet potential clients and get referrals.
4. Offer Specialized Services: Consider offering niche services, like faux finishes or eco-friendly paints. Specializing can set you apart and attract clients looking for unique options.
5. Price Your Work Wisely: Research market rates for painters in your area. Set competitive prices that reflect your skills and experience. Don’t undervalue your work.