Painter Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on May 09, 2025
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How much does a Painter make in San Diego, CA?

The average salary for a Painter is $53,725 per year in San Diego, CA.

In San Diego, CA, painters can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average annual salary for a painter in this area is around $53,725. This figure can vary based on experience and specific skills. For those just starting, salaries may begin at the lower end of the scale, around $39,250. As painters gain more experience, they can see their earnings increase, with the highest earners reaching up to $78,308 annually.

Several factors can influence a painter's salary. These include the type of painting job, the size of the project, and the painter's level of expertise. Painters who specialize in commercial or residential work may find different pay rates. Additionally, those who have certifications or additional training in areas like drywall finishing or wallpaper installation may command higher wages. Seeking out opportunities for professional development can help painters in San Diego maximize their earning potential.

Painter jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Painter near San Diego, CA?

Painters in La Jolla, CA, can earn the highest salaries near San Diego. The average annual salary in La Jolla is around $55,244. This makes it a great place for painters looking for better pay. National City, CA, follows closely with an average annual salary of $54,878. El Cajon, CA, offers a competitive average salary of $49,000 for painters. This city provides a good balance of job opportunities and living costs. Santee and Spring Valley also offer decent salaries, though slightly lower than the top two.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Painter jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting La Jolla, CA with the highest at $55,244 and Spring Valley, CA with the lowest at $45,404.
  1. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $55,244
    In La Jolla, painting offers a vibrant career with many opportunities. The area's luxury homes and historic buildings need skilled workers. Companies like ABC Painting and Coastal Home Improvements often seek professionals.
    Find Painter jobs in La Jolla, CA


  2. National City, CA
    Average Salary: $54,878
    National City provides a steady demand for painting services. The city's diverse housing stock and commercial spaces create many job openings. Local businesses such as City Painters and National Home Services frequently hire.
    Find Painter jobs in National City, CA


  3. El Cajon, CA
    Average Salary: $49,000
    El Cajon has a growing market for painting jobs. The city's expanding residential and commercial areas offer many opportunities. Companies like El Cajon Painting and Valley View Contractors often look for skilled painters.
    Find Painter jobs in El Cajon, CA


  4. Santee, CA
    Average Salary: $46,750
    Santee offers a stable environment for painting careers. The city's mix of residential and commercial projects provides steady work. Businesses such as Santee Home Painters and Skyline Services often hire for various painting tasks.
    Find Painter jobs in Santee, CA


  5. Spring Valley, CA
    Average Salary: $45,404
    Spring Valley presents a good opportunity for painters. The area's residential developments and commercial spaces need skilled workers. Companies like Spring Valley Painters and Valley View Services often seek professionals.
    Find Painter jobs in Spring Valley, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Painter in San Diego, CA?

Painters in San Diego, CA, can find excellent opportunities with top-paying companies. San Diego State University offers a competitive salary of $81,680, making it a prime choice for skilled professionals. Other notable employers include San Diego Community College District and WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, both providing salaries around $77,894 and $60,000 respectively. These companies value skilled painters and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Painter jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting San Diego State University with the highest at $81,680 and ProTec Building Services with the lowest at $49,000.
  1. San Diego State University
    Average Salary: $81,680
    San Diego State University offers rewarding Painter jobs in San Diego. They provide opportunities to work on campus buildings and facilities. Painters here enjoy a collaborative work environment with a focus on creativity and detail.


  2. San Diego Community College District
    Average Salary: $77,894
    San Diego Community College District provides Painter jobs with a competitive salary. Painters here work on various college campuses, ensuring the buildings look their best. They work on both interior and exterior projects, offering a variety of experiences.


  3. WOW 1 DAY PAINTING
    Average Salary: $60,000
    WOW 1 DAY PAINTING is a local company that offers Painter jobs in San Diego. They focus on quick, high-quality painting projects. Painters work on residential and commercial properties, delivering fast and reliable results.


  4. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $60,000
    Oak View Group provides Painter jobs in San Diego, focusing on event venues and large-scale projects. Painters work on stadiums and arenas, ensuring these spaces are well-maintained and visually appealing for events.


  5. General Dynamics NASSCO
    Average Salary: $57,533
    General Dynamics NASSCO offers Painter jobs in San Diego, specializing in shipbuilding and maintenance. Painters here work on ships and marine facilities, requiring a high level of skill and attention to detail.


  6. Simon Property Group
    Average Salary: $54,453
    Simon Property Group provides Painter jobs in San Diego, focusing on shopping malls and retail spaces. Painters work on various properties, ensuring they are clean and attractive for shoppers.


  7. Rock West Composites
    Average Salary: $53,474
    Rock West Composites offers Painter jobs in San Diego, specializing in marine and industrial applications. Painters work on boats and industrial structures, requiring a strong understanding of materials and techniques.


  8. Solar Turbines
    Average Salary: $52,662
    Solar Turbines provides Painter jobs in San Diego, focusing on industrial equipment. Painters work on turbines and other machinery, ensuring they are well-maintained and visually appealing.


  9. 24 Hour Fitness
    Average Salary: $52,333
    24 Hour Fitness offers Painter jobs in San Diego, focusing on fitness centers. Painters work on gym facilities, ensuring they are clean and inviting for members.


  10. ProTec Building Services
    Average Salary: $49,000
    ProTec Building Services provides Painter jobs in San Diego, focusing on commercial and industrial properties. Painters work on a variety of buildings, ensuring they are well-maintained and visually appealing.

Currently 1,585 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
1,585 Job Openings