How much does a Painter make?
Painters play a vital role in many industries, from construction to manufacturing. They prepare surfaces and apply paint to create a finished look. The average yearly salary for a painter is around $45,454. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of work.
Painters can earn different amounts depending on their skill level and where they work. Some painters start with lower wages, while others with more experience can earn higher salaries. For example, those who work in urban areas may have higher salaries than those in rural areas. The type of paint and the surfaces they work on also affect their pay. Experienced painters who specialize in certain areas, like murals or automotive painting, can often earn more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Painter?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $78,493
In San Francisco, a career in painting offers diverse opportunities. The city's vibrant art scene and historic buildings create a demand for skilled painters. Companies like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore often seek professionals for their projects.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $64,547
Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for painters. The city's booming real estate market and entertainment industry need skilled hands. Painters can find work with firms like PPG and Valspar, known for their quality standards.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $60,755
Santa Rosa offers a more relaxed pace for painters. The city's historic charm and beautiful landscapes make it a great place to work. Local businesses and contractors often seek reliable painters for residential and commercial projects.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $59,919
Seattle, with its iconic skyline, offers unique painting opportunities. The city's tech industry and maritime heritage create diverse projects. Painters can find work with companies like Glidden and Behr, known for their innovative products.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $59,298
Sacramento provides a steady demand for painters. The city's government sector and residential developments need skilled professionals. Painters can work with local contractors and companies like DuPont and Rust-Oleum.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $59,264
In Washington, DC, painters enjoy a mix of historic and modern projects. The city's government buildings and historic landmarks require skilled artisans. Companies like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore often seek professionals for their projects.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $58,879
San Jose offers a vibrant market for painters. The city's tech industry and residential developments create diverse opportunities. Painters can find work with local contractors and companies like PPG and Valspar.
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Providence, RI
Average Salary: $58,641
Providence provides a mix of historic and modern painting opportunities. The city's rich history and beautiful architecture create a demand for skilled painters. Painters can work with local contractors and companies like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $57,559
Albany offers a steady demand for painters. The city's historic charm and government buildings create diverse projects. Painters can find work with local contractors and companies like Glidden and Behr.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $57,326
Boston provides a rich environment for painters. The city's historic architecture and vibrant culture create diverse opportunities. Painters can work with local contractors and companies like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore.
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What are the best companies a Painter can work for?

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CollisionRight
Average Salary: $120,091
CollisionRight offers Painter jobs with a focus on vehicle repair and restoration. They operate in multiple locations across the United States, providing opportunities for skilled painters to work on high-quality projects.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $75,651
Boeing provides Painter jobs with a focus on aerospace and defense. They have facilities in various locations, including Seattle, Washington, and Charleston, South Carolina. Painters here work on large-scale projects with cutting-edge technology.
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CarMax
Average Salary: $61,945
CarMax offers Painter jobs with a focus on automotive retail. They have numerous locations across the United States, providing opportunities for painters to work on vehicle refurbishments and showroom displays.
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Gillmann Services
Average Salary: $58,231
Gillmann Services provides Painter jobs with a focus on commercial and industrial painting. They operate in various locations, including Chicago, Illinois, and Denver, Colorado. Painters here work on large-scale projects for businesses and institutions.
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CBRE
Average Salary: $57,504
CBRE offers Painter jobs with a focus on commercial real estate. They have offices in many locations, including New York, New York, and Los Angeles, California. Painters here work on projects for commercial buildings and properties.
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JLL
Average Salary: $56,421
JLL provides Painter jobs with a focus on commercial real estate services. They operate in various locations, including San Francisco, California, and Boston, Massachusetts. Painters here work on projects for commercial buildings and properties.
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Enerflex
Average Salary: $56,363
Enerflex offers Painter jobs with a focus on the energy sector. They have facilities in multiple locations, including Calgary, Alberta, and Houston, Texas. Painters here work on projects for energy infrastructure and facilities.
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Hilton
Average Salary: $55,847
Hilton provides Painter jobs with a focus on hospitality. They have hotels in various locations, including Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Painters here work on projects for hotel refurbishments and maintenance.
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Skilled Trades Partners
Average Salary: $55,818
Skilled Trades Partners offers Painter jobs with a focus on commercial and residential painting. They operate in multiple locations, including Dallas, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. Painters here work on projects for both residential and commercial properties.
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International Aerospace Coatings
Average Salary: $55,435
International Aerospace Coatings provides Painter jobs with a focus on aerospace coatings. They have facilities in various locations, including Seattle, Washington, and Melbourne, Florida. Painters here work on projects for aerospace and defense industries.
How to earn more as a Painter?
Painters can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining specialized skills can lead to higher-paying jobs. For example, mastering techniques like faux finishes or decorative painting can open up opportunities for more lucrative projects. Second, obtaining certifications can boost credibility and command higher rates. Many professional organizations offer certifications that can enhance a painter's resume.
Networking plays a crucial role in earning more as a painter. Building relationships with contractors, architects, and interior designers can lead to referrals and repeat business. Attending industry events and joining local trade groups can also provide valuable connections. Third, investing in quality tools and materials can improve efficiency and the quality of work, allowing a painter to charge more for their services. Fourth, offering additional services such as pressure washing or drywall repair can diversify income streams. Finally, maintaining a professional online presence through a well-designed website and active social media can attract more clients and increase job opportunities.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a painter:
- Specialize in advanced painting techniques
- Obtain professional certifications
- Build a strong network of industry contacts
- Invest in high-quality tools and materials
- Offer additional related services



