How much does a Painter make?
Painters play a vital role in many industries, from residential homes to commercial buildings. They use their skills to create beautiful and durable finishes. The average yearly salary for painters is around $45,174. This figure can vary based on experience and location.
Painters can earn different amounts depending on where they work and how much experience they have. For example, those in the top 10% of earners make over $71,000 a year. Most painters fall between $39,000 and $51,000 annually. This range shows that with more experience, painters can increase their earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Painter?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $76,409
In San Francisco, painting jobs offer a mix of commercial and residential work. Many painters find opportunities with prominent companies like Airbnb and Uber. The city's diverse architecture provides a variety of projects.
Find Painter jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $59,621
Los Angeles presents a vibrant market for painters. With a focus on both residential and commercial projects, painters can work for companies like Disney and Warner Bros. The city's warm climate allows for year-round work.
Find Painter jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $59,291
In Washington, DC, painters enjoy a steady demand for both government and private projects. Companies like Marriott and Hilton often need painting services. The city's historic buildings offer unique painting challenges.
Find Painter jobs in Washington, DC
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $58,189
Seattle offers a dynamic environment for painters. With a strong tech industry, companies like Amazon and Microsoft require painting services. The city's rainy climate means indoor work is common.
Find Painter jobs in Seattle, WA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $58,104
San Jose provides many painting opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors. Tech companies like Apple and Google create a steady demand. The city's mild weather allows for outdoor work most of the year.
Find Painter jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $57,872
Santa Rosa offers a mix of residential and commercial painting jobs. The city's wineries and vineyards create unique painting projects. Painters can work for companies like Charles Shaw and E&J Gallo.
Find Painter jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $57,545
Boston presents a rich market for painters. With many historic buildings, painters often work for companies like Harvard and MIT. The city's four-season climate offers diverse painting conditions.
Find Painter jobs in Boston, MA
-
Beaumont, TX
Average Salary: $57,334
In Beaumont, painters find opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors. The city's oil industry creates a steady demand for painting services. Painters can work for companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron.
Find Painter jobs in Beaumont, TX
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $56,778
Sacramento offers a variety of painting jobs in both residential and commercial areas. The city's government sector creates a steady demand. Painters can work for companies like the State of California and local businesses.
Find Painter jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Albany, NY
Average Salary: $56,511
Albany provides a mix of painting opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors. The city's government and educational institutions create a steady demand. Painters can work for companies like the State of New York and local universities.
Find Painter jobs in Albany, NY
What are the best companies a Painter can work for?

-
CollisionRight
Average Salary: $118,417
CollisionRight offers exciting opportunities for Painters. With locations across the country, this company provides a dynamic work environment. Painters here enjoy competitive pay and the chance to work on a variety of projects.
-
Boeing
Average Salary: $70,488
Boeing is a global leader in aerospace. Painters here work on high-profile projects. The company operates in several locations, offering a chance to work in different environments. Painters benefit from Boeing's strong reputation and benefits.
-
Kratos Defense
Average Salary: $64,009
Kratos Defense provides opportunities for Painters in the defense sector. The company has multiple locations, offering diverse projects. Painters here enjoy a stable work environment with good pay and benefits.
-
CarMax
Average Salary: $61,456
CarMax is a leading automotive retailer. Painters here work on vehicle refinishing. The company operates in many locations, offering a dynamic work environment. Painters benefit from CarMax's strong brand and employee benefits.
-
Broward County Public Schools
Average Salary: $60,673
Broward County Public Schools offers Painter jobs in educational facilities. The company operates in several locations, providing a stable work environment. Painters here enjoy good pay and benefits, along with the satisfaction of contributing to education.
-
ABM Industries Inc.
Average Salary: $58,589
ABM Industries Inc. provides Painter jobs in various industries. The company operates in many locations, offering diverse projects. Painters here benefit from ABM's strong reputation and comprehensive benefits.
-
Rent Ready
Average Salary: $58,533
Rent Ready offers Painter jobs in the real estate sector. The company operates in several locations, providing a dynamic work environment. Painters here enjoy good pay and the chance to work on a variety of projects.
-
CertaPro Painters
Average Salary: $57,630
CertaPro Painters specializes in painting services. The company operates in many locations, offering a chance to work on diverse projects. Painters here benefit from CertaPro's strong reputation and comprehensive benefits.
-
Gillmann Services
Average Salary: $57,625
Gillmann Services offers Painter jobs in various industries. The company operates in several locations, providing a stable work environment. Painters here enjoy good pay and benefits, along with the satisfaction of contributing to quality work.
-
CBRE
Average Salary: $55,997
CBRE is a global leader in commercial real estate. Painters here work on a variety of projects. The company operates in many locations, offering a dynamic work environment. Painters benefit from CBRE's strong reputation and comprehensive benefits.
How to earn more as a Painter?
Painters can enhance their earnings through various strategies. Focusing on specialized skills can open up higher-paying opportunities. For example, mastering techniques like faux finishes or decorative painting can attract clients willing to pay more for unique looks. Another way to increase income is by expanding the range of services offered. This could include offering wallpaper installation, drywall repair, or even carpentry. Taking on larger projects can also lead to higher earnings. Securing contracts for commercial spaces or large residential renovations can significantly boost income.
Networking and building a strong reputation can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay. Painters who actively participate in local trade associations or online forums can connect with potential clients and employers. Investing in quality tools and materials can improve efficiency and the quality of work. This can lead to more satisfied clients who are willing to pay a premium for reliable and professional service. Finally, obtaining certifications or additional training can make a painter more competitive in the job market. Certifications in areas like lead-safe painting or eco-friendly painting techniques can set a painter apart and justify higher rates.
Consider these factors to increase earnings as a painter:
- Specialize in advanced techniques
- Expand service offerings
- Take on larger projects
- Network and build a reputation
- Invest in quality tools and training