Painter Salaries
How much does a Painter make?
Painters play a vital role in many industries, from residential homes to commercial buildings. They prepare surfaces and apply paint to create a smooth, attractive finish. The salary for painters can vary based on experience and location. On average, a painter earns around $44,848 per year. This figure can change depending on several factors.
Painters with more experience often earn higher salaries. Entry-level painters might start at the lower end of the salary range, around $31,000. As they gain experience, their earnings can increase. Experienced painters can earn up to $75,000 or more annually. Location also affects earnings. Painters in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living may earn more. Those in rural areas might earn less. Other factors, such as the type of work and the size of the projects, can also impact a painter's salary.
What are the highest paying cities for a Painter?

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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $57,946
In Boston, skilled artists find many opportunities in the vibrant art scene. With historic landmarks and modern buildings, there is a steady demand for painting services. Companies like Boston Properties and Beacon Capital Partners often seek professionals for their properties.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $57,904
San Jose offers a dynamic environment for those in the painting industry. The tech boom has led to many new constructions and renovations. Firms like Cisco Systems and VMware frequently need painting services for their offices.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $57,685
Washington, DC, provides a rich tapestry of opportunities for painters. The city's historic buildings and government offices require regular maintenance. Companies like General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin often seek painting professionals.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $57,111
Seattle's scenic beauty and thriving tech industry create a steady demand for painting services. The city's iconic landmarks and modern buildings need regular upkeep. Firms like Amazon and Microsoft are prominent employers in the area.
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Beaumont, TX
Average Salary: $56,942
Beaumont offers a stable environment for painters, with opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors. The city's industrial background means many factories and warehouses need painting services. Companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron often seek professionals.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $55,928
Los Angeles provides a vibrant market for painting services, with opportunities in both the entertainment and commercial sectors. The city's diverse architecture and numerous construction projects create a steady demand. Firms like Disney and Warner Bros. often need painting services.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $54,551
Sacramento offers a balanced mix of residential and commercial painting opportunities. The city's government buildings and historic sites require regular maintenance. Companies like the State of California and various federal agencies often seek professionals.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $54,316
Santa Rosa provides a pleasant environment for painters, with opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors. The city's wineries and historic buildings create a steady demand for painting services. Local businesses and wineries often seek professionals.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $54,048
Bend offers a serene environment for painters, with opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors. The city's natural beauty and growing tech industry create a steady demand for painting services. Companies like Autodesk and various tech startups often seek professionals.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $67,524
San Francisco provides a dynamic market for painting services, with opportunities in both the tech and tourism sectors. The city's iconic landmarks and modern buildings require regular upkeep. Firms like Google and Salesforce often seek painting professionals.
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What are the best companies a Painter can work for?

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CollisionRight
Average Salary: $113,500
CollisionRight offers exciting opportunities for Painters. They work on a variety of vehicles, ensuring they look their best. They operate across the United States, providing a wide range of locations for Painters to work.
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US Department of Veterans Affairs
Average Salary: $72,817
The US Department of Veterans Affairs provides stable and rewarding Painter jobs. Painters here work on important facilities, ensuring they are well-maintained. They operate nationwide, offering many locations for Painters to work.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $68,785
Boeing offers Painter jobs with a focus on aircraft. Painters here work on cutting-edge technology, ensuring the planes look great. They operate in various locations, including Seattle, Washington, and other key areas.
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Budget Suites of America
Average Salary: $64,333
Budget Suites of America provides Painter jobs for their properties. Painters here focus on making the spaces look inviting. They operate in many locations across the United States, offering diverse opportunities.
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Broward County Public Schools
Average Salary: $60,645
Broward County Public Schools offers Painter jobs for their schools. Painters here work on making the learning environment pleasant. They operate in Broward County, Florida, providing a stable work environment.
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ABM Industries Inc.
Average Salary: $59,987
ABM Industries Inc. provides Painter jobs for various facilities. Painters here work on a wide range of projects, ensuring they meet high standards. They operate in many locations across the United States.
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CarMax
Average Salary: $59,941
CarMax offers Painter jobs for their auto dealerships. Painters here focus on making the showrooms look great. They operate in many locations across the United States, providing diverse opportunities.
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CertaPro Painters
Average Salary: $57,120
CertaPro Painters provides Painter jobs for residential and commercial projects. Painters here work on a variety of projects, ensuring they meet high standards. They operate in many locations across the United States.
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District Council #4
Average Salary: $56,455
District Council #4 offers Painter jobs for their facilities. Painters here work on maintaining the buildings and ensuring they look great. They operate in various locations, providing stable opportunities.
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Rent Ready
Average Salary: $56,289
Rent Ready provides Painter jobs for their rental properties. Painters here focus on making the spaces look inviting. They operate in many locations across the United States, offering diverse opportunities.
How to earn more as a Painter?
Painters can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining experience and building a strong portfolio can help attract higher-paying clients. Experienced painters often have a reputation for quality work, which can justify higher rates. Second, specializing in a niche such as commercial or residential painting can also lead to higher pay. Specialization allows painters to market themselves as experts in a specific area, making them more valuable to clients.
Another way to earn more is by obtaining certifications and licenses. Many employers prefer or require painters to have certain certifications, such as those for spray painting or lead-safe work practices. These certifications can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Additionally, investing in quality tools and equipment can improve efficiency and the quality of work, leading to higher pay. Finally, networking with other professionals and building a strong client base can lead to more job opportunities and higher rates. Word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews can also help painters secure more lucrative jobs.
Here are some factors that can help painters earn more:
- Gain experience and build a strong portfolio.
- Specialize in a niche such as commercial or residential painting.
- Obtain certifications and licenses.
- Invest in quality tools and equipment.
- Network with other professionals and build a strong client base.