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How much does a Painter make?

The average salary for a Painter is $45,454 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Painter?

Painter jobs offer good pay in many cities. San Francisco, California, leads the way with the highest average salary at $78,493. Other top-paying cities include Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, and Seattle. Job seekers can find competitive wages in these locations. Los Angeles offers an average salary of $64,547, while Santa Rosa pays $60,755. Seattle painters earn an average of $59,919. These cities provide strong opportunities for those in the painting trade.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Painter jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $78,493 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $57,326.
  1. 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.
    Find Painter jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Painter jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Painter jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Painter jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. 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.
    Find Painter jobs in Sacramento, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Painter jobs in Washington, DC


  7. 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.
    Find Painter jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Painter jobs in Providence, RI


  9. 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.
    Find Painter jobs in Albany, NY


  10. 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.
    Find Painter jobs in Boston, MA

What are the best companies a Painter can work for?

Painters can find excellent opportunities with top-paying companies like CollisionRight, Boeing, and CarMax. CollisionRight offers an average salary of $120,091, making it a prime choice. Boeing and CarMax also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $75,651 and $61,945, respectively. Other notable companies include Gillmann Services, CBRE, and JLL, which offer salaries ranging from $58,231 to $56,421. Enerflex, Hilton, Skilled Trades Partners, and International Aerospace Coatings also provide attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Painter jobs, highlighting CollisionRight with the highest at $120,091 and International Aerospace Coatings with the lowest at $55,435.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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:

  1. Specialize in advanced painting techniques
  2. Obtain professional certifications
  3. Build a strong network of industry contacts
  4. Invest in high-quality tools and materials
  5. Offer additional related services

Currently 865 Painter job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Painter in the US?

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Painter
865 Job Openings