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Salary

How much does a Painter make?

The average salary for a Painter is $46,394 per year in the US.

Painters play a vital role in shaping the look of homes, offices, and commercial buildings. These skilled workers use brushes, rollers, and spray guns to apply paint or wallpaper. They can earn different amounts based on experience and location. Most painters make between $30,000 and $50,000 a year. About 22% of painters earn between $40,000 and $50,000 each year. Only a small number, around 1%, earn above $75,000 annually.


The average yearly salary for painters is about $46,394. This number can change based on several factors. Painters in larger cities often make more than those in smaller towns. The type of job, such as residential or commercial painting, can also affect earnings. Experienced painters who manage a team or specialize in specific finishes can earn more. Job seekers should look into local job postings to understand the salary range in their area.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Painter?

Painters in San Francisco and Los Angeles enjoy some of the highest salaries in the nation. In San Francisco, painters can earn an average of $85,317 per year, while in Los Angeles, the average salary is slightly lower at $72,256 annually. These cities offer many job opportunities and competitive pay for skilled painters. Other cities like Ann Arbor, Seattle, and Chicago also offer good salaries for painters, ranging from $64,464 to $60,907 per year. These areas provide solid employment options and attractive compensation packages for those in the painting profession.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Painter jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $85,317 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $57,871.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $85,317
    In San Francisco, individuals in the painting industry enjoy a thriving market with numerous residential and commercial projects. Companies like The Walt Disney Company and Chronicle Books offer diverse opportunities.
    Find Painter jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $72,256
    Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for painters with a focus on both urban and scenic projects. Prominent firms such as 24-7 Press Release and Entertainment Services offer various painting jobs.
    Find Painter jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $64,464
    Ann Arbor presents a unique market for painters, blending residential warmth with academic flair. Local businesses and universities create a steady demand for skilled painters.
    Find Painter jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $62,323
    Seattle's painters benefit from a robust market in both residential and commercial painting. Companies like Amazon and Starbucks offer diverse painting opportunities.
    Find Painter jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $60,907
    Chicago offers a vibrant painting industry with numerous opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors. Major companies like McDonald's and Kraft Heinz provide diverse painting jobs.
    Find Painter jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Beaumont, TX
    Average Salary: $60,715
    Beaumont offers a stable painting market with a mix of residential and commercial projects. Local businesses create a steady demand for painting services.
    Find Painter jobs in Beaumont, TX


  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $59,677
    Washington, DC provides a unique market for painters, with many opportunities in government buildings and historic structures. Prominent firms like Hilton and Marriott offer varied painting jobs.
    Find Painter jobs in Washington, DC


  8. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $58,956
    San Jose's painters enjoy a thriving market with many opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors. Companies like Apple and Cisco Systems offer diverse painting jobs.
    Find Painter jobs in San Jose, CA


  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $58,251
    Sacramento presents a steady market for painters, with opportunities in both residential and government projects. Local firms create a stable demand for skilled painters.
    Find Painter jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $57,871
    Boston offers a vibrant painting industry with numerous opportunities in both residential and historic commercial buildings. Companies like General Electric and Liberty Mutual offer diverse painting jobs.
    Find Painter jobs in Boston, MA

What are the best companies a Painter can work for?

Top-paying companies for painters often include industry leaders like Boeing, CarMax, and JLL. These companies provide competitive salaries and benefits, making them attractive options for skilled painters. Boeing leads the pack with an average salary of $81,797, followed closely by CarMax and JLL, offering diverse opportunities in various sectors.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Painter jobs, highlighting Boeing with the highest at $81,797 and Colorworks with the lowest at $54,083.
  1. Boeing
    Average Salary: $81,797
    Boeing offers exciting Painter jobs. They have locations around the world. Painters work on planes and facilities to ensure they look great. Painters at Boeing use high-quality materials and techniques.


  2. CarMax
    Average Salary: $64,164
    CarMax is a top company for Painter jobs. They have many stores across the United States. Painters at CarMax work on cars to make them look new. They pay close attention to details to ensure every car looks its best.


  3. JLL
    Average Salary: $62,866
    JLL offers Painter jobs with a focus on commercial spaces. They work in many cities across the country. Painters at JLL paint offices, malls, and other commercial buildings. They ensure the spaces are bright and welcoming.


  4. Hilton
    Average Salary: $59,171
    Hilton hotels need Painters to keep their properties looking great. They have hotels in many cities worldwide. Painters at Hilton work on rooms, public areas, and exteriors to ensure everything looks clean and fresh.


  5. Skilled Trades Partners
    Average Salary: $56,647
    Skilled Trades Partners hire Painters for various projects. They work in many locations. Painters here paint homes, offices, and commercial spaces. They use high-quality paints and materials to ensure lasting results.


  6. Handyman Connection
    Average Salary: $56,394
    Handyman Connection offers Painter jobs for residential and commercial properties. They have locations in many cities. Painters here work on homes, offices, and more. They focus on delivering quality work to meet customer needs.


  7. International Aerospace Coatings
    Average Salary: $56,000
    International Aerospace Coatings provides Painter jobs in the aerospace industry. They have offices in several locations. Painters here work on aircraft to ensure they are protected and look good. They use specialized coatings for this purpose.


  8. Korry Electronics
    Average Salary: $54,745
    Korry Electronics offers Painter jobs for manufacturing and assembly plants. They operate in many areas. Painters here ensure equipment and facilities are painted and maintained. They use high standards to keep everything in top condition.


  9. Tradesmen International
    Average Salary: $54,334
    Tradesmen International hires Painters for residential and commercial projects. They work in many locations. Painters here ensure homes and businesses look great. They focus on quality and customer satisfaction.


  10. Colorworks
    Average Salary: $54,083
    Colorworks offers Painter jobs for various projects. They have locations in many cities. Painters here work on homes, businesses, and more. They use a range of techniques and colors to meet customer needs.

How to earn more as a Painter?

Painting can be a rewarding job. However, the pay may vary. To earn more, a painter can focus on several key areas. These efforts can lead to higher income and job satisfaction.

First, gaining more experience leads to higher pay. Skilled painters who complete projects on time and to high standards often earn more. They can take on larger or more complex projects. They may also attract repeat business from satisfied clients. Second, specializing in a niche can also increase earnings. This could be in areas like residential, commercial, or decorative painting. Specializing allows a painter to market themselves as an expert in that area. This can command higher rates. Third, investing in quality tools and materials pays off. High-quality brushes, paints, and protective gear improve efficiency and finish. This can lead to better reviews and more work.

Fourth, expanding the client base through networking and referrals can boost income. Painters can attend local trade shows or join professional associations. They can also ask for referrals from satisfied customers. Fifth, maintaining a professional image can lead to higher pay. This means presenting a neat appearance, having a well-maintained vehicle, and providing detailed estimates and contracts. These practices can lead to more trust and repeat business.

To increase earnings as a painter, focus on these areas:

  • Gain more experience
  • Specialize in a niche
  • Invest in quality tools and materials
  • Expand the client base
  • Maintain a professional image

Currently 1,349 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.
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Painter
1,349 Job Openings