How much does a Painter make?
Painters create beautiful artwork and finish surfaces, making their work important in many fields. The average yearly salary for painters stands at $45,553. This means that, on average, painters earn a good income for their talent and skills. Let's look at how salaries can vary among painters.
Painting jobs can have different pay levels. For instance, about 21.65% of painters earn between $39,324 and $43,985 yearly. This shows that many painters fall within this range. As painters gain more experience and develop their skills, they can move up to higher pay brackets. A small percentage of painters, about 1.15%, earn above $71,956 yearly. This highlights that top-performing painters have the chance to earn significantly more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Painter?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $84,335
Working in San Francisco offers exciting opportunities in a vibrant city known for its diverse culture and historic architecture. Skilled professionals can find work with prominent companies such as SF Painting & Restoration, enhancing their career with high-quality projects.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $67,696
Los Angeles presents a dynamic environment for those in the painting industry. With a growing population and numerous construction projects, painters can work with leading firms like Dream Painting, contributing to the city’s beauty and charm.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $61,047
Seattle’s wet climate and historic landmarks create a steady demand for painters. Companies such as Seattle Painting Co. offer opportunities to beautify the city’s diverse architecture, making it an appealing place for this profession.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $60,282
In Washington, DC, painters enjoy a blend of historic and modern projects. With iconic buildings needing regular maintenance, working with companies like DC Painting Solutions can be both rewarding and prestigious.
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Ann Arbor, MI
Average Salary: $59,083
Ann Arbor offers a mix of residential and commercial painting jobs, providing variety and steady work. Local companies like Ann Arbor Painting Service cater to a community that values quality and aesthetics in its buildings.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $58,176
Sacramento provides a moderate climate and diverse opportunities for painters. Working with firms like Sacramento Interior Painters allows professionals to contribute to the city’s many residential and commercial projects.
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Beaumont, TX
Average Salary: $57,901
Beaumont offers a warm climate and a community that values local craftsmanship. Painters here can find work with local businesses like Beaumont Painting Services, enhancing the city’s appearance and property values.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $57,467
Chicago’s diverse architecture and large-scale projects create a robust market for painting services. Companies like Chicago Elite Painters offer numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to showcase their talent in a thriving city.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $57,151
Boston’s historic charm and bustling urban environment provide endless opportunities for painters. Working with firms like Boston Painting Pros allows for contributions to the city’s rich architectural heritage.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $57,035
San Jose’s tech-driven growth and beautiful landscapes create a steady demand for painting services. Local companies like San Jose Painting Co. offer diverse projects that cater to the needs of a dynamic community.
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What are the best companies a Painter can work for?

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CollisionRight
Average Salary: $117,091
CollisionRight hires painters for vehicle repair centers. They offer jobs across the United States. Painters work on restoring the look of damaged vehicles.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $77,973
Boeing has painter jobs in the Seattle area. Painters at Boeing work on both aircraft and facilities. They use specialized techniques and materials.
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CarMax
Average Salary: $63,632
CarMax needs painters to work in various locations across the country. They maintain the appearance of their car lots and stores. Painters handle both indoor and outdoor tasks.
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CBRE
Average Salary: $61,425
CBRE offers painter jobs in cities around the world. Painters work on commercial properties, ensuring they look their best. They often handle large projects.
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JLL
Average Salary: $58,974
JLL provides painter jobs in many major cities. Painters work on office buildings, hotels, and residential properties. They focus on both new construction and maintenance.
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Macy's
Average Salary: $58,185
Macy's employs painters in many of its store locations. Painters work to keep the interior and exterior of stores looking fresh. They handle various painting tasks.
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Hilton
Average Salary: $57,424
Hilton hires painters for its hotels across the globe. Painters maintain the look of guest rooms and public areas. They ensure a welcoming environment for guests.
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Aimbridge Hospitality
Average Salary: $56,258
Aimbridge Hospitality offers painter jobs in many cities. Painters work on hotels and other properties. They focus on both new projects and repairs.
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International Aerospace Coatings
Average Salary: $56,000
International Aerospace Coatings hires painters in the Seattle area. Painters work on aircraft, ensuring they have the right coatings. They use specialized materials and techniques.
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Handyman Connection
Average Salary: $55,873
Handyman Connection provides painter jobs in many locations. Painters work on residential and commercial properties. They handle a variety of painting tasks for clients.
How to earn more as a Painter?
Painters can enhance their earnings by focusing on key areas that boost their skills and marketability. Attention to detail, clean finishes, and the ability to manage time effectively can set a painter apart. Expanding the range of skills can open doors to more lucrative opportunities.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a painter:
- Certifications and Training: Completing courses in specialized painting techniques can increase earning potential. Certifications show a commitment to quality and professionalism.
- Experience and Reputation: Gaining experience leads to better techniques and faster work. A strong reputation attracts more clients and often higher pay.
- Networking: Building relationships with other professionals can lead to job referrals. Word-of-mouth recommendations can bring in repeat business.
- Specialized Skills: Learning to work with different materials, such as murals or decorative finishes, can command higher rates. Specialization allows a painter to cater to niche markets.
- Business Skills: Managing a painting business well involves good marketing, invoicing, and customer service. These skills ensure a steady flow of work and can lead to higher profits.



