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Salary

How much does a Painter make?

The average salary for a Painter is $45,287 per year in the US.

Painters play a vital role in creating beautiful and functional spaces. They work in various settings, from homes to commercial buildings. The average yearly salary for a painter is around $45,287. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of work they do.


Painters often start with lower earnings, but as they gain experience, they can see their salary increase. For example, those in the top 10% of earners make over $72,000 per year. Factors like working in a high-cost area or specializing in complex projects can also boost earnings. Many painters find satisfaction in their work, knowing they contribute to making spaces look great and feel welcoming.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Painter?

Painters in San Francisco, CA, enjoy the highest average salary among these cities. With an average salary of $75,227, it offers a lucrative opportunity for skilled professionals. Los Angeles, CA, and San Jose, CA, follow closely, providing competitive wages for those in the trade.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Painter jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $75,227 and Albany, NY with the lowest at $56,584.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $75,227
    In San Francisco, a city known for its vibrant culture, working as a painter offers many opportunities. The tech boom and construction projects create a steady demand for skilled painters. Companies like Gensler and DPR Construction often seek professionals for their projects.
    Find Painter jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $61,484
    Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for painters. The city's film industry and extensive residential areas mean there is always a need for painting services. Firms like AECOM and Clark Construction Group frequently hire painters for their diverse projects.
    Find Painter jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $59,025
    San Jose, a hub for technology and innovation, offers many opportunities for painters. The tech industry's growth leads to numerous construction and renovation projects. Companies like AECOM and Clark Construction often look for skilled painters.
    Find Painter jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $58,749
    In Washington, DC, working as a painter means being part of a historic and ever-evolving city. The government sector and numerous renovations create a steady demand for painters. Firms like AECOM and Clark Construction Group often seek professionals for their projects.
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  5. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $58,640
    Santa Rosa offers a balanced lifestyle for painters, with a mix of residential and commercial projects. The city's growth and focus on maintaining its charm provide steady work. Local companies often hire painters for their diverse needs.
    Find Painter jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $58,511
    Seattle's vibrant and dynamic environment offers many opportunities for painters. The city's tech industry and extensive residential areas mean there is always a need for painting services. Companies like AECOM and Clark Construction Group frequently hire painters.
    Find Painter jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $57,824
    Sacramento provides a steady demand for painters due to its growing population and numerous construction projects. The city's blend of urban and suburban areas offers diverse opportunities. Local firms often seek skilled painters for their projects.
    Find Painter jobs in Sacramento, CA


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $57,705
    Boston offers a rich history and diverse opportunities for painters. The city's historic architecture and modern developments create a steady demand for painting services. Companies like AECOM and Clark Construction Group often hire painters.
    Find Painter jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $57,049
    Providence offers a mix of historic charm and modern growth, providing many opportunities for painters. The city's focus on preserving its heritage and developing new areas creates a steady demand for painting services. Local firms often seek skilled painters.
    Find Painter jobs in Providence, RI


  10. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $56,584
    Albany provides a mix of historic and modern opportunities for painters. The city's government sector and residential areas mean there is always a need for painting services. Local companies often hire painters for their diverse projects.
    Find Painter jobs in Albany, NY

What are the best companies a Painter can work for?

Painters looking for top-paying jobs can find excellent opportunities with CollisionRight, Boeing, and CarMax. CollisionRight offers an average salary of $120,091, making it the highest-paying company on this list. Boeing and CarMax also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $73,080 and $61,818, respectively. Other notable companies include Broward County Public Schools, Rent Ready, and Gillmann Services. These companies also offer attractive salaries for painters, ranging from $60,673 to $57,176. Job seekers with painting skills have many good options to consider.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Painter jobs, highlighting CollisionRight with the highest at $120,091 and CertaPro Painters with the lowest at $55,786.
  1. CollisionRight
    Average Salary: $120,091
    CollisionRight offers exciting opportunities for Painters. They focus on vehicle repair and restoration. Painters work in various locations across the United States, ensuring high-quality finishes on cars.


  2. Boeing
    Average Salary: $73,080
    Boeing provides Painter jobs with a focus on aerospace. Painters work in locations like Seattle, Washington, and other key areas. They contribute to the finishing touches on aircraft.


  3. CarMax
    Average Salary: $61,818
    CarMax offers Painter jobs in automotive retail. Painters work in multiple locations across the country. They ensure vehicles look their best for customers.


  4. Broward County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $60,673
    Broward County Public Schools provides Painter jobs for school facilities. Painters work in Broward County, Florida. They help maintain and improve school environments.


  5. Rent Ready
    Average Salary: $59,138
    Rent Ready offers Painter jobs for rental properties. Painters work in various locations. They ensure rental units are ready for tenants.


  6. Gillmann Services
    Average Salary: $57,176
    Gillmann Services provides Painter jobs for commercial and residential properties. Painters work in multiple locations. They focus on high-quality finishes for clients.


  7. JLL
    Average Salary: $56,658
    JLL offers Painter jobs in commercial real estate. Painters work in various locations. They contribute to the aesthetic appeal of commercial spaces.


  8. CBRE
    Average Salary: $56,207
    CBRE provides Painter jobs for commercial properties. Painters work in multiple locations. They ensure properties meet high standards.


  9. Handyman Connection
    Average Salary: $56,096
    Handyman Connection offers Painter jobs for residential properties. Painters work in various locations. They focus on delivering quality painting services to homeowners.


  10. CertaPro Painters
    Average Salary: $55,786
    CertaPro Painters provides Painter jobs for residential and commercial properties. Painters work in multiple locations. They specialize in interior and exterior painting.

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. This includes mastering techniques like stucco application, faux finishes, or commercial painting. Second, obtaining certifications can boost credibility and open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Look for certifications from recognized organizations such as the National Paint Contractors Association. Third, building a strong portfolio showcases your best work and can attract clients willing to pay more for quality. Fourth, networking with other professionals can lead to referrals and larger projects. Finally, investing in quality tools and materials can improve efficiency and the quality of your work, leading to higher pay.

Another way to earn more as a painter involves expanding your service offerings. Many painters limit themselves to residential work, but offering commercial services can significantly increase income. Commercial projects often pay more and offer more stability. Additionally, expanding into related services like drywall repair or stain removal can provide extra income. Painters who take the time to learn about these additional services can command higher rates. Finally, maintaining a professional image and providing excellent customer service can lead to repeat business and higher-paying contracts. A reputation for reliability and quality work can make a big difference in earning potential.

Here are some key factors to consider for increasing earnings as a painter:

  1. Gain specialized skills and certifications.
  2. Build a strong portfolio to showcase your work.
  3. Network with other professionals for referrals.
  4. Invest in quality tools and materials.
  5. Expand service offerings to include commercial and related services.

Currently 1,140 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.
Position
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Painter
1,140 Job Openings