Lena Rivera
As of July 2025, the average hourly pay for a painter in the United States is $21.82. However, this varies depending on skill level, location, and years of experience. For example, an entry-level painter with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average of $14.51 per hour, while an early-career painter with 1-4 years of experience can make an average of $17.91 per hour. On the other hand, professional painters who are hired by the hour can charge anywhere from $22 to $121 per hour, depending on factors such as the type of painting and the local market.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average hourly pay for a painter in the United States | $21.82 |
| Highest hourly wage | $33.89 |
| Lowest hourly wage | $11.78 |
| Average hourly pay range | $17.55 - $24.04 |
| Average painter's cost of labor | $22 - $43 |
| Average hourly pay for an artist painter | $24.65 |
| Highest hourly wage for an artist painter | $40.38 |
| Lowest hourly wage for an artist painter | $9.13 |
| Average hourly pay range for an artist painter | $17.55 - $27.88 |
| Average yearly salary for a painter | $45,394 |
| Average yearly salary for an artist painter | $51,263 |
| Entry-level painter average hourly pay | $14.51 |
| Early-career painter average hourly pay | $17.91 |
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What You'll Learn
Average painter's hourly pay in the US
As of July 2025, the average hourly pay for painters in the United States is $21.82 per hour. However, this figure can vary greatly depending on skill level, location, and years of experience. For example, the average hourly wage for a painter in Ashburn, Virginia is $22 per hour, which is 22.60% higher than the national average. On the other hand, the average painter in Chicago, Illinois makes around $25 per hour, which is 30.139% higher than the national average.
The average hourly rate for painters can also differ depending on the industry. For instance, painters in the energy industry earn an average of $45,790 per year, while painters in the finance industry make an average of $45,118 per year. In contrast, painters in the education industry have an average annual salary of $39,748, the lowest of any industry.
Experience also plays a crucial factor in determining a painter's hourly wage. Entry-level painters with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $14.51, while early-career painters with 1-4 years of experience can make an average of $17.91 per hour.
It is worth noting that some painters choose to charge by the job rather than by the hour, and their rates can vary depending on factors such as the cost of materials, labour budget, and production rate.
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Pay variance based on skill, location, experience
The average hourly pay for painters varies depending on several factors, including skill level, location, and experience.
Skill
The pay rate for painters can differ based on their skill level and the complexity of the job. Specialty painting, such as murals and trompe l'oeil, typically demands higher rates, ranging from $50 to $150 per square foot. Painters with advanced skills and the ability to handle complex projects can charge more for their services.
Location
Location also plays a significant role in determining the hourly pay for painters. Painters in high-cost urban areas tend to charge higher rates compared to those in smaller towns or rural regions. For example, painters in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Philadelphia are likely to have higher average hourly rates than painters in less populous areas.
Experience
Experience is another critical factor influencing pay variance. Entry-level painters with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average hourly rate of around $14.51, while early-career painters with 1-4 years of experience may earn approximately $17.91 per hour. As painters gain more experience and progress into mid-career and senior roles, their earning potential increases accordingly.
Additionally, painters who take on supervisory or managerial roles, overseeing junior painters, can also command higher salaries. Their experience and expertise in managing projects and teams contribute to their increased earning potential.
It is worth noting that factors such as productivity, type of paint job (interior vs. exterior), and seasonality can also impact the hourly pay for painters. Painters with higher productivity rates can charge more per hour, and exterior painting jobs may be subject to seasonal variations, with higher rates during cold or wet seasons.
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Painter vs. artist painter pay
The average hourly pay for a painter varies depending on factors such as skill level, location, and experience. In the United States, the average hourly rate for a painter ranges from $14.51 for entry-level painters to $30.44 for highly skilled painters. Some sources state that the average painter's labor cost is between $22 and $43 per hour, while another source reports an average hourly rate of $21.82 for professional painters.
When it comes to artist painters, the pay structure can be quite different. Artist painters, or simply artists, create works of art using various media, including paint. They may sell their paintings to museums, at art shows, or through commissions from private buyers. While some artists may charge by the hour, their rates can vary widely depending on their reputation, the demand for their work, and the medium they use. For example, a well-known artist painter may command higher prices for their work and may not need to rely on hourly rates.
The distinction between a painter and an artist painter is primarily in the nature of their work. Painters typically work in construction, painting houses, buildings, or other structures, and their pay is usually based on hourly rates or project-based fees. On the other hand, artist painters create works of fine art and may have more variable income depending on their career stage and the demand for their artwork.
Additionally, the cost of materials can also impact the overall pay for both painters and artist painters. Painters may need to factor in the cost of paint, which can range from $50 to $90 per gallon, depending on the brand and quality. Artist painters, especially those working in oil painting, may also incur significant material costs, including canvases, paint, brushes, and other art supplies.
In summary, the pay for painters and artist painters can vary widely depending on various factors such as skill, location, experience, and the nature of their work. Painters typically charge by the hour or project, while artist painters may have more variable income depending on the demand for their artwork and their career stage.
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Self-employed painter rates
The rates for self-employed painters can vary depending on several factors, including skill level, location, experience, and the type of painting services offered.
On average, painters in the United States earn between $14.74 and $30.44 per hour, with the average hourly rate being $21.82. However, some sources suggest that the average hourly rate for painters is around $22 to $43, or even as high as $66 per hour. This variation in reported averages may be due to factors such as the inclusion or exclusion of taxes and overhead costs, as well as the specific skills and services offered by the painter.
Location also plays a significant role in determining self-employed painter rates. For example, painters in certain cities like Nome, AK, Berkeley, CA, and Redwood City, CA, earn salaries above the national average. Additionally, rural and urban regions can have vastly different labor rates, with some sources stating that exterior painters earn an average of $50 per hour.
The type of painting service provided also influences rates. Specialty painting work, such as interior painting, cabinet refinishing, or stucco, can cost significantly more than standard painting services, with rates ranging from $66 to $121 per hour. Interior painting, in particular, tends to be more expensive than exterior painting due to the higher level of skill and attention to detail required.
Experience is another critical factor in determining self-employed painter rates. Painters with fewer than five years of experience typically charge less, with daily rates ranging from $231 to $648. In contrast, more experienced painters can command higher rates due to their efficiency and ability to complete projects in less time.
Self-employed painters have the advantage of being able to maximize their income by taking on multiple jobs, but they also need to manage their expenses, including fuel, materials, equipment, and insurance. They can also increase their rates over time by gaining experience, honing their skills, and establishing a good reputation.
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Painter job market
The painter job market is quite diverse, with painters working in various disciplines, including construction, house painting, and creating fine art. As of July 2025, the average hourly pay for painters in the United States is $21.82, with wages ranging from $11.78 to $33.89. However, the pay rate varies significantly depending on skill level, location, and experience. For instance, an entry-level painter with less than a year of experience can expect an average hourly wage of $14.51, while a painter with 1-4 years of experience can earn around $17.91.
Location is another critical factor influencing the painter job market. The national average salary for painters is $45,394, but certain cities offer higher wages. For example, Ione, CA, Two Rivers, WI, and Nome, AK, provide salaries above the national average, with Nome, AK, offering 24.0% more than the average. Additionally, specific roles within the painting profession, such as Paint Manager and Painting Project Manager, often pay significantly more than the average painter position.
The painter job market also includes artist painters, who have a slightly different pay structure. As of July 2025, the average hourly wage for an artist painter in the US is $24.65, with wages ranging from $9.13 to $40.38. Chicago, IL, is a prominent location for artist painters, with an average hourly wage of $25, reflecting the potential for higher earnings based on location.
It is worth noting that some painters may charge by the project rather than by the hour, and rates can vary depending on factors such as qualifications, experience, and production rate. Painters may also need to consider the cost of materials, as the price of paint can significantly impact the overall cost of a project.
Overall, the painter job market offers a range of opportunities for advancement and increased pay, especially when considering factors such as skill level, location, and specialization within the field.
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Frequently asked questions
The average hourly pay for a painter in the United States is $21.82, as of July 2025. The hourly wages range from $11.78 to $33.89, with most painter wages falling between $17.55 and $24.04.
The average hourly pay for an artist painter in the United States is $24.65, as of July 2025. The hourly wages range from $9.13 to $40.38, with most artist painter wages falling between $17.55 and $27.88.
An entry-level painter with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average of $14.51 per hour. An early-career painter with 1-4 years of experience can expect an average of $17.91 per hour.
The salary of a painter varies across different cities and states. For example, Virginia ranks 17th out of 50 states for painter salaries, with an average hourly wage of $22. California and Alaska are states with cities that offer salaries above the national average.
