
Painting a room can be a tedious task, and hiring a professional painter can save you time and effort. The cost of painting a room varies depending on several factors, including room size, ceiling height, paint type, and labour cost. The average cost of painting a room ranges from $150 to $2000, with labour costs accounting for a significant portion of the total expense. Painting contractors typically charge by the hour or per square foot, and rates differ based on location and the complexity of the job. Understanding these factors can help homeowners estimate the cost of painting a room and make informed decisions when hiring a professional painter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost to paint a room | $624 |
| Average cost to paint a room (DIY) | $150 to $300 |
| Average cost to paint a room (professional) | $300 to $1,000 |
| Average cost to paint a room (professional) including ceiling and trim | $600 to $2,000 |
| Average cost to paint a bedroom | $320 to $2,400 |
| Average cost to paint a bedroom including ceiling and trim | $640 to $4,800 |
| Average cost to paint a living room | $600 to $2,000 |
| Average cost to paint a bathroom | $250 to $650 |
| Average cost to paint a kitchen | $150 to $250 |
| Average cost per square foot | $1.50 to $4.69 |
| Average labor cost per square foot | $1 to $3 |
| Average labor cost per hour | $20 to $50 |
| Average labor cost per day | $312 to $436 |
| Average cost of paint per gallon | $64 |
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What You'll Learn

Cost of hiring a professional painter vs. DIY
The cost of painting a room varies depending on factors such as the room's size, the type of paint used, the number of coats required, and the local cost of living. On average, it costs between $215 and $505 to paint the walls of a 12 x 12 foot room, with the price increasing to $430 to $575 if you include the trim, baseboards, and ceiling.
When hiring a professional painter, you pay for their experience and expertise. Painters typically charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $20 to $50 per hour, or they may charge a flat rate based on the square footage of the room. The average cost to hire a painter is $468 per day in the United States, but this can vary depending on their skill level and experience. More experienced painters may charge higher rates, but they often work faster and produce higher-quality results.
If you decide to paint the room yourself (DIY), you will only need to incur the material costs, which can be relatively low. Paint brushes, rollers, trays, tape, and drop cloths are necessary for a DIY paint job, and these materials typically cost around $50 or less. However, there are also hidden costs associated with DIY projects. For example, if you make a mistake, you will have to bear the cost of fixing it, and you may end up spending more on paint for touch-ups or additional coats. Additionally, DIY projects require your time and effort, which some people may prefer to outsource to professionals.
Hiring a professional painter offers several advantages. Firstly, they will complete the job efficiently and correctly, and their work is often guaranteed or insured. Secondly, you can relax and let them handle the work while avoiding the potential frustrations and hardships of painting. Finally, professional painters can sometimes obtain paint at discounted contractor rates, which can result in significant savings.
In contrast, DIY painting can be a cost-effective option if you are confident in your skills and have the time to dedicate to the project. It allows you to save on labour costs, which can be substantial, especially for larger rooms or those with high ceilings.
Ultimately, the decision between hiring a professional painter and doing it yourself depends on your budget, time constraints, and preference for undertaking DIY projects.
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Cost of labour
The cost of labour for painting a room varies depending on several factors, including the location, the size of the room, the complexity of the job, and the paint type.
Location
The cost of hiring a professional painter can vary depending on your location. For example, in California, the cost of painting a room is twice as high as the national average due to the higher cost of living. Painting contractors in large metropolitan areas also tend to charge higher rates.
Room Size and Ceiling Height
The larger the room, the more labour is required to paint it, which will increase the cost. Ceiling height also plays a significant factor in labour costs. Higher ceilings increase the wall surface area, requiring additional equipment and safety measures, which can increase the labour cost by 10% to 50% or more.
Complexity of the Job
The complexity of the job can also impact labour costs. For example, a room with intricate moulding, detailed trim, or an irregular shape will likely cost more to paint than a standard rectangular room. Additionally, if you have oversized furniture that requires additional workers to move, this can increase the labour cost.
Paint Type
The type of paint used can also affect labour costs. For example, textured walls or decorative finishes may require more labour and be more expensive than a basic paint job.
Hourly Rates and Square Footage
Painters typically charge by the hour or based on square footage. The hourly rate for a professional painter can range from $20 to $50 per hour, while a handyman may charge between $20 and $40 per hour. On a per-square-foot basis, labour costs can range from $1 to $6 per square foot, with basic painting jobs starting at $1.50 to $3 per square foot and textured walls or decorative finishes costing $2 to $4 per square foot.
Overall, the labour cost to paint a room can range from $150 to $2,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. It is always recommended to get multiple quotes from painting contractors to compare pricing and find the best option for your needs.
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Cost of paint
The cost of paint varies depending on the brand, type, and quality. A gallon of paint can cost anywhere from $16 to $64, depending on the sheen and quality. High-quality paint with a higher gloss finish tends to be pricier, ranging from $96 to $148 for two gallons. If you're looking for designer paint, expect to pay a premium for the quality and vibrancy.
The amount of paint you need will depend on the size of the room and the number of coats required. A gallon of paint typically covers 300 to 400 square feet. For major color changes, you may need at least 3 to 5 gallons of paint. If you have an accent wall or an additional color, you'll likely need another gallon or two.
If you're hiring a professional painter, they may be able to purchase paint at a discounted rate, so it's worth discussing this option with your contractor.
Additionally, consider the cost of any preparation work, such as taping the walls and gathering supplies, as well as the cost of primer if you're painting over a different color or need to protect the surface.
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Cost of preparation work
The cost of preparation work is an important consideration when budgeting for painting a room. This includes the cost of materials, taping the walls, and getting supplies ready. The cost of paint varies depending on the brand, type, sheen, and quantity required. For example, the price of two gallons of paint can range from $96 to $148, and each additional accent wall or colour typically requires another gallon or two. High-gloss paint sheens tend to be pricier than matte or eggshell finishes.
Additionally, the cost of labour for preparation work should be considered. This includes the time spent by the contractor on tasks such as moving furniture and covering large items to protect them from paint splatters. The cost of labour varies depending on the location, with metropolitan areas and states with a higher cost of living typically being more expensive. Painters usually charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $20 to $50 per hour, or they may charge a flat rate based on the square footage of the room. The complexity of the job, such as high ceilings or a complicated floor plan, can also increase labour costs.
To estimate the cost of preparation work, it is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple painting contractors and compare pricing. The total cost of painting a room includes both the materials and labour, so it is essential to factor in all aspects of the project when budgeting.
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Cost based on room type
The cost of painting a room can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the room, the type of room, the location, and the desired quality of paint.
Small rooms
Small box rooms or small bedrooms typically range from £195-£225 to paint. For context, a small room measures around 8m². The cost of painting a small room can increase if you also want to paint the trim (skirting boards). This will cost around £50 for a small room and £125 for a larger room.
Medium-sized rooms
For a medium-sized bedroom or a regular 4m by 3m room, you can expect to pay between £300-£400. The average cost to paint a medium-sized room (18m²) is £450, including trade paint.
Large rooms
A large living room may cost around £400-£500 to paint. The cost of painting a large room will increase if there are additional features such as high ceilings, windows, doors, or mouldings.
Staircases
Staircases are particularly tricky to paint and can be time-consuming. The cost to paint a staircase ranges from £350 to £450 for the professional painting and priming of a 63.5 m² staircase.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms tend to be simpler projects, with costs averaging between £150 to £600. However, the rate is higher if you're revamping a master bathroom.
Kitchens
Kitchens are also relatively easy to paint due to the cabinetry.
Exterior painting
The cost of exterior painting will depend on the size and type of property. For a two-storey, three-bedroom house, the average cost of exterior painting is £850. For a 3-bed semi-detached property, the average cost is £1,300. An exterior door repaint typically costs £200 and takes between 2 and 4 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of painting a room varies depending on several factors, including room size, ceiling height, paint type, and whether you're hiring a professional or doing it yourself. On average, painting a room can cost anywhere from $150 to $4,000, with professional labour costs ranging from $20 to $50 per hour.
The cost of hiring a professional painter varies depending on their experience and location. Painters typically charge by the hour or per square foot. Hourly rates can range from $20 to $50, while per square foot rates can be anywhere from $1 to $6. Some painters may also charge a minimum project fee, which can range from $250 to $500.
Here are a few tips to save money when painting a room:
- Do it yourself: A low-cost, DIY painting project in a small room can sometimes be completed for less than $20.
- Choose the right time: Painting rates are often more competitive during the fall and winter, so consider scheduling your project during these seasons.
- Compare quotes: Get multiple quotes from different contractors and compare pricing before deciding.
- Skip the designer materials: Designer paints can cost much more, so consider opting for standard options.
- Purchase paint through your contractor: Contractors can sometimes buy paint at a lower price, so ask your contractor to purchase the paint to save on costs.











































