Painter wages by state
— Painter wages by state
Painters give buildings their finished look while protecting surfaces from wear, weather, and time. Skilled painters help turn unfinished spaces into places people can use and enjoy — and where you work can influence what you earn. See which states pay painters the most, explore wages across the country, and drill into your state for an exact number.
Top-paying states for painters
— Highest paying markets
These are statewide averages across different experience levels — from entry-level painters to experienced professionals, all blended together. They don't reflect your years of experience, specialization, or sector. For your actual number, run it through the wage calculator.
01
California
$28–$38/hr
Strong residential and commercial construction demand
02
New York
$27–$37/hr
Large construction markets and strong union presence
03
Washington
$26–$36/hr
Active commercial development and renovation projects
Massachusetts
$25–$35/hr
Strong demand across construction and property renovation
04
Find carpenter pay in your state
— All 48 states
Rates shown are statewide averages for painters. Select any state for the full breakdown and a personalized calculator.
Every rate below is a single statewide average — it does not account for your years of experience, specialization, or sector. Click into your state and use the calculator there to get your real number.
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What drives Painter pay state to state
Painter wages vary by state based on construction activity, local demand, project type, and the mix of residential, commercial, and industrial work. Areas with strong development and renovation activity can create more opportunities for skilled painters.
Experience with interior and exterior finishes, spray application, surface preparation, and specialized coatings can also influence earning potential. Union representation, project size, and specialized industrial work may further affect pay.
Use the calculator on any state page to see how your experience, specialization, and sector can affect your rate.
Don't guess your rate — calculate it.
Get a personalized pay range based on your state, experience, specialization, and sector, then create a free profile to get matched with contractors hiring painters near you