How Much Does a Painter Cost in 2026?
Get a breakdown of typical painter costs including hourly rates, common job prices, and how costs vary by region. Use this guide to budget for your next project.
National Avg Hourly Rate
$35 – $80
Per hour, before regional adjustment
Most Affordable Job
$200 – $600
Drywall Repair & Paint
Most Expensive Job
$3,000 – $8,000
Exterior House Painting
Common Painter Jobs & Prices
| Job Type | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Room (12x12) | $300 | $800 | $550 |
| Full Interior (3-bed home) | $1,500 | $5,000 | $3,250 |
| Exterior House Painting | $3,000 | $8,000 | $5,500 |
| Cabinet Painting (kitchen) | $1,500 | $4,000 | $2,750 |
| Deck Staining | $500 | $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Drywall Repair & Paint | $200 | $600 | $400 |
Painter Costs by Region
Painter costs vary significantly by location. Here is how average hourly rates compare across different states.
| State | Cost Level | Adjusted Hourly Rate | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | High | $49 – $112 | Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento |
| NY | High | $47 – $108 | New York |
| DC | High | $46 – $104 | Washington |
| WA | High | $44 – $100 | Seattle |
| OR | Above Average | $40 – $92 | Portland |
| MD | Above Average | $40 – $92 | Baltimore |
| IL | Above Average | $39 – $88 | Chicago |
| CO | Above Average | $39 – $88 | Denver |
| PA | Average | $37 – $84 | Philadelphia, Pittsburgh |
| NV | Average | $37 – $84 | Las Vegas |
| MN | Average | $37 – $84 | Minneapolis |
| VA | Average | $37 – $84 | Richmond |
| FL | Average | $35 – $80 | Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando |
| TX | Average | $33 – $76 | Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso |
| AZ | Average | $33 – $76 | Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa |
| WI | Average | $33 – $76 | Milwaukee |
| GA | Average | $33 – $76 | Atlanta |
| UT | Average | $33 – $76 | Salt Lake City |
| OH | Below Average | $32 – $72 | Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati |
| NC | Below Average | $32 – $72 | Charlotte, Raleigh |
| TN | Below Average | $32 – $72 | Nashville, Memphis |
| MO | Below Average | $32 – $72 | Kansas City, St. Louis |
| LA | Below Average | $32 – $72 | New Orleans |
| IN | Below Average | $30 – $68 | Indianapolis |
| OK | Below Average | $30 – $68 | Oklahoma City |
| KY | Below Average | $30 – $68 | Louisville |
| NM | Below Average | $30 – $68 | Albuquerque |
| NE | Below Average | $30 – $68 | Omaha |
| AL | Below Average | $30 – $68 | Birmingham |
What Affects Painter Costs?
- Surface area and number of coats needed
- Surface condition and prep work required
- Paint quality and type (latex, oil, specialty)
- Height and accessibility of surfaces
How to Save on Painter Services
- Do your own prep work (moving furniture, taping, patching holes)
- Schedule painting during fall or winter for lower rates
- Buy your own paint during sales to save on materials
- Bundle interior and exterior painting for a package discount
Frequently Asked Questions About Painter Costs
How much does a painter cost per hour?
Painter rates typically range from $35 to $80 per hour at the national level. Your actual rate depends on your location, the complexity of the job, and the provider's experience level. Emergency and after-hours rates are usually 1.5x to 2x standard pricing.
Why do painter costs vary by region?
Labor costs, cost of living, licensing requirements, and local market competition all affect pricing. Cities in high-cost states like California and New York can see rates 30-40% higher than the national average, while areas in the Southeast and Midwest tend to run 10-15% below average.
How can I save money on painter services?
Do your own prep work (moving furniture, taping, patching holes) Schedule painting during fall or winter for lower rates Buy your own paint during sales to save on materials Bundle interior and exterior painting for a package discount
Should I choose the cheapest painter?
Not necessarily. The cheapest quote may cut corners, use lower-quality materials, or lack proper licensing and insurance. Instead, compare 3 or more quotes from verified professionals, check reviews and credentials, and look for the best value — a fair price from a trusted provider with a solid track record.
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