Cost GuideUpdated 2026Below Average Cost Area

How Much Does a Painter Cost in St. Louis, MO?

Get a breakdown of typical painter costs in St. Louis, Missouri including regionally-adjusted hourly rates, common job prices, and tips to save money on your next project.

St. Louis Avg Hourly Rate

$32 – $72

Per hour, adjusted for MO region

National Avg Hourly Rate

$35 – $80

Before regional adjustment

Regional Multiplier

0.90x

Missouri — Below Average

Common Painter Jobs & Prices in St. Louis

Prices below are adjusted for the St. Louis, MO area using a 0.90x regional multiplier.

Job TypeLowHighAverage
Interior Room (12x12)$270$720$495
Full Interior (3-bed home)$1,350$4,500$2,925
Exterior House Painting$2,700$7,200$4,950
Cabinet Painting (kitchen)$1,350$3,600$2,475
Deck Staining$450$1,350$900
Drywall Repair & Paint$180$540$360

St. Louis Regional Cost Context

St. Louis, Missouri

Below Average

St. Louis is located in Missouri, which is classified as a “Below Average” cost area for home services.Painter rates in St. Louis are approximately 10% below the national average. Beyond the regional cost index, quotes usually move with surface prep, number of coats, paint grade, trim detail, and site access for ladders or lifts. Exterior projects and lead-safe renovation rules can affect pricing before the first coat goes on. Ask what prep and containment are included.

What Affects Painter Costs in St. Louis?

  • 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 in St. Louis

  • 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 in St. Louis

How much does a painter cost in St. Louis?

In St. Louis, painter hourly rates typically land between $32 and $72 per hour. That puts the market below the national baseline once regional labor and material costs are factored in.

What drives painter pricing in St. Louis?

Quotes in St. Louis usually move with surface prep, number of coats, paint grade, trim detail, and site access for ladders or lifts.

How many quotes should I get before hiring a painter in St. Louis?

For planned work, get at least 2 to 3 comparable quotes. Ask each contractor to price the same scope, confirm permit handling where required, and spell out materials, warranty terms, and cleanup so you can compare the bids fairly.

How can I keep painter costs under control in St. Louis?

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 quote in St. Louis?

Usually not. The lowest number often leaves out permit handling, material quality, scope details, or follow-up work. Look for the bid that is easiest to compare line by line, not just the one with the smallest total.

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See the Full National Painter Cost Guide

View national averages, regional comparisons across all states, and use our interactive cost calculator.

View National Painter Cost Guide