Professional Painter Salary Overview
The salary for professional painters in the United States can vary significantly based on experience, location, and the specific industry in which they work. Below is a comprehensive overview of average wages, earnings by seniority, state-specific salaries, and how professional painter salaries compare to related careers.
Average Wage
- Hourly Wage: Approximately $7.96 per hour
- Annual Salary: About $16,564 per year (based on full-time employment)
Earnings by Seniority
| Percentile | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $10.68 | $22,213 |
| 75th Percentile | $9.29 | $19,330 |
| 50th Percentile | $7.96 | $16,564 |
| 25th Percentile | $6.82 | $14,194 |
| 10th Percentile | $5.94 | $12,352 |
- Note: These figures show a clear progression in earnings based on experience and skill level, with entry-level positions starting at around $5.94 per hour.
Professional Painter Salary by State
The average salaries for professional painters vary across different states. Below are the average salaries for each state:
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $74,270 |
| District of Columbia | $60,560 |
| Nevada | $47,250 |
| Mississippi | $47,150 |
| Georgia | $41,270 |
| Kansas | $39,150 |
| California | $38,740 |
| New Hampshire | $38,580 |
| Washington | $38,580 |
| Minnesota | $38,370 |
| Montana | $38,370 |
| New Jersey | $37,920 |
| New York | $37,800 |
| Ohio | $37,630 |
| Tennessee | $37,630 |
| Virginia | $37,630 |
| South Dakota | $37,620 |
| Arizona | $37,550 |
| Iowa | $37,550 |
| Massachusetts | $37,550 |
| Missouri | $37,550 |
| Illinois | $37,460 |
| Oregon | $37,460 |
| North Carolina | $37,270 |
| Oklahoma | $37,270 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,270 |
| Indiana | $36,360 |
| Nebraska | $36,360 |
| Wisconsin | $36,360 |
| Kentucky | $36,260 |
| Colorado | $35,910 |
| South Carolina | $35,870 |
| Utah | $35,300 |
| Maine | $35,270 |
| Alabama | $34,510 |
| Vermont | $34,450 |
| Maryland | $32,850 |
| Connecticut | $32,140 |
| Rhode Island | $31,410 |
| Idaho | $30,690 |
| Florida | $30,680 |
| Michigan | $30,310 |
| Arkansas | $30,070 |
| Hawaii | $29,470 |
| Texas | $28,990 |
| West Virginia | $28,990 |
| North Dakota | $24,000 |
| New Mexico | $23,960 |
| Louisiana | $23,930 |
| Puerto Rico | $19,230 |
Comparison to Similar Careers
Professional painters earn comparable salaries to other trades in the construction and service industries. Here’s how they stack up against related careers:
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Cement Mason | $18,000 |
| HVAC Technician | $17,000 |
| Printing Worker | $18,000 |
| Barista | $18,000 |
| Molding and Casting Worker | $17,000 |
| Professional Painter | $17,000 |
| Florist | $16,000 |
| Delivery Service Driver | $15,000 |
| Garbage Collector | $15,000 |
| Metal Worker | $15,000 |
Conclusion
The earnings for professional painters reflect a range of factors, including skill level, geographical location, and the specific sector of the industry. While the average wage appears low relative to some trades, experienced painters can earn competitive salaries, especially in states with higher living costs. The field offers opportunities for growth, especially for those who specialize or take on more complex projects.
Information provided by CareerOnlines, LLC and other sources.
Sections of this page includes information from the O*NET 29.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
CareerOnlines, LLC has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.