Painter Salary Guide
National median: $49,400/yr · Range: $37,544–$62,244 · Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Last updated: 2026-07-04
National Painter Salary Overview
Data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2025 OEWS. O*NET code: 47-2141.00. SOC occupation: 47-2141 (Painter).
Painter Salary by City — Top 20 Metros
| Metro Area | 25th Pct | Median | 75th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $56,430 | $63,600 | $78,370 |
| San Jose, CA | $56,780 | $61,970 | $78,330 |
| Chicago, IL | $48,970 | $61,740 | $95,850 |
| New York, NY | $50,880 | $61,420 | $83,060 |
| Seattle, WA | $49,630 | $60,440 | $69,980 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $47,530 | $59,080 | $68,640 |
| Denver, CO | $49,070 | $58,070 | $60,050 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $48,270 | $57,410 | $63,830 |
| San Diego, CA | $47,240 | $55,970 | $66,480 |
| Columbus, OH | $46,850 | $51,810 | $65,410 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $43,310 | $50,900 | $64,010 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $46,230 | $48,860 | $59,200 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $44,980 | $48,030 | $55,970 |
| Austin, TX | $41,210 | $46,550 | $49,070 |
| Houston, TX | $39,610 | $46,140 | $49,730 |
| Dallas, TX | $39,180 | $45,550 | $50,020 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $39,180 | $45,550 | $50,020 |
| Charlotte, NC | $37,920 | $44,900 | $49,780 |
| Nashville, TN | $39,220 | $44,330 | $51,550 |
| San Antonio, TX | $38,060 | $43,430 | $47,320 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates. Click any city for detailed local salary data.
Painter Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Typical Salary | Years of Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Painter | $35,568 | 0–2 years |
| Mid-level Painter | $45,448 | 3–5 years |
| Senior Painter | $58,292 | 5–8 years |
| Staff / Lead Painter | $70,148 | 8–12 years |
| Principal / Director | $82,992 | 12+ years |
Career path estimates derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 national benchmarks. Actual salaries vary by company, location, and skills.
Skills That Raise Painter Salary
Professionals with these skills typically earn 15–35% above the median:
- Airless sprayer experience
- Commercial / industrial coatings
- Drywall repair & finishing
- Lead-safe (EPA RRP) certification
- Boom / scissor lift certification
How to Negotiate a Painter Offer
The most effective salary negotiation for Painter roles follows three steps:
- Anchor with data. Quote BLS OEWS median ($49,400) and top-metro benchmarks as your reference point. Numbers beat feelings.
- Frame with ROI. Describe a specific project outcome in dollar terms: "I reduced churn by 8%, which retained $2M ARR." This turns the conversation from cost to investment.
- Negotiate total comp. If base is firm, ask about sign-on bonus, equity refresh, additional PTO, or a 6-month review. Employers have more flexibility in these buckets.
Painter Salary by City — All 90 Locations
Median Painter pay in every metro we track, grouped by state (BLS OEWS May 2025).
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