Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of painters that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of painters:
-
Painter Foreman is the highest-paid type of painter with an average salary of $47,687 and an average hourly rate of $22.93.
-
The second highest-paying type of painter is interior decorator, painting, with an average salary of $46,033.
-
The average painter salary is $42,339 per year, and the average hourly pay is $20.36.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a painter, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of painters are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of painters:
-
Painter Foreman
Average Salary: $47,687
-
Interior Decorator, Painting
Average Salary: $46,033
-
Mason
Average Salary: $43,974
A mason is responsible for shaping artificial mineral products, concrete blocks, stone pieces, and bricks to create structures essential for construction or other building purposes using various machinery and equipment, following the highest safety standards and production procedures. Masons analyze schematics and blueprints, applying the clients’ specifications and customization to their product expertise. They also inspect tools and equipment, ensuring that the materials are free from any defects to avoid hazards and construction delays.
-
Auto Customize Painter
Average Salary: $43,788
-
Traffic Line Painter
Average Salary: $41,708
Below is a full table of the average pay for various painter that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Painters
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Painter Foreman | |
| 2 | Interior Decorator, Painting | |
| 3 | Mason | |
| 4 | Auto Customize Painter | |
| 5 | Traffic Line Painter | |
| 6 | Blaster/Painter | |
| 7 | Painter Supervisor | |
| 8 | Journeyman Painter | |
| 9 | Lead Painter | |
| 10 | Spray Painter | |
| 11 | Industrial Painter | |
| 12 | Maintenance Painter | |
| 13 | Interior Painter | |
| 14 | House Painter | |
| 15 | Finish Painter | |
| 16 | Painter Assistant | |
| 17 | Carpenter/Painter | |
| 18 | Painter Apprentice | |
| 19 | Powder Coating Painter | |
| 20 | Painter Helper |
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for painters.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Painter Jobs FAQs
-
What is the highest-paid painter job?
The highest-paid painter job is a painter foreman. Painter Foremen earn an average salary of $47,687, which is $ 22.93 hourly.
-
What is a good salary for a painter?
A good salary for a painter is $42,339 or more. The average painter salary is $42,339, so those making at least $42,339 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average painter salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a painter, the average entry level salary is $37,677, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $42,339 average, as this includes all painters of all skill and experience levels.
-
Do Painter jobs pay well?
No, painter jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some painter jobs pay better than others, but the average painter salary of $42,339 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many painter jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of painters earning $57,436 a year on average.
Painters’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a painter. Do your research on the going rate for a painter in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
-
Where do painters get paid the most?
Painters get paid the most in New Jersey. In New Jersey, painters earn an average annual salary of $56,758 and an average hourly wage of $27.29.
Following NJ, the states with the highest-paid painters are Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota, with average annual salaries of $44,115, $46,070, and $47,150 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid painter salaries are:
-
Sacramento, CA – $58,537
-
Boston, MA – $55,612
-
New York, NY – $52,312
-
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
