How Much to Charge for Painting
How Much to Charge for Painting
How to price a painting job
Determining how much to charge for painting jobs can be difficult. Your fees need to cover your material costs and make a profit, all while staying competitive. This guide will explore common pricing methods and examine the factors that affect painting costs to help you establish the best rates for your business.
| Fee structure | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Per hour | $25 – $75 |
| Per square foot | $1 – $6 |
| Per room | $300 – $2,000 |
| Per day | $200 – $600 |
Per hour
Hourly pricing is a straightforward method and is easy to calculate, but it can be difficult to predict the total cost up front. This could lead to customer dissatisfaction if the painting job takes longer than anticipated.
Standard hourly rate: Most painters charge $25 to $75 per hour, based on their location, experience, and how complex the job will be. Specialty projects or highly experienced painters sometimes charge $100+ per hour.
When to use it: Pricing per hour is best for jobs where square footage isn't a good indicator of the work involved, such as painting intricate designs or jobs that include trim.
Per square foot or linear foot
How much to charge for painting per square foot will depend on the type of paint you use and the surface, but most professionals charge $1 to $5 per square foot for residential projects and $2 to $6 per square foot for commercial jobs.
Painting trim is tedious and can be time-consuming, whereas painting a wall is relatively simple. Exterior painting jobs can be harder to price due to variants like dirt and prep work, multi-story houses, or trees and plants that make the surface harder to access.
| Location | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Interior projects | |
| General interior painting cost | $1 – $3 per square foot |
| Ceiling painting costs | $1 – $2 per square foot |
| Trim painting costs | $1 – $4 per linear foot |
| Cabinet painting costs | $30 – $70 per linear foot |
| Exterior projects | |
| Home exterior painting costs | $1 – $4 per square foot |
| Deck painting costs | $2 – $5 per square foot |
| Fence painting costs | $2 – $14 per linear foot |
Per-square-foot pricing gives customers a clear, predictable cost, but it may not be the best approach if the customer has multiple simultaneous jobs or the work required is complex. When possible, assess the job site before giving a price.
Per room
For painting a room, most pros charge $300 to $1,000 per room for walls only or $600 to $2,000 for walls, ceilings, and trim.
Charging per room is best for simple projects or average-sized homes. Charging a flat rate is useful because it eliminates the need for measuring and math, and the customer can see exactly how much they'll pay right up front.
However, flat rates may not be the best approach for complex jobs, homes that need a lot of prep work, or projects with uncertain timelines. The table below shows the average prices for different rooms in a home:
| Room | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | $150 – $400 |
| Primary bathroom | $250 – $650 |
| Kitchen | $150 – $250 |
| Bedroom | $350 – $850 |
| Primary bedroom | $650 – $1,400 |
| Living room | $600 – $2,000 |
| Dining room / hallway | $300 – $1,000 |
| Open-plan basement | $800 – $2,500 |
Some painters charge a $250 to $500 minimum fee, which helps make up for time and travel for small jobs. Encourage customers to bundle paint jobs to save money on minimum fees.
Per day
Some painters charge $200 to $600 per day, based on their skill and productivity. A day rate normally covers 150 to 350 square feet of paintable area per hour, with most professionals working an 8-hour day. This method is best for whole-house painting jobs or projects that will take at least one full day.
How to estimate a paint job
When giving estimates to potential customers, it's important to be as accurate as possible. This will help avoid uncomfortable situations or accusations of unfair pricing if the final cost is more than the initial estimate. Follow these steps for estimating the cost of painting jobs:
Measure the area.
Calculate paint and material costs.
Estimate prep work.
Calculate labor costs.
Remember to factor in travel time.
Measure the area
Measure each wall's height and width, then multiply. Add the area of the walls together to get the total painted area. Include the ceiling if painting it and subtract any unpainted areas like windows and doors.
For outdoor painting, measure wall height from foundation to roof and width. Add areas like decks and subtract windows, doors, and other unpainted sections.
Calculate paint and material costs
A gallon of paint costs $20 to $80 each, depending on the brand and type. Exterior paint is more durable in order to stand up to the elements and costs more than interior paint. A 5-gallon bucket costs $75 to $300 and would be better for large jobs.
One gallon of paint can cover about 400 square feet with one coat. An average-sized bedroom requires 2 to 3 gallons of paint. As a professional painter, you may be able to purchase paint at wholesale prices, meaning you'll pay less per gallon.
You'll also have to factor in primer and other supplies, such as:
Caulking
Tape
Sandpaper
Scrapers
Pans
Buckets
Brushes
Drop cloths
A ladder
Paint rollers
If you're not sure how many gallons you'll need, use our Paint Calculator to get an accurate estimate. This will help prevent waste or running out of paint mid-project.
Estimate prep work
Most painting estimates include basic prep work like sanding and cleaning. However, additional tasks such as removing a popcorn ceiling or performing extensive repairs can increase the job's complexity and cost. Moving furniture, removing wallpaper, or drywall repairs also add time and expense.
Clearly define what prep work you include in your base price. Estimate the time and materials extra tasks require and clearly state those costs as well, so your estimate and bill are easy to understand.
Calculate labor costs
Your hourly rate is the main factor in calculating labor costs, but you should also consider your or your crew's experience. Calculate an optimal blended rate, noting it may increase for specialized skills. For new construction, add 30% more for priming and caulking walls.
You may also want to differentiate between interior and exterior painting. Interior jobs can take 2 to 3 times longer than exterior work of the same square footage due to more prep, detail, and cleanup work.
What impacts how much to charge for painting?
When coming up with a pricing strategy, keep in mind these factors:
Experience & reputation: Established businesses with a strong reputation can charge premium rates. New businesses often attract initial customers by offering lower prices.
Height: If the project involves vaulted ceilings or requires a ladder or scaffolding, you may want to charge more. This will compensate for the extra time, equipment, and care it will take to get the job done.
Travel: When calculating costs, include travel time, fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance expenses. Consider establishing a specific service area and charging an additional per-mile fee for jobs outside that area.
Lead paint: Testing for and removing lead paint costs $6 to $17 per square foot. If a potential client has a house built before 1978, take proper precautions. If you're EPA certified, you can remove the paint yourself for more than a normal painting job would cost.
Number of coats: For most projects, you'll need 2 coats of paint for an even finish. However, you may need more if there's a dark color underneath or if you're painting on unfinished wood or metal.
Residential vs. commercial: Professional painters charge $2 to $6 per square foot for most commercial painting jobs because they often require special equipment, long hours, and better insurance coverage. Residential painting has lower overhead costs and simpler requirements. However, some pros lower pricing for extremely large commercial jobs.
Overhead costs
To set profitable prices, calculate your job costs and track expenses precisely. This is crucial for determining how much to charge clients. Self-employed painters tend to have fewer monthly expenses than companies with multiple employees. Normally overhead expenditures include:
Taxes
Marketing
Vehicle payment, if applicable
Insurance premiums
Internet & phone payments
Employee benefits
Office rent & utilities, if applicable
Specialty painting
Most professional painters handle specialty tasks like adding stripes, applying texture, or using metallic paint. However, advanced projects such as murals and trompe l'oeil (an optical illusion technique) require specialized artists.
If you're a specialized artist, your advanced skillset and talent warrant charging a higher rate. Most muralists charge $20 to $50 per square foot or $2,000 to $5,000 per wall, depending on the artist's expertise and the project's complexity.
Painting business FAQs
Do you need a license to start a painting business?
Yes, in many states, you need a license to start a painting business, especially if you plan to take on commercial or larger residential projects. Licensing requirements vary by state and locality, so check with local authorities before starting a business.
How do I start my own painting business?
To start a painting business from scratch, follow these steps:
Choose a business structure: sole proprietorship, LLC, or other legal structure.
Pick a business name and register with federal and state governments.
Get a federal tax ID number and establish a dedicated business bank account.
Invest in high-quality painting tools and equipment.
Get a liability insurance plan for your business.
Develop a strategy for marketing, networking, and obtaining clients.
Build a portfolio to showcase your work to potential clients.
Is painting a profitable business?
Yes, a painting business can be a profitable business, with well-managed companies often enjoying gross profits of 50% and net profits between 13% and 27%. However, profitability depends on factors like leadership, marketing, hiring quality employees, and doing high-quality work.
How long does it take to paint a room?
Painting a room can take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours, including prep work, cutting in, painting, and cleanup. Factors affecting the time include room size, wall height, crew size, experience, number of coats, and whether you're painting the trim and ceiling.
Steps to setting your business's pricing
Setting the right price for a painting job is crucial for attracting customers, staying competitive, and ensuring profitability. Whether you're starting out or aiming to increase profits, accurate pricing builds client trust and protects your business. Follow these steps to determine your painting rates:
Check what other painting companies in your area charge for similar jobs.
Account for labor, materials, travel, and overhead expenses. Include the number of workers needed to meet deadlines.
Choose a pricing structure (e.g., per square foot or hourly) that best fits the project.
Aim for a profit margin between 20% and 40%.
Give the customer a written estimate outlining the scope of work, costs, and payment terms.
When to adjust your pricing
Pros should review and adjust their pricing periodically. Use the following table as a guideline for when to modify pricing:
| Increase prices if: | Reduce prices if: |
|---|---|
|
|
More tips for pricing
To consistently satisfy customers and grow your painting business, consider these guidelines:
Clearly explain your pricing and services to customers. People appreciate transparent pricing.
Provide written quotes and have customers sign them before starting work.
Be open to negotiating prices, especially for large or repeat clients.
Exceed customer expectations to build a strong reputation and encourage referrals.
Use online ads, social media, and local partnerships to promote your business.
Track income, expenses, and customer feedback to refine your pricing strategy.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.