How much does it cost to hire a painter?
How much does it cost to hire a painter?
The average cost to hire a painter is $20 to $50 per hour, $200 to $500 per day, or $1 to $6 per square foot. Professional painter's charge $300 to $800 to paint a 10×12 room. Prices depend on the job size, the season, and the painter's experience level.
$20 – $70 painter cost per hour
$1 – $6 painter cost per square foot
$300 – $1,200 painter charges per room
The average cost to hire a painter is $20 to $50 per hour, $200 to $500 per day, or $1 to $6 per square foot. Professional painter's charge $300 to $800 to paint a 10×12 room. Prices depend on the job size, the season, and the painter's experience level.
Professional Painters Cost
Hiring professional painters costs $300 to $800 to paint a 10' × 12' room and $700 to $1,300 for a 14' × 16' primary bedroom. A bathroom costs $200 to $600 to paint, while a kitchen runs $180 to $550. Full interior painting costs $2,900 to $8,800, and repainting a house exterior is $2,600 to $5,700.
| Room | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Accent Wall | $80 – $200 |
| 10' x 12' Room | $300 – $800 |
| 14' × 16' Primary Bedroom | $700 – $1,300 |
| bathroom | $200 – $600 |
| Kitchen | $200 – $600 |
| Living Room | $400 – $1,200 |
| All Interior Walls | $1,300 – $6,300 |
| Whole House Interior | $2,900 – $8,800 |
| Whole House Exterior | $2,600 – $5,700 |
| New Construction | $4,000 – $15,000 |
Painting your home adds curb appeal and will instantly increase your resale value.
How Much Do Painters Charge?
Professional painters charge $1 to $6 per square foot of paintable area or $20 to $70 per hour. Charges depend on several factors, including:
The painter's experience level
Location, season, and weather
Job size and complexity
Surface preparation and repairs
Paint type and quality
Number of colors
Layers of paint and primer needed
Cleanup
| Billing Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Per Hour | $20 – $70 |
| Per Day | $200 – $600 |
| Per Square Foot | $1 – $6 |
| Per Room | $300 – $800 |
| New Construction | $2 – $6 per square foot |
How Much Do Painters Charge Per Hour?
Painters charge $20 to $50 per hour depending on their experience level, the project's difficulty, season, region, and whether it's interior or exterior.
Painting labor hourly rates range from $70 to $100+ in specific locations or for specialty projects like murals.
| Productivity | Cost Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Low | $27 |
| Medium | $36 |
| High | $47 |
| Specialty | $70+ |
Damp weather slows drying time, increasing the project timeline for surfaces requiring multiple coats.
How Much Do Painters Charge Per Day?
Painters charge $200 to $500 per day, depending on their skill and productivity levels. When repainting a room or house, a painter's day rate typically covers 150 to 350 square feet of paintable area per hour, with the average professional working 8 hours per day.
How Much Do Painters Charge Per Square Foot?
Residential painters charge $0.50 to $6.00 per square foot, while new construction or commercial painting rates average $2 to $6 per square foot.
Most estimates include two coats of paint applied to interior walls.
Difficult surfaces and detailed projects increase overall costs.
Painting Cost Per Square Foot Project Cost Per Square Foot Bedroom $0.50 – $2.00 Living Room $2.50 – $6.00 Kitchen $2.50 – $6.00 Trim and baseboards $1.00 – $4.00 Crown Molding $1.25 – $3.00 Floor $1.50 – $3.00 Wallpaper $2.00 – $4.50 Hallways $3.00 – $5.00 Ceiling $0.75 – $1.50 Kitchen cabinets $3.00 – $10.00 Exterior Siding $1.50 – $5.50 Full Home Exterior $3.00 – $6.00 Gutters $1.50 – $3.50 Driveway $2.00 – $4.00 Deck $2.00 – $5.00 Fence $2.00 – $14.00 per LF Soffit & Fascia $2.00 – $7.00 per LF Deck painting costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
The cost to paint a fence is $2 to $14 per linear foot.
Painting kitchen cabinets costs $3 to $10 per square foot or $50 to $100 per door.
The average cost to paint trim and baseboards is $1 to $4 per linear foot or $25 to $200 per room.
The average cost to paint a door is $75 to $150 for both sides of an interior door and $100 to $225 for an exterior or front door.
How Much Do Painters Charge Per Room?
Painters charge $300 to $500 to paint a bathroom, $800 to $1,200 for a bedroom, and $1,000 to $3,000 to paint a living room or large open-plan basement. Room painting typically includes baseboards, doors, trim, and ceilings. The total cost depends on the size of the room.
| Room | Walls Only | Walls, Baseboards, Ceiling, Doors & Trim |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | $101 | $321 |
| Primary Bathroom | $124 | $533 |
| Kitchen | $181 | $548 |
| 10' x 12' Bedroom | $391 | $815 |
| 14' x 16' Primary Bedroom | $744 | $1,285 |
| Living Room | $260 | $1,015 |
| Open-Plan Basement | $545 | $2,919 |
Professionals suggest painting an accent wall with a distinct color or painting molding with a contrasting shade or finish to highlight it.
Price Per Square Foot For Painting New Construction
Painting prices for new construction range from $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the geographic location, number of colors, paint type, and trim. Painting a new 2,500 SF home costs $5,000 to $12,500.
A general contractor typically coordinates the painting for new construction.
Painting Services Price List
Residential painting projects range anywhere from $100 for a small bathroom to $8,800 for an entire house interior, including the walls, trim, ceilings, baseboards, and doors. Below is a comprehensive list of interior painting rates.
Professional Interior Painter Rates
Interior painting costs $300 to $800 for a 10' x 12' bedroom, or $2,100 to $3,900 for a whole house interior. Vanities, cabinets, doors, textured or designer painting, and artistic additions like murals cost extra.
| Project | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bedroom Walls | $320 – $850 |
| Bedroom (Full) | $1,340 – $2,580 |
| Bathroom Walls | $100 – $150 |
| Bathroom (Full) | $525 – $875 |
| Kitchen Walls | $150 – $300 |
| Kitchen Cabinets | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Living Room Walls | $200 – $400 |
| Living Room (Full) | $800 – $1,200 |
| Dining Room Walls | $280 – $400 |
| Dining Room (Full) | $550 – $980 |
| Accent or Textured Walls | $32 – $80 |
| Interior doors (each) | $75 – $150 |
| Fireplace | $1 – $4 per square foot |
| Wall Mural or Trompe L'oeil | $35 – $150 per square foot |
| Stairwell | $16 – $27 per linear foot |
| Full Apartment Interior | $1,500 – $3,100 |
| Interior House Walls | $900 – $2,100 |
| Full House Interior | $2,900 – $8,800 |
Cost to Hire Professional House Painters
Exterior house painting costs $1,900 to $6,900 on average for projects that include walls, windows, doors, trim, gutters, and downspouts. Painting the exterior of a home costs up to 25% more than interior painting.
| Project | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Shutters | $45 – $90 |
| Exterior Door | $100 – $225 |
| Exterior Trim | $1 – $4 per linear foot |
| Soffit, Fascia, Eaves | $2 – $7 per linear foot |
| Windows, Sashes | $31 each or $2 per square foot |
| Windowsills | $2.37 per linear foot |
| Garage Door | $150 – $400 |
| Siding | $1 – $5.50 per square foot |
| Gutters & Downspouts | $1.25 – $2.70 per linear foot |
| Decks, Patios, Porches | $2 – $5 per square foot |
| Deck or Porch Railing | $2 – $8 per linear foot |
| Fence | $2 – $14 per linear foot |
| Exterior House Walls | $1,500 – $2,700 |
| Full House Exterior | $2,600 – $5,700 |
Consider hiring house painters if you spot any bubbling, cracking, fading or flaking paint, or hardened caulk.
Plan your painting project when the weather is warm and dry. Cold weather, rain, humidity, and wind delay drying time and may harm the end result. Extreme heat causes paint to dry too quickly, which leaves marks.
Average Apartment Painting Prices
A studio or one-bedroom apartment costs $1,575 to $2,300 to paint the walls, doors, trim, and ceilings, or $700 to $900 for just the walls. Repainting a two-bedroom apartment costs $3,100 to repaint everything or $1,100 for the walls only.
| Project | Studio (514 SF) | 1 Bed (757 SF) | 2 Bed (1,138 SF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walls | $727 | $892 | $1,107 |
| Baseboards | $66 | $80 | $100 |
| Doors and Trim | $424 | $707 | $990 |
| Ceilings | $555 | $817 | $1,229 |
| Total | $1,575 | $2,307 | $3,087 |
If you are renting, select a neutral color that's easy to cover up, especially if your lease requires changing back to the original color before moving out.
Check with your landlord or building admin to see if they have pre-selected painters, or if they allow renters to paint DIY to save money. Some apartment complexes include fresh painting of your color choice upon signing a new lease.
Painting and Decorating Costs
Hiring a painter and interior decorator costs $50 to $200 per hour, with prices starting at $2 per square foot. A color consultation costs $25 per hour and identifies colors that may work well in your home. There is usually a follow-up appointment to make any adjustments or changes.
Contact a decorator or your local paint shop when seeking a color consultation. Shops will often offer the service along with a discount on paints.
How To Estimate Painting Jobs
Estimating a painting job involves many cost factors. Before selecting paints and finishes, painters need to consider the cost, durability, and job appropriateness. They also need to be well-versed in color harmony and paint composition to meet the homeowner’s expectations.
Square Feet of Area
Labor Costs
Painting Materials
Paint Costs
Lead Paint Testing
Prep Work
Cleanup
When pricing a painting job, begin by measuring the wall space that you need to have painted. Multiply the total square feet by an average cost of $2.00 for interior projects and $3.00 for exterior projects.
Next, examine the condition of the surfaces to determine if they will require a simple one-coat paint job or something more extensive. Measure the square footage of damaged areas and multiply it by $3.50 for patching and sanding. Add that to your total cost.
Decide if you will need extra colors, which means the purchase of additional paint. Factor in both interior and exterior paint at $40 per gallon. A gallon of paint gives approximately one coat of coverage for every 360 square feet of wall. Add that to your total.
After that, you can start adding on additional aspects (ceilings, cabinets, wall designs, and more) to your rough estimate to finalize your bid.
Measuring Paintable Area
Follow these steps to estimate total paintable area:
For interior painting:
Measure the width of all the walls in a room and add those numbers together.
Multiply the result by the height of the room to get the rough square footage of the painting surface.
Subtract the square footage of windows and doors to get a more exact figure.
For exterior painting:
Measure the perimeter of the house.
Measure the height of the house from the foundation to the roofline.
Multiply the two numbers to get the rough square footage of the painting surface.
Subtract the square footage of windows and doors for a precise number.
Painting Labor Cost
Painting labor costs $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the painter's skill level and productivity. Most painting estimates include materials, labor, and the cost of the paint. Labor typically makes up over 80% of the final cost.
A small semi-skilled crew can do most house painting and repainting jobs.
One painter can cover 150 to 350 square feet of paintable area per hour.
Painting Materials
Painting materials and supplies cost $50 to $100. Material requirements vary as every project is unique.
| Materials | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Scraper | $6.75 |
| Sandpaper | $2.50+ |
| Power Sander | $28+ |
| Patching Compound (3.5-Pound Bag) | $8.78 |
| Power Washer Rental (Per Day) | $38 |
| Primer (Per Gallon) | $49.65 |
| Caulk (Per Case) | $18.98 |
| Masking Tape | $5.93+ |
| Ladder Rental (Per Day) | $31 |
| Scaffolding Rental (Per Day) | $81 |
| Brushes | $10.48+ |
| Paint Roller Kit | $8.97+ |
| Sprayer Rental (Per Day) | $36+ |
| Paint (Per Gallon) | $15 – $50 |
| Drop Cloth | $1.98+ |
How Much Does Paint Cost?
Paint costs $15 to $40+ per gallon, depending on the type. Professional painters get an average 30% discount compared to home improvement store prices.
One gallon of paint covers 400 square feet with one coat.
Painting an average bedroom requires 2 to 3 gallons.
| Brand | Interior | Exterior |
|---|---|---|
| Sherwin Williams | $36 – $47 | $45 – $95 |
| Benjamin Moore | $30 – $80 | $40 – $60 |
| Valspar | $15 – $52 | $30 – $50 |
| Behr | $15 – $46 | $40 – $70 |
| Kilz | $15 – $45 | $25 – $50 |
| Glidden | $18 – $30 | $25 – $50 |
| Average Gallon Cost | $22 – $50 | $34 – $63 |
Water-soluble paints—known as latex, acrylic, and polyvinyl paints—are low-odor, fast-drying, and easy to clean; however, they often have a dull appearance and usually require more than one coat.
Oil-based paints are thicker, more durable, and have a more luxurious appearance, but they take longer to dry, age more quickly, and have a stronger odor.
Enamel paints are more challenging to apply, but they are incredibly durable and wash easily, making them ideal in some parts of the kitchen.
Interior Paint Cost
Interior paints come in a variety of sheens, also called finishes. Options include flat or matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Glossier paints cost more but are usually easier to keep clean.
| Brand | Flat | Eggshell | Satin | Semi-gloss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valspar | $15 – $55 | $23 – $49 | $27 – $50 | $25 – $52 |
| Glidden | $18 – $40 | $20 – $40 | $23 – $29 | $22 – $30 |
| Behr | $15 – $42 | $18 – $44 | $31 – $45 | $20 – $46 |
| Benjamin Moore | $43 – $80 | $43 – $80 | $40 – $80 | $43 – $80 |
| Sherwin Williams | $36 – $43 | $38 – $45 | $39 – $46 | $40 – $47 |
| Average Cost | $25 | $35 | $40 | $42 |
Compare your contractor's prices to home improvement stores.
The higher the gloss, the higher the price.
High-quality paint looks better, lasts longer, and is worth the higher cost.
How Much Does A Can Of Paint Cost?
A small quart-size can of paint costs about $10.
A 1-gallon bucket of paint costs $15 to $60.
A 5-gallon can costs $50 to $200.
| Paint Can Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Pint | $5 – $25 |
| 1 Quart | $8 – $40 |
| ½ Gallon | $10 – $45 |
| ¾ Gallon | $10 – $50 |
| 1 Gallon | $15 – $60 |
| 2 Gallon | $30 – $80 |
| 5 Gallon | $50 – $200 |
Buy a bit more paint than your project requires to account for touch-ups and waste.
Lead Paint Testing and Removal
A home built before 1978 likely contains lead-based paint if it hasn’t already been removed. Professional painting companies must follow proper rules and regulations for its safe removal or encapsulation.
| Process | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Lead Paint Testing | $200 – $400 |
| Lead Paint Removal and Repainting | $13 /SF |
| Lead Paint Encasement | $3.75 /SF |
| Vinyl Siding with Lead Containment | $8.50 /LF |
Prep Work
Necessary prep work is typically included in a painting estimate. However, more extensive repairs may add to the overall cost.
Drywall repair costs $50 to $100 per square foot to patch small holes or $2 to $6 per square foot if an entire wall or ceiling needs replacing.
Wallpaper removal costs $0.80 to $3.00 per square foot.
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Patching and Sanding | $3.68 per SF |
| Stripping | $1.91 – $2.38 per SF |
| Re-plastering | $10.00 – $12.00 per SF |
| Popcorn Ceiling Removal | $1.00 – $2.00 per SF |
| Power Washing | $0.35 – $0.77 per SF |
| Priming | $2.63 – $7.05 per SF |
| Repair Cracks | $100 – $400 each |
| Installing Baseboards and Trim | $2.60 – $4.74 per LF |
| Drywall Removal and Replacement | $2 – $6 per SF |
| Drywall Repair | $40 – $100 per hour |
| Cleaning Mold & Mildew | $500 – $3,000+ |
| Window Removal | $32 – $103 each |
| Window Replacement | $400 – $800 each |
| Door Jambs/Hardware | $21.50 per hour |
| Moving Furniture | $21.50 per hour |
| Wallpaper Removal | $1.00 – $2.00 per SF |
Always ask a professional painter what is included and what isn’t.
Surface Preparation
The correct preparation method depends on the surface material, the environment, and how long the coating is expected to last.
| Surface | How To Prepare |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | Remove all dirt, grease, oil, oxide, and stains with solvent cleaner. |
| Cinder and Concrete Block | Remove all loose mortar and cement, hardeners, and dirt. Fill all holes with a cement patching compound. |
| Brick | Remove loose mortar and clean off all dirt. Treat the brick with Loxon Conditioner. |
| Concrete | Remove all grease, oil, dirt, mortar, and loose paint and cement, then pressure wash. The temperature must be at least 50°F (10°C) during application and until cured. |
| Copper | Remove all grease, oil, dirt, and oxide. Clean with a hand cloth and solvent cleaner. |
| Drywall | Tape and cover all joints with a joint compound. Set and spackle all nail heads. Sand all nail heads and joins smooth and remove all dust. |
| Hardie Board | Remove all waxy material with a cleaning solvent. Prime with an alkyd primer. |
| Galvanized Metal | Clean using a solvent, then prime as required. |
| Plaster | Patch all damaged areas. Clean textured or powdery plaster with a solution of vinegar and water until the surface is hard. |
| Steel | Remove all grease, oil, and dirt. Clean with a solvent and hand cloth. Pressure wash to remove loose rust and paint. |
| Stucco | Remove any loose stucco and allow 30 days to dry before painting. |
| Wood | Sand down all knots and pitch streaks. Patch all nail holes with putty and sand smooth. Make sure the wood is dry. |
| Vinyl | Clean thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinse. |
Over 80% of coating failures are attributed to improper surface preparation.
Touchups and Cleanup
Cleanup time is usually factored into a painting estimate.
Touchup time depends on the number of touchups required. A skilled team should have a shorter touchup time.
Painting FAQs
How Much Paint Do I Need?
How much paint you need depends on the room size, condition, and paintable surface area. One gallon of paint covers up to 400 square feet with one coat. Most surfaces require 2+ coats.
| Room Size | Gallons* |
|---|---|
| Average Bathroom (400 SF) | 2 |
| Average Size Room (800 SF) | 4 |
| Large Room (1200 SF) | 6 |
| Living Room or Several Average Rooms (1600 SF) | 8 |
*Gallons required for two coats of paint.
How Much Do Murals & Trompe L'oeil Cost?
Trompe L’oeil and murals cost $35 to $150 per square foot. Decorative painting often costs much less at $5 to $10 per square foot. Decorative and artistic wall painting costs vary widely depending on the complexity of the image and the artist's expertise.
| Type | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Decorative | $5 – $10 |
| Mural | $35 – $75 |
| Trompe L'oeil | $50 – $150 |
Trompe l'oeil (trick of the eye) uses realistic imagery to produce an optical illusion of depth. It can be a great addition if you are looking to add a little magic or a conversation starter to your home.
Murals come in all shapes, forms, and sizes. In some cases, a house painter may be up to the task, but in other cases, you may need to commission an artist.
Decorative painting techniques usually involve the combination of two or more different colors to create a mottled, geometric, textured, or random effect.
Do Painters Move Furniture?
Most painters factor in the time it takes to move or cover up any furniture in their bid, which increases interior painting costs. The best (and cheapest) time for interior house painting is either before you move in or after you've moved out.
Always confirm with your painter exactly what is included in the estimate and what costs extra.
Are Cheap Painters Worth the Cost?
For small painting jobs, hiring a supervised apprentice painter may be sufficient. For large or detailed jobs, always hire a professional painter. Any painter you hire should do proper preparation, use quality paint, apply two coats, and guarantee their work.
Ask yourself the following questions:
How perfect of a job do you need? Will a few drips in the wrong place wreck your day?
Do they have insurance? Can you afford it if they have an accident on the job?
Do they have any references of previous work, a portfolio, or positive online reviews? Their costs may be low because they’re just starting out, or because they already have a terrible reputation.
How Much Do Student Painters Charge?
Less-experienced student painters charge about $20 per hour, but you may be getting lower-quality paint, less productivity, insurance risks, and an unreliable job. Always check online reviews, references, and licenses before hiring any painter. Also, make sure a trustworthy foreman represents the students.
How Much Do Commercial Painters Charge?
Interior commercial painters charge $2 to $6 per square foot, while exterior jobs that require scaffolding cost $5 to $10+ per square foot. Commercial painting crews can work on five or more units at a time, are usually highly skilled, and can complete large projects.
How Much Do Painters Make?
Painters make an average of $46,000 per year or about $22 per hour, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Independent contractors that own their own business charge $20 to $70 per hour for labor, but they must account for overhead, insurance, and marketing.
Tips for Hiring a Painter
When hiring a contractor, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Research painting companies near you, or ask friends, family, and neighbors for references.
Check out their portfolio of past work.
Review licensing, insurance, and qualifications.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Don't pay the full cost up front. Agree on a reasonable payment schedule instead.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Questions To Ask Painters
How long have you been painting?
Are you insured and licensed? Are they up to date?
Will you be using subcontractors?
How many painting jobs have you completed in the last year?
Can I have a list of references with contact information?
What paints do you recommend?
If you get paint on the furniture, are you liable?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee your work?