Painters and Paperhangers earn $49,420 median salary in 2024
The median annual salary for painters and paperhangers in the U.S. is $49,420, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage sits at $55,400, translating to roughly $24 per hour. Most workers earn between $37,440 (10th percentile) and $78,720 (90th percentile).
This occupation employs 226,760 people nationwide. While overall projection data is not available, demand is tied to construction and renovation activity.
How much Painters and Paperhangers earn
The median wage for painters and paperhangers is $49,420 per year. Half of workers earn less than that, half earn more. The typical hourly rate is about $24. The bottom 10% earn $37,440 or less, while the top 10% bring in $78,720 or more.
Earnings vary by experience, specialty, and location. Residential painters often earn less than those in commercial or industrial settings. Union members in certain markets may command higher wages.
Pay by state
BLS data does not provide specific highest and lowest paying states for this occupation. However, wages tend to be higher in states with strong construction sectors, high cost of living, or strong union presence. States like New York, Massachusetts, California, and Hawaii often report higher averages. Lower paying states are typically in the South and Midwest, such as Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia.
Check your state's labor department for detailed local wage data.
How to become a Painter or Paperhanger
Most painters learn on the job. A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical educational requirement. Apprenticeships, offered by unions and contractor associations, mix paid work with classroom instruction and last 2–4 years.
No state license is generally required for painting, but some areas may require a contractor license if you work independently. Paperhanging is a smaller specialty; training is often on the job. Key skills include attention to detail, manual dexterity, and color vision.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
- Consider voluntary certification (e.g., from the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America) to boost credibility.
- Check local licensing requirements for independent contractors.
Job outlook
BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for painters and paperhangers between 2024 and 2034. However, employment is generally tied to construction activity. Demand for repainting and papering existing structures provides steady work. The number of new jobs may be limited by productivity gains and the use of new materials.
Frequently asked questions
Do painters need a license?
Most states do not require a specific painter's license, but many cities and counties require a contractor's license for jobs over a certain dollar amount. Check local regulations.
Is painting a good career?
Painting offers stable income with no formal education beyond high school. Median salary is $49,420, and experienced painters in commercial work can earn $78,720 or more. It's physically demanding but can be lucrative.
How long does it take to become a painter?
You can start as a helper and learn on the job in a few months. Formal apprenticeships last 2–4 years and lead to higher pay.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Painters and Paperhangers data.