Start a Full-Time Job as a House Painter | Earn $20–$30 an Hour
Looking for a stable job with great pay? House painting offers $20–$30 per hour, with strong demand driven by ongoing home renovations and maintenance. Unlike many industries, it’s relatively recession-proof, providing job stability. This is a hands-on trade with opportunities for growth, allowing you to build a solid career in a field that’s always needed.
House Painting Jobs Offer Reliable Income and Career Growth
In 2025, skilled trade jobs continue to offer stability and competitive wages — and house painting remains one of the most accessible full-time careers for those who enjoy hands-on work. Across the United States, residential and commercial painting companies are actively hiring house painters, with hourly rates commonly ranging from $20 to $30, depending on location, experience, and employer.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of painters is expected to remain steady through 2032, with an average of over 32,000 job openings per year, primarily driven by home improvement demand and workforce turnover.
2025: A Strong Year for Painting Work
According to the Angi 2024 State of Home Spending Report, homeowners in the U.S. spent a median of $2,458 on painting services, reflecting strong and growing demand. This trend supports continued job opportunities in both residential and commercial painting sectors.
Many of these opportunities are offered by licensed contractors, property maintenance companies, and renovation service providers—particularly in regions with high levels of housing activity or property turnover.
Average Pay Ranges by Region
For those considering a full-time career in house painting, the average pay can vary based on region, experience level, and type of work. Below are typical wage ranges:
| Location | Entry-Level Pay | Experienced Pay |
|---|---|---|
| California | $18–$25/hr | $26–$35/hr |
| Texas | $17–$22/hr | $23–$30/hr |
| Florida | $16–$21/hr | $22–$28/hr |
| New York | $18–$23/hr | $25–$32/hr |
| Illinois | $17–$22/hr | $24–$29/hr |
| Nationwide Median | $18–$22/hr | $24–$30/hr |
This wage range reflects current industry standards across various regions, offering a clear picture of the earning potential for house painters in different locations.
Benefits Frequently Offered
In addition to wages, many full-time painting positions offer a range of benefits such as:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance coverage
- Retirement savings plans (such as 401(k))
- Paid time off and holidays
- Performance bonuses or overtime pay
- Reimbursement for tools or work-related travel, depending on the employer
These benefits make painting work not only accessible but also sustainable for long-term career development.
Career Path and Advancement
Experienced painters can grow into higher-paying roles such as:
- Team leader or foreperson
- Job estimator or field supervisor
- Decorative or specialty painter
- Independent contractor or small business owner
Some advanced roles can pay $35–$40 per hour, particularly for those managing large teams or taking on complex commercial projects. Painters may also branch into related trades like drywall finishing or renovation supervision — expanding job options and income potential.
Employer Comparison: Pay and Benefits
To help you choose the right employer, here’s a comparison of pay and benefits from four notable painting companies:
| Company | Pay Range (Entry-Level) | Pay Range (Experienced) | Benefits | Additional Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company A:CertaPro Painters | $15–$22/hr | $23–$30/hr | - Health, dental, and vision insurance - Paid time off - 401(k) with company match | - Performance bonuses - Paid training - Flexible scheduling - Career growth |
| Company B:Five Star Painting | $18–$22/hr | $24–$28/hr | - Medical insurance - Paid vacation and holidays - Retirement savings plans | - Tools and equipment provided - Opportunity for promotions - Flexible hours |
| Company C: College Works Painting | $12–$16/hr | $17–$20/hr | - Health insurance (for eligible positions) - Paid training | - Internship programs - Management opportunities - Leadership development |
| Company D:WOW 1 Day Painting | $19–$20/hr | $22–$25/hr | - Health insurance - Paid time off - 401(k) with match | - Company vehicles for travel - Paid holidays - Career advancement opportunities |
What Employers Look For
While house painting is a trade that often allows for on-the-job training, most full-time roles list the following qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1–3 years of painting experience (preferred but not mandatory)
- Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation
- Ability to read and understand basic instructions or blueprints
- Comfortable working at heights using ladders or mechanical lifts
These qualifications help ensure painters can perform safely and effectively on a variety of projects.
Final Thoughts
House painting offers a dependable path toward full-time employment, hands-on skills, and long-term career potential. With hourly pay ranging from $20 to $30, access to benefits, and advancement opportunities, this role is well-suited to individuals seeking practical, stable work in the skilled trades.
As the industry continues to grow in 2025, companies across the country are offering structured roles for those looking to build a career as a house painter—making this an excellent time to explore opportunities in the field.