What Do Painters Charge Per Day?

What Do Painters Charge Per Day?

Daily rates vary by scope, crew size, and region. Figures below reflect typical U.S. residential repaint work.

Interior crews $362–$686 / day (per painter)
Exterior crews $298–$524 / day (per painter)
Specialty finishes (cabinets, faux, limewash): $537–$963 / day (per painter)
Hazard work (lead/asbestos): $684–$1,132 / day (per painter)

Many companies quote **per project** or **per square foot**; day-rates are most useful for punch lists or open-ended scopes.

Do day rates include paint?

Usually **no**. Day rates typically cover **labor only**. Materials (primers, paint, patching, tape, plastic) are billed separately or provided by the homeowner. Clarify this in writing.

Experience tiers (why prices differ)

Experience	Typical Day Range	Notes
0–5 yrs	$231–$648	Slower pace; more touch-ups and supervision
6–12 yrs	$418–$703	Efficient; steady quality
12+ yrs	$649–$1,132	Fast, clean, excels at tricky prep/finishes

How much can a painter complete in a day?

• Walls: ~150–350 sq ft/hour including light prep (first coat). Plan **two coats**.
• Trim: ~40–80 linear ft/hour including caulk/fill (two coats typical).
• Standard room: 12×11 with 8' ceilings — **1–2 days** for walls; add a day if ceilings & trim are included.

Furniture moving, high ceilings, textured surfaces, or heavy repairs extend timelines.

What drives the daily price?

• Scope & difficulty (vaulted ceilings, intricate trim, built-ins)
• Amount of prep (patching, sanding, priming stains)
• Paint line & sheen (cabinet enamels vs. wall flats)
• Seasonality (winter discounts in many markets; peak spring/summer demand)
• Warranty/insurance and company overhead

State-by-state averages (per painter, per day)

State	Avg Day	State	Avg Day
Hawaii	$648.64	Illinois	$500.80
Massachusetts	$641.04	Wisconsin	$496.40
Nevada	$638.96	Ohio	$495.92
Connecticut	$638.08	Texas	$494.24
Rhode Island	$625.28	Pennsylvania	$491.44
Oregon	$617.04	New Mexico	$472.48
Alaska	$615.20	Alabama	$463.76
Washington	$609.76	North Carolina	$453.52
North Dakota	$603.84	Florida	$453.04
New York	$602.48	Georgia	$426.96
Iowa	$594.96	Louisiana	$420.72
Utah	$587.04	South Carolina	$541.84
Maryland	$582.88	…	…

Averages are directional; metro/rural differences and company overhead meaningfully affect pricing.

DIY vs hiring a pro

DIY saves labor dollars but often **takes longer** and requires ladders, drop cloths, sanding blocks, and quality rollers/brushes. For tall spaces, cabinets, high-gloss finishes, or lead/asbestos contexts, hiring a **licensed, insured** pro is typically safer and more cost-effective.

Seasonality snapshot

• Spring/Summer: busiest; rates trend higher.
• Late Fall/Winter: indoor focus; many markets offer off-season discounts.
• Very hot/humid regions: exterior work may pause midday; schedule shifts can affect day counts.