As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for an Entry Painter in the United States is $45,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, an Entry Painter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Painter's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Painter's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Painter | 0-1 years | $45,657 |
| Brush Painter II | 1-3 years | $52,276 |
| Brush Painter III | 3-5 years | $58,601 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Painters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 3.73% |
| Carpentry | 1.32% |
| Installation | 0.83% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$46,117 |
1%
|
|
Painting
|
$46,117 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Painters enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Painter with a No Diploma is between $41,220 and $44,430).
Entry Painter Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.8% |
| High School | 67.6% |
| Associates | 2.9% |
| Bachelors | 17.6% |
| Masters | 2.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Entry Painter's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For an Entry Painter, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Brush Painter II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $52,300 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Salaries for an Entry Painter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $47,032 in 2023 to around $47,066 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Painter salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $47,032 |
| 2024 | $47,245 |
| 2025 | $47,066 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Entry Painter and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Painters can earn varying salaries based on their roles and experience. Entry-level painters typically earn between $42,590 and $53,690 annually, with a mid-salary of $48,150. Higher-paying positions include Painting Supervisors, who can make $57,500 to $77,000, and Lead Painters, earning $46,000 to $55,000.
You should expect to pay an entry-level painter between approximately $20.50 and $25.80 per hour, based on an annual salary range of $42,590 to $53,690. Rates may vary depending on the painter's experience and the complexity of the project, with more skilled painters commanding higher rates.
To become a painter with no experience, you don't need formal education, but technical schools offer certificates, and apprenticeship programs are available. Most painters learn on the job, mastering skills like surface preparation, coating application, wall covering installation, and color matching. Entry-level painters can expect salaries ranging from $42,590 to $53,690, with a median salary of $48,150.
New painters typically earn between $42,590 and $53,690 annually, with a mid-salary of around $48,150. This range reflects the national average, which varies by state and experience level. For instance, entry-level positions may start lower, while those with more experience can earn significantly more.
While many trades offer competitive salaries, entry-level painters earn between $42,590 and $53,690, with a median salary of $48,150. Other high-paying trades include construction managers and elevator installers, but entry painters can still find a solid income in the skilled trades sector.
In the USA, an entry-level painter typically earns between $42,590 and $53,690 annually. The average salary for this position is around $48,150. This translates to a monthly pay range of approximately $3,549 to $4,474, depending on experience and skill level.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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