How much does it cost to hire a painter? The average cost to hire a painter in the United States ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot for interior work and $1.50 to $4 per square foot for exterior projects.
Most homeowners now spend between $4,000 and $10,000 for a full interior repaint of a 1,500–2,000 sq ft home.
Costs rise with ceiling height, trim complexity, and paint quality and larger homes or those needing extra prep often reach $12,000+.
These prices vary based on several factors including room size, paint quality, surface condition, and labor rates in your area. Professional painters typically charge either by square footage, by the hour, or as a flat project rate if you want details on how much does it cost to hire a painter?.
National Average Pricing for Painter Services
| Project Type | Average Cost | Price Range |
| Single Room (12×12) | $400-$900 | Walls and trim included |
| Full Interior (1,500 sq ft) | $4,000–$8,500 | All rooms, standard prep |
| Exterior Home (1,500 sq ft) | $3,200-$6,800 | Two coats, basic prep |
| Kitchen Cabinets | $3,000-$8,000 | Per full kitchen set |
| Deck or Fence | $1,000-$3,500 | Depends on size and material |
Labor typically accounts for 75-85% of your total project cost when you hire a painter. Materials, prep work, and overhead make up the remainder.
In premium markets like Dallas-Fort Worth, rates run slightly higher due to demand for quality work and the cost of doing business in competitive metro areas. Learn more here on how much does it cost to hire a painter?
Factors That Affect Painter Costs
- Room Size and Square Footage
Larger spaces cost more to paint but usually have lower per-square-foot rates. A 200 square foot bedroom might cost $4-$6 per square foot, while a 1,500 square foot whole-house project drops to $2-$4 per square foot due to economies of scale.
Ceiling height matters too. Standard 8-foot ceilings keep costs lower. Vaulted ceilings, two-story entryways, or rooms with 10+ foot ceilings add 20-40% to labor costs because of extra equipment and time needed.
- Paint Quality and Brand
Paint quality directly impacts both cost and longevity. Budget paints cost $25-$35 per gallon but require more coats and fade faster. Premium paints run $60–$110 per gallon and provide superior coverage, durability, and color retention.
| Paint Grade | Cost Per Gallon | Coverage | Lifespan |
| Budget/Contractor | $25-$35 | 250-350 sq ft | 3-5 years |
| Mid-Range | $40-$55 | 350-400 sq ft | 5-7 years |
| Premium/Designer | $60-$85 | 400-450 sq ft | 8-12 years |
Premium paints save money long-term through fewer repaints and better results. They also resist fading, clean easier, and maintain appearance in high-traffic areas.
- Surface Condition and Prep Work
Wall condition significantly affects how much does it cost to hire a painter? Smooth, clean walls ready for paint cost less than damaged surfaces needing repair.
Prep work typically adds $0.50–$1.75 per square foot, depending on damage level. Severe repairs can exceed $2.00 per sq ft but are less common.
| Surface Condition | Prep Required | Added Cost |
| Excellent (new/perfect) | Minimal cleaning | $0.25–$0.50 per sq ft |
| Good (minor flaws) | Light patching, sanding | $0.50–$1.00 per sq ft |
| Fair (visible damage) | Moderate repair work | $1.00–$1.75 per sq ft |
| Poor (major issues) | Extensive repair + primer | $1.75–$3.00 per sq ft |
Older homes often need more prep due to cracked plaster, peeling paint, or water damage. This work takes time but ensures professional results that last.
- Geographic Location
Where you live affects painter rates significantly. Major metro areas with higher costs of living see higher prices. Rural areas typically cost 15-30% less than urban markets.
Dallas-Fort Worth falls in the mid-to-high range nationally. Skilled painters here command premium rates due to strong demand and competitive quality standards.
Labor costs also vary by season. Summer and spring see higher demand and prices. Fall and winter often bring discounts as painters fill their schedules.
Hourly Rates vs Project-Based Pricing
Professional painters charge in different ways depending on project type and scope.
Hourly Rate Structure
Professional painters across the United States charge between $25 and $75 per hour for residential projects. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and job complexity.
Hourly pricing works for small jobs, repairs, or projects with uncertain scope. However, it can lead to cost uncertainty for homeowners who need clear budgets.
Learn more about painter’s hourly rates in our guide: how much does it cost to hire a painter?
Flat Project Pricing
Most professional painters prefer flat project pricing. They assess the job, calculate time and materials, then provide a total price. This approach gives you cost certainty and protects both parties.
Project-based pricing typically works better for whole-room or whole-house jobs where scope is clear. The painter takes on the risk of cost overruns, which motivates efficient work.
Interior vs Exterior Painting Costs
Interior and exterior projects have different cost structures and challenges if you want to know how much does it cost to hire a painter?
Interior Painting Costs
Interior work costs $2-$6 per square foot on average. Bathrooms and kitchens often cost more due to trim work, cabinets, and moisture-resistant paint requirements.
| Interior Space | Average Cost | Factors |
| Bedroom (12×14) | $500-$950 | Walls, one door, one window |
| Living Room (15×20) | $900-$1,900 | Higher ceilings, more trim |
| Kitchen | $900-$2,200 | Cabinets, backsplash prep |
| Full House Interior | $3,500-$8,000 | All rooms, standard home |
Trim, baseboards, and crown molding add $1-$3 per linear foot. Door and window frames cost $25-$75 each to paint depending on size and detail.
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior work runs $1.50-$4 per square foot. Exterior projects face weather exposure, require ladders or scaffolding, and use more durable (expensive) paint.
| Exterior Feature | Cost Range | Notes |
| Siding (per sq ft) | $1.50-$3.50 | Depends on material type |
| Trim and Fascia | $1-$3 per linear ft | Detail work, ladder time |
| Deck or Porch | $2-$5 per sq ft | Stain or paint, prep required |
| Garage Door | $150-$350 each | Two coats typical |
Exterior projects need proper surface prep including power washing, scraping old paint, and priming bare wood. This prep work prevents premature failure and adds to project cost if you want to know how much does it cost to hire a painter?.
Cost Breakdown by Project Type
- Whole House Interior
A complete interior paint job for a 2,000 sq ft home typically costs $5,000–$12,000 depending on surface condition, ceiling height, trim detail, and paint quality.
| Component | Percentage of Cost | Dollar Amount (typical) |
| Labor | 70-75% | $3,200-$6,800 |
| Paint and Materials | 20-25% | $900-$2,200 |
| Prep and Repairs | 5-10% | $250-$900 |
Premium finishes, specialty colors, or accent walls add 10-25% to base costs. Luxury homes with detailed millwork cost more due to extra trim and careful brushwork required.
- Single Room Refresh
Painting one room costs $400-$1,200 depending on size and complexity. A standard bedroom with 8-foot ceilings and minimal trim falls in the $450-$750 range.
Accent walls, custom colors, or specialty finishes like faux textures add $150-$400 to single-room projects.
- Cabinet Painting
Kitchen cabinet painting costs $3,000-$8,000 for an average kitchen. This price includes thorough cleaning, sanding, priming, and multiple coats of durable paint or conversion varnish.
Cabinet work is labor-intensive. Painters must remove hardware, mask carefully, and apply thin, even coats to avoid drips. The process takes 3-5 days including drying time between coats.
From my experience working with premium painting projects, proper cabinet prep makes the difference between a finish that lasts 7-10 years versus one that chips within two years.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Painter
Get clear answers to these questions before you hire a painter:
What’s included in your quote? Confirm whether prep work, materials, cleanup, and furniture protection are covered.
How many coats will you apply? Two coats should be standard for most projects. One coat rarely provides adequate coverage or durability.
What paint brands do you recommend? Quality painters use professional-grade paints, not big-box budget options.
Do you have insurance and references? Proper liability insurance protects you if damage occurs. References verify quality work.
What’s your timeline? Understand start dates, daily schedules, and completion estimates. Realistic timelines indicate experienced contractors.
Premium Painting Backed by 10+ Years of Expert Craftsmanship and Quality Results
Holdfast Painting specializes in these premium projects across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Our team brings over a decade of experience with luxury residential and commercial properties where quality can’t be compromised.
We handle everything from detailed interior finishes to large-scale commercial projects with the same attention to craftsmanship and client service.
To learn more about our services and professionalism, discover more about us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a painter?
A single room usually costs $400–$900, depending on room size, ceiling height, and trim. A standard 12×14 room averages $450–$750 for two coats.
Should I pay a painter upfront?
No, most painters take a 10–25% deposit, with the rest paid during the job and at completion. Never pay the full amount upfront.
How long does it take to paint a house interior?
A 1,500–2,000 sq ft home takes 4–6 days with standard prep and two coats. Larger homes or heavy repairs may take up to 10 days.
What’s included when you hire a painter?
Full-service painters include prep, materials, two coats, protection, cleanup, and disposal. Always confirm what’s included in writing.
How do I know if a painter’s quote is fair?
Compare 3 written quotes for the same scope. Fair quotes fall within 10–20% of each other. Very low bids usually mean cut corners or hidden costs.