Trades & Labor Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Painter Salary in Alaska

The median painter salary in Alaska is $59,898 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$59,898
vs National
+$15,198
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Painter Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for painter compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for painters seeking high pay. At $59,898 per year, painters in Alaska earn $15,198 more than the national median of $44,700.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $59,898 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $48,305.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $40,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $93,800 — a $53,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $64,815.

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for painters across the country.

Painter Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level painter earns around $41,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,440 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,540
+$10,540 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,300
+$15,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,440
+$22,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $40,200
25th Percentile $48,240
Median (50th) $59,898
75th Percentile $76,380
90th Percentile $93,800

Painter Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for painters in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Alaska

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Alaska

How much does a Painter make in Alaska? ▼
The median painter salary in Alaska is $59,898 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $40,200 (10th percentile) to $93,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,898, a painter in Alaska earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for painters? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $41,540, while senior professionals earn $88,440.
How does Alaska compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Alaska's median of $59,898 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($63,921) and Massachusetts ($60,345).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level painter in Alaska earns approximately $41,540 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,440.
What city in Alaska pays painters the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for painters, with a median salary of $64,815. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.