Trades & Labor California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Painter Salary in California

The median painter salary in California is $63,921 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$63,921
vs National
+$19,221
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Painter Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level painter earns around $44,330, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,380 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,330
+$13,330 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,350
+$19,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,380
+$28,380 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $42,900
25th Percentile $51,480
Median (50th) $63,921
75th Percentile $81,510
90th Percentile $100,100

Painter Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for painters in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$67,497
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$83,589
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$65,709
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$77,331
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$54,981
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Painter in California

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in California

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

Find Painter Jobs in California

Browse open painter positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in California

How much does a Painter make in California? ▼
The median painter salary in California is $63,921 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $42,900 (10th percentile) to $100,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,921, a painter in California earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for painters? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $44,330, while senior professionals earn $94,380.
How does California compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. California's median of $63,921 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($79,566) and Massachusetts ($60,345).
What is the entry-level painter salary in California? ▼
An entry-level painter in California earns approximately $44,330 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $64,350. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $94,380.
What city in California pays painters the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for painters, with a median salary of $83,589. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.