Trades & Labor Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Painter Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median painter salary in Los Angeles, CA is $67,497 per year, which is 51.0% above the national median and 5.6% above the California state average.

City Median
$67,497
vs State Avg
+$3,576
vs National
+$22,797
Cost of Living
146%

Painter Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median painter salary of $67,497, which is $3,576 above the California state average of $63,921. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $67,497 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $46,231. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for painters in Los Angeles spans from $45,300 at the 10th percentile to $105,700 at the 90th percentile — a $60,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,810, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,660. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Painter Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level painter earns around $46,810, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,660 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,810
+$15,810 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,950
+$22,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,660
+$33,660 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $45,300
25th Percentile $54,360
Median (50th) $67,497
75th Percentile $86,070
90th Percentile $105,700

Painter Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$83,589
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$77,331
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$65,709
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$54,981
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Painter in Los Angeles

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Painter Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open painter positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Painter make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median painter salary in Los Angeles, California is $67,497 per year, which is 51.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $45,300 (10th percentile) to $105,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,497, a painter in Los Angeles earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for painter pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median painter salary of $67,497 is 5.6% above the California state average of $63,921. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a painter salary of $67,497 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Los Angeles? ▼
Most painter positions in Los Angeles require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surface Preparation, Paint Application, Color Matching, Spray Equipment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.