Trades & Labor Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Painter Salary in Colorado

The median painter salary in Colorado is $47,829 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$47,829
vs National
+$3,129
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Painter Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for painter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $47,829 per year, painters in Colorado earn $3,129 more than the national median of $44,700.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning painter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $32,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $74,900 — a $42,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $58,110.

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 Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level painter earns around $33,170, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,620 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,170
+$2,170 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,150
+$3,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,620
+$4,620 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $32,100
25th Percentile $38,520
Median (50th) $47,829
75th Percentile $60,990
90th Percentile $74,900

Painter Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for painters in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Colorado

How much does a Painter make in Colorado? ▼
The median painter salary in Colorado is $47,829 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $32,100 (10th percentile) to $74,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,829, a painter in Colorado earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for painters? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $33,170, while senior professionals earn $70,620.
How does Colorado compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Colorado's median of $47,829 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Connecticut ($50,064) and Maryland ($49,170).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level painter in Colorado earns approximately $33,170 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,150. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $70,620.
What city in Colorado pays painters the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for painters, with a median salary of $58,110. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.