Trades & Labor Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Painter Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median painter salary in Denver, CO is $50,958 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$50,958
vs State Avg
+$3,129
vs National
+$6,258
Cost of Living
112%

Painter Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median painter salary of $50,958, which is $3,129 above the Colorado state average of $47,829. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $50,958 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $45,498. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for painters in Denver spans from $34,200 at the 10th percentile to $79,800 at the 90th percentile — a $45,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,340, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,240. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Painter Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level painter earns around $35,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,340
+$4,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,300
+$6,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,240
+$9,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $34,200
25th Percentile $41,040
Median (50th) $50,958
75th Percentile $64,980
90th Percentile $79,800

Painter Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$58,110
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$48,276
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$47,829
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$45,594
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Painter in Denver

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Denver and the surrounding Colorado 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Painter Jobs in Denver

Browse open painter positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Denver

How much does a Painter make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median painter salary in Denver, Colorado is $50,958 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $34,200 (10th percentile) to $79,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,958, a painter in Denver earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for painter pay? ▼
Denver's median painter salary of $50,958 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $47,829. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a painter salary of $50,958 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Denver? ▼
Most painter positions in Denver 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.