Trades & Labor Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Painter Salary in Delaware

The median painter salary in Delaware is $45,147 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$45,147
vs National
+$447
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Painter Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for painter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $45,147 per year, painters in Delaware earn $447 more than the national median of $44,700.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning painter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $30,300, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $70,700 — a $40,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $46,935.

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 Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level painter earns around $31,310, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,660 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,310
+$310 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,450
+$450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,660
+$660 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $30,300
25th Percentile $36,360
Median (50th) $45,147
75th Percentile $57,570
90th Percentile $70,700

Painter Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for painters in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Delaware

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Delaware

How much does a Painter make in Delaware? ▼
The median painter salary in Delaware is $45,147 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $30,300 (10th percentile) to $70,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,147, a painter in Delaware earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for painters? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $31,310, while senior professionals earn $66,660.
How does Delaware compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Delaware's median of $45,147 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($46,935) and Virginia ($46,488).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level painter in Delaware earns approximately $31,310 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,450. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $66,660.
What city in Delaware pays painters the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for painters, with a median salary of $46,935. Other cities include Dover and Newark.