Trades & Labor Idaho (ID) Rank #30 of 50

Painter Salary in Idaho

The median painter salary in Idaho is $42,018 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$42,018
vs National
$-2,682
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Painter Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #30 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Painter salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $42,018 per year, painters in Idaho earn $2,682 less than the national median of $44,700.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $42,018 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $44,700 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $28,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $65,800 — a $37,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $44,700.

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 Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level painter earns around $29,140, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,040 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,140
$-1,860 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,300
$-2,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,040
$-3,960 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $28,200
25th Percentile $33,840
Median (50th) $42,018
75th Percentile $53,580
90th Percentile $65,800

Painter Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for painters in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Idaho

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Idaho

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Idaho

How much does a Painter make in Idaho? ▼
The median painter salary in Idaho is $42,018 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $28,200 (10th percentile) to $65,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,018, a painter in Idaho earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for painters? ▼
Idaho ranks #30 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $29,140, while senior professionals earn $62,040.
How does Idaho compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Idaho's median of $42,018 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($42,465) and North Dakota ($42,465).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level painter in Idaho earns approximately $29,140 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $62,040.
What city in Idaho pays painters the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for painters, with a median salary of $44,700. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.