Trades & Labor Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Painter Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median painter salary in Chicago, IL is $47,829 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$47,829
vs State Avg
+$5,364
vs National
+$3,129
Cost of Living
107%

Painter Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level painter earns around $33,170, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,620 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% 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

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

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

Painter Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Painter in Chicago

Education

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

Find Painter Jobs in Chicago

Browse open painter positions in Chicago, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Chicago

How much does a Painter make in Chicago, IL?
The median painter salary in Chicago, Illinois 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 Chicago?
Based on the median annual salary of $47,829, a painter in Chicago earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for painter pay?
Chicago's median painter salary of $47,829 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $42,465. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL?
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a painter salary of $47,829 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Chicago?
Most painter positions in Chicago 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.