Trades & Labor Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Painter Salary in Iowa

The median painter salary in Iowa is $39,783 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$39,783
vs National
$-4,917
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Painter Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level painter earns around $27,590, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,740 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,590
$-3,410 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,050
$-4,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,740
$-7,260 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $26,700
25th Percentile $32,040
Median (50th) $39,783
75th Percentile $50,730
90th Percentile $62,300

Painter Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for painters in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Des Moines, IA
$41,124
Pop. 214,133 · COL 92%
Cedar Rapids, IA
$39,336
Pop. 137,710 · COL 88%
Davenport, IA
$38,442
Pop. 101,724 · COL 86%
Sioux City, IA
$37,548
Pop. 85,797 · COL 84%
Iowa City, IA
$42,465
Pop. 74,828 · COL 95%

How to Become a Painter in Iowa

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Iowa

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

Find Painter Jobs in Iowa

Browse open painter positions in Iowa:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Iowa

How much does a Painter make in Iowa? ▼
The median painter salary in Iowa is $39,783 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $26,700 (10th percentile) to $62,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,783, a painter in Iowa earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for painters? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $27,590, while senior professionals earn $58,740.
How does Iowa compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Iowa's median of $39,783 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($40,230) and Ohio ($40,230).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level painter in Iowa earns approximately $27,590 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $40,050. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $58,740.
What city in Iowa pays painters the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for painters, with a median salary of $42,465. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.