Trades & Labor Louisiana (LA) Rank #24 of 50

Painter Salary in Louisiana

The median painter salary in Louisiana is $42,912 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$42,912
vs National
$-1,788
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Painter Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #24 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Louisiana falls in the middle of the pack for painter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $42,912 per year, painters in Louisiana earn $1,788 less than the national median of $44,700.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $42,912 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $47,156 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $28,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $67,200 — a $38,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $46,041.

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 Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level painter earns around $29,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,760
$-1,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-2,640 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $34,560
Median (50th) $42,912
75th Percentile $54,720
90th Percentile $67,200

Painter Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for painters in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Louisiana

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Louisiana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Painter make in Louisiana? ▼
The median painter salary in Louisiana is $42,912 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $67,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,912, a painter in Louisiana earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for painters? ▼
Louisiana ranks #24 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $29,760, while senior professionals earn $63,360.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Louisiana's median of $42,912 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($43,359) and Utah ($43,359).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level painter in Louisiana earns approximately $29,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $63,360.
What city in Louisiana pays painters the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for painters, with a median salary of $46,041. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.