Trades & Labor Maine (ME) Rank #19 of 50

Painter Salary in Maine

The median painter salary in Maine is $43,806 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$43,806
vs National
$-894
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Painter Salary Overview in Maine (2026)

Maine ranks #19 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Maine falls in the middle of the pack for painter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $43,806 per year, painters in Maine earn $894 less than the national median of $44,700.

Maine's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning painter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Maine is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $29,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,600 — a $39,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maine for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $48,276.

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 Maine by Experience

In Maine, an entry-level painter earns around $30,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,680 per year. The cost of living index in Maine is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,380
$-620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,100
$-900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,680
$-1,320 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maine

Percentile ME Salary
10th Percentile $29,400
25th Percentile $35,280
Median (50th) $43,806
75th Percentile $55,860
90th Percentile $68,600

Painter Salary by City in Maine

The largest employment areas for painters in Maine include Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and South Portland. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Maine

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Maine

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Maine

How much does a Painter make in Maine? ▼
The median painter salary in Maine is $43,806 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $68,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Maine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,806, a painter in Maine earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maine a good state for painters? ▼
Maine ranks #19 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $30,380, while senior professionals earn $64,680.
How does Maine compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Maine's median of $43,806 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($44,700) and Florida ($43,806).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Maine? ▼
An entry-level painter in Maine earns approximately $30,380 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $44,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $64,680.
What city in Maine pays painters the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Maine for painters, with a median salary of $48,276. Other cities include Lewiston and Bangor.