Trades & Labor Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Painter Salary in Massachusetts

The median painter salary in Massachusetts is $60,345 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$60,345
vs National
+$15,645
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Painter Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for painter compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for painters seeking high pay. At $60,345 per year, painters in Massachusetts earn $15,645 more than the national median of $44,700.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $60,345 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $44,700.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $40,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $94,500 — a $54,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $71,520.

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 Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level painter earns around $41,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,100 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,850
+$10,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,750
+$15,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,100
+$23,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $40,500
25th Percentile $48,600
Median (50th) $60,345
75th Percentile $76,950
90th Percentile $94,500

Painter Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for painters in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Massachusetts

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Painter make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median painter salary in Massachusetts is $60,345 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $40,500 (10th percentile) to $94,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,345, a painter in Massachusetts earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for painters? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $41,850, while senior professionals earn $89,100.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Massachusetts's median of $60,345 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($79,566) and California ($63,921).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level painter in Massachusetts earns approximately $41,850 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,100.
What city in Massachusetts pays painters the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for painters, with a median salary of $71,520. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.