Trades & Labor Minnesota (MN) Rank #21 of 50

Painter Salary in Minnesota

The median painter salary in Minnesota is $43,359 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$43,359
vs National
$-1,341
State Rank
#21 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Painter Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #21 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for painter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $43,359 per year, painters in Minnesota earn $1,341 less than the national median of $44,700.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning painter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $29,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $67,900 — a $38,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $46,935.

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 Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level painter earns around $30,070, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,020 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,070
$-930 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,650
$-1,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,020
$-1,980 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $29,100
25th Percentile $34,920
Median (50th) $43,359
75th Percentile $55,290
90th Percentile $67,900

Painter Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for painters in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Minnesota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Painter make in Minnesota? ▼
The median painter salary in Minnesota is $43,359 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $29,100 (10th percentile) to $67,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,359, a painter in Minnesota earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for painters? ▼
Minnesota ranks #21 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $30,070, while senior professionals earn $64,020.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Minnesota's median of $43,359 ranks #21 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($43,806) and Arizona ($43,359).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level painter in Minnesota earns approximately $30,070 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,650. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $64,020.
What city in Minnesota pays painters the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for painters, with a median salary of $46,935. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.