Trades & Labor Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Painter Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median painter salary in Independence, MO is $37,995 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$37,995
vs State Avg
$-1,341
vs National
$-6,705
Cost of Living
85%

Painter Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median painter salary of $37,995, which is $1,341 below the Missouri state average of $39,336. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $37,995 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $44,700 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for painters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for painters in Independence spans from $25,500 at the 10th percentile to $59,500 at the 90th percentile — a $34,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,350, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,100. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Painter Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level painter earns around $26,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,350
$-4,650 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,250
$-6,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,100
$-9,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $25,500
25th Percentile $30,600
Median (50th) $37,995
75th Percentile $48,450
90th Percentile $59,500

Painter Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$41,124
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$40,230
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$39,336
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$36,654
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Painter in Independence

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Independence and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Independence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Painter Jobs in Independence

Browse open painter positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Independence

How much does a Painter make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median painter salary in Independence, Missouri is $37,995 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $25,500 (10th percentile) to $59,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,995, a painter in Independence earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for painter pay? ▼
Independence's median painter salary of $37,995 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $39,336. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a painter salary of $37,995 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Independence? ▼
Most painter positions in Independence require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surface Preparation, Paint Application, Color Matching, Spray Equipment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.