Trades & Labor Nebraska (NE) Rank #37 of 50

Painter Salary in Nebraska

The median painter salary in Nebraska is $40,230 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$40,230
vs National
$-4,470
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Painter Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #37 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Painter salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $40,230 per year, painters in Nebraska earn $4,470 less than the national median of $44,700.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $40,230 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $44,700 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $27,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $63,000 — a $36,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $41,571.

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 Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level painter earns around $27,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,400 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,500
$-4,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,400
$-6,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $32,400
Median (50th) $40,230
75th Percentile $51,300
90th Percentile $63,000

Painter Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for painters in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Nebraska

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Nebraska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Painter make in Nebraska? ▼
The median painter salary in Nebraska is $40,230 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $63,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,230, a painter in Nebraska earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for painters? ▼
Nebraska ranks #37 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $27,900, while senior professionals earn $59,400.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Nebraska's median of $40,230 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($41,124) and Michigan ($40,230).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level painter in Nebraska earns approximately $27,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $40,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $59,400.
What city in Nebraska pays painters the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for painters, with a median salary of $41,571. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.