Painter Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median painter salary in Durham, NC is $42,465 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Painter Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median painter salary of $42,465, which is $1,341 above the North Carolina state average of $41,124. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for painters in Durham spans from $28,500 at the 10th percentile to $66,500 at the 90th percentile — a $38,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,450, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,700. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Painter Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level painter earns around $29,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,200 |
| Median (50th) | $42,465 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,150 |
| 90th Percentile | $66,500 |
Painter Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Painter in Durham
Education
Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Painter Jobs in Durham
Browse open painter positions in Durham, NC: