Painter Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $38,442 (2026)

Painter Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median painter salary of $38,442, which is $2,682 below the North Carolina state average of $41,124. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $38,442 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $44,700 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for painters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for painters in Winston-Salem spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $60,200 at the 90th percentile — a $34,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,660, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,760. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Painter Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level painter earns around $26,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$26,660

$-4,340 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$38,700

$-6,300 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$56,760

$-9,240 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$25,800	$27,600	$30,000
25th Percentile	$30,960	$33,120	$36,000
Median (50th)	$38,442	$41,124	$44,700
75th Percentile	$49,020	$52,440	$57,000
90th Percentile	$60,200	$64,400	$70,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$25,800

25th Percentile

$30,960

Median (50th)

$38,442

75th Percentile

$49,020

90th Percentile

$60,200

How to Become a Painter in Winston-Salem

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Painter make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median painter salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $38,442 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $60,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Painter make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $38,442, a painter in Winston-Salem earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for painter pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median painter salary of $38,442 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $41,124. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a painter salary of $38,442 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most painter positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Painter Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina