Trades & Labor North Dakota (ND) Rank #29 of 50

Painter Salary in North Dakota

The median painter salary in North Dakota is $42,465 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$42,465
vs National
$-2,235
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Painter Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Painter salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $42,465 per year, painters in North Dakota earn $2,235 less than the national median of $44,700.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $42,465 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $47,183 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $28,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $66,500 — a $38,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $44,253.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level painter earns around $29,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,700 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,450
$-1,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,750
$-2,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,700
$-3,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $28,500
25th Percentile $34,200
Median (50th) $42,465
75th Percentile $54,150
90th Percentile $66,500

Painter Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for painters in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Painter make in North Dakota? ▼
The median painter salary in North Dakota is $42,465 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $28,500 (10th percentile) to $66,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,465, a painter in North Dakota earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for painters? ▼
North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $29,450, while senior professionals earn $62,700.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. North Dakota's median of $42,465 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($42,912) and Illinois ($42,465).
What is the entry-level painter salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level painter in North Dakota earns approximately $29,450 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $62,700.
What city in North Dakota pays painters the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for painters, with a median salary of $44,253. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.