Painter Salary in Cleveland, Ohio
The median painter salary in Cleveland, OH is $38,442 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.
Painter Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)
Cleveland offers a median painter salary of $38,442, which is $1,788 below the Ohio state average of $40,230. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Cleveland'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 Cleveland an attractive option for painters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for painters in Cleveland 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 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Painter Salary in Cleveland by Experience
In Cleveland, 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.
Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH
| Percentile | Cleveland |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $25,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,960 |
| Median (50th) | $38,442 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,020 |
| 90th Percentile | $60,200 |
Painter Salary in Other Ohio Cities
How to Become a Painter in Cleveland
Education
Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio 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 Cleveland may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Painter Jobs in Cleveland
Browse open painter positions in Cleveland, OH: