Trades & Labor Oregon (OR) Rank #8 of 50

Painter Salary in Oregon

The median painter salary in Oregon is $50,511 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$50,511
vs National
+$5,811
State Rank
#8 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Painter Salary Overview in Oregon (2026)

Oregon ranks #8 out of 50 states for painter compensation. This places Oregon in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for painters seeking high pay. At $50,511 per year, painters in Oregon earn $5,811 more than the national median of $44,700.

It's worth noting that Oregon's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $50,511 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $45,919.

The salary spread in Oregon is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $33,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $79,100 — a $45,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oregon for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $54,087.

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 Oregon by Experience

In Oregon, an entry-level painter earns around $35,030, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,580 per year. The cost of living index in Oregon is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,030
+$4,030 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,850
+$5,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,580
+$8,580 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Oregon

Percentile OR Salary
10th Percentile $33,900
25th Percentile $40,680
Median (50th) $50,511
75th Percentile $64,410
90th Percentile $79,100

Painter Salary by City in Oregon

The largest employment areas for painters in Oregon include Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Gresham. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Oregon

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Oregon

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Oregon

How much does a Painter make in Oregon? ▼
The median painter salary in Oregon is $50,511 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $33,900 (10th percentile) to $79,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Oregon? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,511, a painter in Oregon earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oregon a good state for painters? ▼
Oregon ranks #8 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $35,030, while senior professionals earn $74,580.
How does Oregon compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Oregon's median of $50,511 ranks #8 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($53,193) and New Jersey ($51,405).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Oregon? ▼
An entry-level painter in Oregon earns approximately $35,030 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,850. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $74,580.
What city in Oregon pays painters the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Oregon for painters, with a median salary of $54,087. Other cities include Salem and Eugene.