Trades & Labor Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Painter Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median painter salary in Portland, OR is $54,087 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$54,087
vs State Avg
+$3,576
vs National
+$9,387
Cost of Living
118%

Painter Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median painter salary of $54,087, which is $3,576 above the Oregon state average of $50,511. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $54,087 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $45,836. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for painters in Portland spans from $36,300 at the 10th percentile to $84,700 at the 90th percentile — a $48,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,510, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,860. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Painter Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level painter earns around $37,510, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,860 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,510
+$6,510 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,450
+$9,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,860
+$13,860 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $36,300
25th Percentile $43,560
Median (50th) $54,087
75th Percentile $68,970
90th Percentile $84,700

Painter Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$51,405
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$49,617
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$48,276
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$46,935
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Painter in Portland

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Portland and the surrounding Oregon 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 Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Painter Jobs in Portland

Browse open painter positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Portland

How much does a Painter make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median painter salary in Portland, Oregon is $54,087 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $36,300 (10th percentile) to $84,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,087, a painter in Portland earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for painter pay? ▼
Portland's median painter salary of $54,087 is 7.1% above the Oregon state average of $50,511. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a painter salary of $54,087 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Portland? ▼
Most painter positions in Portland 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.