Trades & Labor Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #25 of 50

Painter Salary in Pennsylvania

The median painter salary in Pennsylvania is $42,912 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$42,912
vs National
$-1,788
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Painter Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #25 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for painter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $42,912 per year, painters in Pennsylvania earn $1,788 less than the national median of $44,700.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning painter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $28,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $67,200 — a $38,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $45,594.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level painter earns around $29,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,760
$-1,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-2,640 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $34,560
Median (50th) $42,912
75th Percentile $54,720
90th Percentile $67,200

Painter Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for painters in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Painter make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median painter salary in Pennsylvania is $42,912 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $67,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,912, a painter in Pennsylvania earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for painters? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #25 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $29,760, while senior professionals earn $63,360.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Pennsylvania's median of $42,912 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($43,359) and Louisiana ($42,912).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level painter in Pennsylvania earns approximately $29,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $63,360.
What city in Pennsylvania pays painters the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for painters, with a median salary of $45,594. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.