Trades & Labor Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Painter Salary in Rhode Island

The median painter salary in Rhode Island is $46,935 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$46,935
vs National
+$2,235
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Painter Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for painter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $46,935 per year, painters in Rhode Island earn $2,235 more than the national median of $44,700.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning painter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $31,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $73,500 — a $42,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $48,276.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level painter earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,300 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,550
+$1,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,250
+$2,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,300
+$3,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $31,500
25th Percentile $37,800
Median (50th) $46,935
75th Percentile $59,850
90th Percentile $73,500

Painter Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for painters in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Painter make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median painter salary in Rhode Island is $46,935 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $31,500 (10th percentile) to $73,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,935, a painter in Rhode Island earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for painters? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $32,550, while senior professionals earn $69,300.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Rhode Island's median of $46,935 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($47,829) and New Hampshire ($46,935).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level painter in Rhode Island earns approximately $32,550 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $47,250. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $69,300.
What city in Rhode Island pays painters the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for painters, with a median salary of $48,276. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.