Trades & Labor Tennessee (TN) Rank #42 of 50

Painter Salary in Tennessee

The median painter salary in Tennessee is $39,783 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$39,783
vs National
$-4,917
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Painter Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level painter earns around $27,590, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,740 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,590
$-3,410 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,050
$-4,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,740
$-7,260 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $26,700
25th Percentile $32,040
Median (50th) $39,783
75th Percentile $50,730
90th Percentile $62,300

Painter Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for painters in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Nashville, TN
$44,700
Pop. 689,447 · COL 100%
Memphis, TN
$38,442
Pop. 633,104 · COL 86%
Knoxville, TN
$39,336
Pop. 190,740 · COL 88%
Chattanooga, TN
$39,336
Pop. 181,099 · COL 88%
Murfreesboro, TN
$41,124
Pop. 152,769 · COL 92%

How to Become a Painter in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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

Find Painter Jobs in Tennessee

Browse open painter positions in Tennessee:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Painter make in Tennessee? ▼
The median painter salary in Tennessee is $39,783 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $26,700 (10th percentile) to $62,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,783, a painter in Tennessee earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for painters? ▼
Tennessee ranks #42 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $27,590, while senior professionals earn $58,740.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Tennessee's median of $39,783 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($39,783) and South Carolina ($39,783).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level painter in Tennessee earns approximately $27,590 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $40,050. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $58,740.
What city in Tennessee pays painters the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for painters, with a median salary of $44,700. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.