Trades & Labor Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Painter Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median painter salary in Nashville, TN is $44,700 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$44,700
vs State Avg
+$4,917
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Painter Pay in Nashville: What to Expect (2026)

Nashville offers a median painter salary of $44,700, which is $4,917 above the Tennessee state average of $39,783. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for painters in Nashville spans from $30,000 at the 10th percentile to $70,000 at the 90th percentile — a $40,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,000, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Painter Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level painter earns around $31,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $30,000
25th Percentile $36,000
Median (50th) $44,700
75th Percentile $57,000
90th Percentile $70,000

Painter Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Painter in Nashville

Education

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

Find Painter Jobs in Nashville

Browse open painter positions in Nashville, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Nashville

How much does a Painter make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median painter salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $44,700 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $30,000 (10th percentile) to $70,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,700, a painter in Nashville earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for painter pay? ▼
Nashville's median painter salary of $44,700 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $39,783. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a painter salary of $44,700 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Nashville? ▼
Most painter positions in Nashville 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.