Trades & Labor Texas (TX) Rank #26 of 50

Painter Salary in Texas

The median painter salary in Texas 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
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Painter Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #26 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Painter salaries in Texas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $42,912 per year, painters in Texas earn $1,788 less than the national median of $44,700.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $42,912 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,643 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas 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 Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $48,723.

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 Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level painter earns around $29,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% 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 Texas

Percentile TX 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 Texas

The largest employment areas for painters in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Texas

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Texas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Texas

How much does a Painter make in Texas? ▼
The median painter salary in Texas 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 Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,912, a painter in Texas earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for painters? ▼
Texas ranks #26 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $29,760, while senior professionals earn $63,360.
How does Texas compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Texas's median of $42,912 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($42,912) and Pennsylvania ($42,912).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level painter in Texas 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 Texas pays painters the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for painters, with a median salary of $48,723. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.