Trades & Labor Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Painter Salary in Houston, Texas

The median painter salary in Houston, TX is $44,700 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 4.2% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$44,700
vs State Avg
+$1,788
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
96%

Painter Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median painter salary of $44,700, which is $1,788 above the Texas state average of $42,912. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Houston pays above average for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston 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 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Painter Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, 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 96% 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 Houston, TX

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

Painter Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Painter in Houston

Education

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

Find Painter Jobs in Houston

Browse open painter positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Houston

How much does a Painter make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median painter salary in Houston, Texas 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 Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,700, a painter in Houston earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for painter pay? ▼
Houston's median painter salary of $44,700 is 4.2% above the Texas state average of $42,912. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a painter salary of $44,700 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Houston? ▼
Most painter positions in Houston 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.