Trades & Labor Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Painter Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median painter salary in Arlington, VA is $59,004 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$59,004
vs State Avg
+$12,516
vs National
+$14,304
Cost of Living
132%

Painter Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median painter salary of $59,004, which is $12,516 above the Virginia state average of $46,488. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $59,004 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $44,700. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for painters in Arlington spans from $39,600 at the 10th percentile to $92,400 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,920, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,120. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Painter Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level painter earns around $40,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,920
+$9,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,400
+$14,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,120
+$21,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $39,600
25th Percentile $47,520
Median (50th) $59,004
75th Percentile $75,240
90th Percentile $92,400

Painter Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$45,594
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$44,700
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$43,806
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$42,912
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Painter in Arlington

Education

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

Find Painter Jobs in Arlington

Browse open painter positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Arlington

How much does a Painter make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median painter salary in Arlington, Virginia is $59,004 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $39,600 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,004, a painter in Arlington earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for painter pay? ▼
Arlington's median painter salary of $59,004 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $46,488. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a painter salary of $59,004 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Arlington? ▼
Most painter positions in Arlington 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.