Trades & Labor Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Painter Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median painter salary in Seattle, WA is $67,944 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$67,944
vs State Avg
+$14,751
vs National
+$23,244
Cost of Living
148%

Painter Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median painter salary of $67,944, which is $14,751 above the Washington state average of $53,193. Compared to the national median of $44,700, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $67,944 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $45,908. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for painters in Seattle spans from $45,600 at the 10th percentile to $106,400 at the 90th percentile — a $60,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,120, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,320. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Painter Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level painter earns around $47,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,120
+$16,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,400
+$23,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,320
+$34,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $45,600
25th Percentile $54,720
Median (50th) $67,944
75th Percentile $86,640
90th Percentile $106,400

Painter Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$69,732
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$50,958
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$47,382
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$42,912
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Painter in Seattle

Education

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

Find Painter Jobs in Seattle

Browse open painter positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Seattle

How much does a Painter make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median painter salary in Seattle, Washington is $67,944 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $45,600 (10th percentile) to $106,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,944, a painter in Seattle earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for painter pay? ▼
Seattle's median painter salary of $67,944 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $53,193. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a painter salary of $67,944 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Seattle? ▼
Most painter positions in Seattle 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.