Trades & Labor Wisconsin (WI) Rank #35 of 50

Painter Salary in Wisconsin

The median painter salary in Wisconsin is $41,124 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$41,124
vs National
$-3,576
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Painter Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level painter earns around $28,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,720 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,520
$-2,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,720
$-5,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $33,120
Median (50th) $41,124
75th Percentile $52,440
90th Percentile $64,400

Painter Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for painters in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Milwaukee, WI
$41,124
Pop. 577,222 · COL 92%
Madison, WI
$44,700
Pop. 269,840 · COL 100%
Green Bay, WI
$39,336
Pop. 107,395 · COL 88%
Kenosha, WI
$40,230
Pop. 99,986 · COL 90%
Racine, WI
$38,442
Pop. 77,816 · COL 86%

How to Become a Painter in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

Find Painter Jobs in Wisconsin

Browse open painter positions in Wisconsin:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Painter make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median painter salary in Wisconsin is $41,124 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $64,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,124, a painter in Wisconsin earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for painters? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $28,520, while senior professionals earn $60,720.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Wisconsin's median of $41,124 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($41,124) and North Carolina ($41,124).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level painter in Wisconsin earns approximately $28,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $41,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $60,720.
What city in Wisconsin pays painters the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for painters, with a median salary of $44,700. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.