How Much Do Painters Charge?

Hiring a professional painter can transform your home — but costs vary widely depending on whether you’re painting a single room, the full interior, or the exterior of a multi-story house. 

Painters charge using different methods (by square foot, hourly, or per project), and additional prep or repairs can add to the final bill. In this guide, we’ll break down average painting costs, what factors influence the price, and how to find fair rates for your project.

Key takeaways

• Average costs: Most homeowners spend $3,500–$4,500 for a full interior repaint. A single room costs $300–$1,000 on average.
  
  
• Interior rates: Painters typically charge $2–$6 per sq. ft. for walls, with extra charges for ceilings, trim, or cabinetry.
  
  
• Exterior rates: Expect $3–$7 per sq. ft., or $3,000–$10,000+ for a full two- to three-story home, depending on size and access.

How much do house painters charge?

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Hiring professional painters can be a major expense of home ownership, and prices have risen in recent years with labor and material costs. The average cost to repaint the interior walls of a home is around $3,500–$4,500, with smaller projects starting closer to $1,200 and larger or more detailed jobs reaching $8,000 or more.

Getting accurate and detailed estimates is the best way to keep your painting project aligned with your budget. Some painters charge hourly, typically $20–$60 per hour, while others calculate by square footage, averaging $2–$6 per square foot for interior work.

Many painting companies specialize in either interior or exterior painting, so it’s important to choose someone with relevant experience. If you’re working with tall spaces that require scaffolding, textured finishes, or cabinetry, costs will climb. The more complex the project, the more likely it is that a professional painting company will deliver a better result than a DIY effort.

Calculating the cost of a painter 

Painter costs vary based on how the project is measured — by room, house size, square footage, project type, or hourly rates. The simplest way to estimate your budget is to figure out your base rate, then add on any additional costs that might apply to you. Use our painter cost calculator table below to find your estimated total cost. 

How to calculate the cost of a painter

1. Start with the base cost. Most painters charge $2–$6 per sq. ft. or $20–$60/hr.
2. Factor in the project scope. One room, whole house, exterior vs interior, cabinetry, or trim.
   
   
3. Add prep work. Drywall repairs, skim coating, furniture moving, or power washing can add hundreds of dollars.
   
   
4. Adjust for ceilings and access. High ceilings, vaulted rooms, or multi-story homes increase labor and equipment costs.
   

Tally extras. Specialty finishes, ceiling painting, or HOA/permit fees can raise the total.

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Cost by room

Room-based pricing is one of the most common ways painters estimate jobs, especially for smaller projects. Bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms all vary in size, ceiling height, and wall condition, so the cost can swing significantly. A standard 10x12 bedroom typically runs $300–$800, while larger living spaces can cost $1,000+. Extra factors like closets, trim, or accent walls will raise the price.

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Cost by house size 

Full-home repaints are usually calculated by square footage, but it’s useful to look at averages by home size. The larger the house, the more surface area to cover — and taller ceilings, stairwells, and multi-level exteriors increase both time and labor.

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Cost by project 

Sometimes, painters price by project type rather than square footage or hourly rates. This is common for focused jobs like cabinetry, trim, or accent walls, where detailed work requires a different skill set. Project-based quotes often include both labor and paint, with add-ons for premium finishes.

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Cost by square foot

Charging by square foot is the industry standard for most interior and exterior painting projects. It offers transparency and makes it easy to estimate costs based on your home’s size. Interior rates typically run $2–$6 per square foot, while exterior work runs $3–$7 per square foot. Factors like surface prep, ceiling height, and siding type can push you toward the higher end.

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Cost by hour 

Some painters — especially independent contractors — charge by the hour instead of by square footage. Hourly rates typically fall between $20–$60 per painter, with higher-end professionals or crews in major metro areas charging more. Hourly pricing is often used for small jobs, touch-ups, or repairs that don’t justify a full per-square-foot quote.

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Painter prices: Average cost for internal and external projects

The total cost of hiring a professional painter depends on the size of the project, the surfaces being painted, and the amount of prep work required. Labor makes up the bulk of the price, while paint and materials are usually only 10–15% of the total.

Most painters charge by the square foot rather than by the hour, though hourly pricing is common for smaller jobs. Expect higher rates in major metro areas, on multi-story homes, or when extra prep is needed.

Interior painting costs

Interior painting tends to be the most common project for homeowners, and it can quickly become a major expense depending on how many rooms are included. On average, interior painting runs $2–$6 per square foot, which translates to $3,000–$8,000+ for a full repaint of an average-sized home.

The type of surface also matters. Walls are the least expensive, but once you add trim, doors, or cabinetry, the price rises because of the detailed work required. Ceilings are often not included in basic estimates and may add $1–$3 per square foot, with vaulted or cathedral ceilings costing even more due to scaffolding and ladder setups.

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You’re also likely to encounter additional costs for extra prep. The most common ones being:

• Room setup / moving furniture: $25–$50 per room
  
  
• Drywall repairs: ~$600 average
  
  
• Skim coating to smooth texture: +$1–$3 per sq. ft.
  
  
• Adding wall texture: +$1–$3 per sq. ft.
  
  
• Lead or asbestos testing: $200–$500+ (full removal = thousands)

Exterior painting costs

Exterior painting is generally more expensive than interior painting due to the additional prep, labor, and safety considerations involved. Painters typically charge $3–$7 per square foot for exterior work. For a two-story home with about 2,000 square feet of paintable surface, the cost usually lands between $3,000 and $6,500. A larger three-story home could run $4,500–$10,000+, especially if scaffolding is needed.

Because exteriors require weather-safe finishes and often involve climbing ladders or scaffolding, labor costs here are typically higher than for interiors.

Costs also vary based on the materials being painted — siding, brick, stucco, or wood each require different prep and techniques. Decorative elements like shutters and trim may be included, but not always, so it’s important to confirm what’s covered in your estimate.

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There are also costs associated with the prep work required to get your house ready to paint. The most common factors to consider are: 

• Permit / HOA approval: ~$250
  
  
• Paint stripping: $0.50 – $2.00 per sq. ft.
  
  
• Power washing: $250 – $400
  
  
• Caulking windows / foundation: Varies by home
  
  
• Siding repairs: ~$600 average

Hourly rates for the top 5 painter platforms

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Angi 

Angi is one of the largest home-services marketplaces in the U.S., connecting homeowners with vetted local pros. You can request multiple quotes at once and compare painters on price, reviews, and experience. You can take a look at Angi’s price guide here. 

• Typical hourly: $25–$60/hr
  
  
• Project minimums: $250–$750 (varies)
  
  
• Good for: Large or multi-room jobs where you want competitive quotes.

Thumbtack

Thumbtack is a national platform where contractors list their services and compete for local jobs. Homeowners post details about their project and get matched with painters who provide estimates.

• Typical hourly: $25–$60/hr
  
  
• Project minimums: $200–$600
  
  
• Good for: Smaller jobs, touch-ups, or fast local comparisons.

CertaPro Painters

CertaPro is a well-established national franchise network of painting companies. Each franchise offers in-home consultations and itemized quotes, with teams trained under consistent standards.

• Typical hourly (equivalent): $30–$60/hr
  
  
• Typical minimum: $1,000–$1,500
  
  
• Good for: Full interiors or exteriors where you want reliability and warranty.

Five Star Painting

Five Star Painting is part of the Neighborly brand network, specializing in both residential and commercial painting. Like CertaPro, they send estimators for on-site quotes and deliver work through local franchise teams.

• Typical hourly (equivalent): $30–$60/hr
  
  
• Typical minimum: $750–$1,500
  
  
• Good for: Whole-home repaints or projects with tight timelines.

Pro Referral by The Home Depot

Pro Referral is Home Depot’s contractor-matching service. You submit your project details for free, and the program connects you with local painters who set their own rates.

• Typical hourly: $25–$60/hr
  
  
• Project minimums: $200–$600
  
  
• Good for: Convenient option if you’re already buying paint or supplies from Home Depot.
  

How many hours does a painter take?

Interior jobs

Professional painters typically complete an interior painting job in about 24 to 40 working hours (roughly 3–5 workdays). Much of this time is devoted to preparation, such as moving furniture, repairing drywall, sanding, priming, and allowing coats of paint to dry properly. For a standard 2,000–3,000 sq. ft. home, a small crew of 2–3 painters can often finish in 3–4 days.

On a per-room basis, many painters charge $1,000–$2,000 for an average bedroom or living room, depending on square footage, ceiling height, and prep requirements.

Exterior jobs

Painting the exterior of a two-story home usually takes around 30 to 50 working hours (3–4 workdays) for a small crew, assuming standard siding and access. Homes with more complex architecture, additional stories, or extensive trim work may take longer.

Exterior projects often start at $3,000–$7,000+, with costs climbing for larger or more detailed homes.

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What’s included in a painter’s service?

Before any paint starts going on the walls, a professional painting crew will walk you through the full scope of work — prepping surfaces, applying primer if required, painting, and cleaning up afterward. Quality finishing means all these elements must be completed for the job to last and look good.

Typical included services:

• Covering or moving furniture, taping edges, protecting floors and fixtures
  
  
• Patching dents, holes, cracks in drywall, sanding rough areas and removing dust
  
  
• Priming surfaces if needed (especially after repairs or on raw materials)
  
  
• “Cutting in” edges using a brush along ceilings, trim, walls, then applying paint to larger areas using rollers or sprayers
  
  
• Final inspection of coverage, touch-ups of missed spots, removal of tape and drop cloths, cleaning the worksite
  

Many painting quotes for walls do not automatically include ceilings, especially vaulted or high-ceilings. If your ceiling is being painted, plan on an extra $1–$3 per square foot for non-vaulted ceilings — more for higher or irregular ones.

The cost of DIY vs hiring a professional

Painting is one of the most popular DIY home improvement projects — but it’s not always cheaper once you factor in your time, supplies, and the quality of the finish. Hiring a professional usually comes with higher upfront costs, but it saves hours of labor and often produces longer-lasting results.

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DIY painting costs

If you already own brushes, rollers, and drop cloths, your main expense will be paint and primer. Expect to spend $200–$600 for enough paint and supplies to cover an average-sized room. However, if you’re starting from scratch, you may need to buy tools such as extension poles, ladders, and painter’s tape, which can add another $100–$300.

The biggest hidden cost of DIY is time. Painting a single room can take a weekend or longer, especially if you need to prep and repair walls. Mistakes like uneven coats, drips, or poor edging may also mean repainting sooner, which drives up the long-term cost.

Professional painting costs

Hiring a professional painter costs more upfront — typically $300–$1,000 per standard room, depending on size, ceilings, and prep work. For a full interior, expect $3,000–$8,000+. While that’s a significant investment, pros bring speed, expertise, and equipment. A crew can finish a room in a day or a whole home in under a week, with results that last longer and boost resale value.

How can I save money on a painter?

Hiring professional painters can feel like a big investment, but there are plenty of ways to keep costs under control without sacrificing quality. A little planning before the job starts can significantly reduce labor hours and overall expenses.

Tips to save on painting costs:

1. Get multiple quotes. Request 3–4 detailed estimates to compare pricing, timelines, and what’s included. This ensures you don’t overpay.
   
   
2. Reduce the scope. Skip extras like baseboards, closets, ceilings, or detailed trim if you’re looking to cut back on square footage.
   
   
3. Do the prep work yourself. Move furniture, remove outlet covers, patch small holes, and clean walls ahead of time to save on prep hours.
   
   
4. Choose standard paint finishes. Specialty finishes or high-gloss coatings often cost more and take longer to apply. Opt for standard finishes to save.
   
   
5. Bundle rooms together. Painters often charge less per square foot when painting multiple rooms in one project rather than separate visits.
   
   
6. Schedule during off-peak times. If possible, plan your project during slower seasons (like late fall or winter), when painters may offer discounts.

Is a painter worth the cost?

If you don’t have much painting experience, hiring a professional is usually worth the investment. Complex projects — like repairing drywall, working with tall ceilings, or tackling tricky finishes — are best handled by someone with the right tools and expertise.

Professionals can also complete the job far faster than a weekend DIY effort, delivering a smooth, lasting finish that adds value to your home. In many cases, a high-quality paint job can even boost your home’s resale appeal.

We recommend Angi

Looking for a painting pro for your interior or exterior project? Angi makes it simple to compare local painters, browse detailed listings and reviews, and find specialists for your specific needs. With the ability to request quotes online, you can save time and skip endless phone calls.

As a trusted home services platform, Angi connects you with contractors who deliver quality workmanship and professionalism. It’s a reliable way to find a painter who offers fair pricing and the right expertise for your project.

How much do painters charge FAQs

How much would a painter charge to paint a 12x12 room?
Most pros charge $300–$1000 for a 12x12 room, depending on ceiling height, prep, and trim.

How much do painters charge per day?
A single painter typically charges $200–$500 per day, depending on location and experience.

Is it cheaper to hire a painter or do it yourself?
DIY saves on labor, but a pro delivers faster results and higher-quality finishes. DIY: ~$100–$300 for paint and supplies. Pro: $300–$1,000 per room.

How much does it cost to paint a 10x10 bedroom?
Expect $250–$700 for a standard 10x10 bedroom, depending on wall condition and ceiling height.

How do painters charge for a job?
Painters may charge per square foot ($2–$6), per room ($300–$1,000), or hourly ($20–$60/hr).

Can you paint a bedroom in one day?
Yes — pros can paint a bedroom in 6–8 hours, including prep and cleanup, if no major repairs are needed.

How do I estimate paint costs?
A gallon of paint covers 300–400 sq. ft. Most rooms need 2 gallons plus supplies, about $100–$150 total.

Do professional painters spray or roll?
Both. Pros often spray for speed on large areas and roll or brush for detail and trim.

Will 1 gallon of paint cover a 10x10 room?
Usually not. A 10x10 room with 8-ft ceilings needs about 2 gallons for two coats.