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Free Painter Calculator

Painter Hourly Rate Calculator

This free painter hourly rate calculator finds your minimum rate based on what you need to earn. It works backwards from your income goal and overhead to show your real minimum and recommended rate.

Calculate Your Rate

Total Annual Revenue Needed$79,000.00
Total Billable Hours/Year1,472
Minimum Hourly Rate$53.67
Recommended Rate (+20%)$64.40
Rate with 30% Profit Margin$76.67

TradeToolCalc calculators are for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide and should not be relied upon as financial, legal, or professional advice. Always verify figures with a qualified accountant or business advisor before making pricing or business decisions. TradeToolCalc accepts no liability for decisions made based on calculator outputs.

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Painter Hourly Rate — Frequently Asked Questions

Add your desired annual income ($65,000) to your annual overhead ($14,000) for total revenue needed ($79,000). Divide by your billable hours per year (32hrs — 46 weeks = 1,472hrs) to get your minimum rate of ~$54/hr. Add 20% buffer for your recommended rate of ~$64/hr. Use the calculator above to customise these numbers for your situation.
The average independent painter in the US charges $50—$80/hr. Entry-level painters doing basic interior work sit at $45—$55/hr, while experienced painters doing exterior, commercial or specialty work (cabinets, faux finishes) charge $70—$100/hr. Your rate should reflect your speed, quality and specialization — a faster, higher-quality painter can justify a higher rate even in competitive markets.
No — adjust your rate for job complexity. Exterior painting carries weather risk and requires more prep, justifying a premium. Cabinet painting requires careful masking, sanding and multiple coats — price it at your specialty rate. Basic interior walls are more competitive; your speed and efficiency on repeat clients drives profitability there.
Raise your rate 4—7% annually to keep pace with paint price increases and general inflation. Premium paint brands (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore) have increased prices 8—12% annually in recent years. If your paint costs go up but your rate doesn't, your margin shrinks automatically. Most clients accept annual rate increases when communicated professionally.
Painters typically have lower overhead than other trades ($12,000—$18,000/year) since equipment costs are modest. Key overhead items: vehicle, insurance, spray equipment maintenance, ladders, scaffolding rentals, and phone/admin. Don't undercount your vehicle cost — driving between jobs, picking up materials and estimates adds up quickly. Include all of it in your overhead calculation.

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