Find Painters Near You
Interior or exterior — find a professional painter who delivers clean lines, proper prep, and a finish that lasts years, not months. Compare costs across 31 states and 6,017 zip codes.
Avg Bid
$60.9
Bid Range
$9.6 - $90
Zip Codes
6,017
US Coverage
18%
How Much Do Painters Cost?
Typical cost range: $2,000–$6,000 for interior; $3,000–$10,000 for exterior. Actual prices vary by location, complexity, and urgency.
When to Hire a Painter
Your exterior paint is peeling, cracking, chalking, or fading — this means the protective barrier is failing and wood is exposed to moisture
You're selling your home and want to maximize curb appeal and interior freshness — painting offers one of the highest ROIs of any pre-sale improvement
Interior walls are scuffed, stained, or the color is dated and you want a fresh, updated look
You're remodeling and need new drywall finished, textured, and painted to match existing rooms
You want to refinish kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them — professional cabinet painting saves 50–80% vs replacement
Wood trim, doors, or siding have peeling paint that may contain lead (pre-1978 homes) requiring EPA RRP certified removal
How to Choose a Good Painter
Detailed written estimate that specifies the number of coats, paint brand and product line, primer plan, and surface prep work included
Proper surface preparation emphasis — 80% of a paint job's longevity comes from prep (washing, scraping, sanding, priming, caulking)
EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) certification if your home was built before 1978 — this is required by law for disturbing lead paint
Quality paint products (Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, PPG) and willingness to explain why they chose a specific product line for your project
Protection of flooring, furniture, landscaping, and fixtures — professional painters lay drop cloths, tape off areas, and mask hardware
A clear timeline and communication plan — know when they'll arrive, how long each phase takes, and how they'll handle weather delays for exterior work
Common Painter Problems
Exterior paint peeling within 1–3 years because the surface wasn't properly washed, scraped, primed, and dried before painting
Interior paint showing roller marks, drips, or visible seams between sections — signs of rushed application or insufficient coats
Lead paint disturbance in pre-1978 homes creating hazardous dust that requires EPA-certified removal procedures
Cabinet paint chipping because the surfaces weren't deglossed and primed with a bonding primer before topcoats
Exterior caulk failure around windows, doors, and trim allowing moisture behind the paint film and into the wall
Paint bubbling or blistering from moisture trapped beneath the surface — usually caused by painting over damp wood or in high humidity
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Painter
“How many coats are included, and what brand/product line will you use?”
Two coats of quality paint over primer is the standard for a lasting finish. Cheap estimates often include one coat of builder-grade paint that will look faded or uneven within a year. The specific product matters — there's a huge quality difference between a $25/gallon and $55/gallon paint.
“What surface preparation is included in the price?”
Prep is everything. A thorough estimate should specify pressure washing, scraping loose paint, sanding, filling holes and cracks, caulking gaps, and priming bare or stained surfaces. If prep isn't detailed in the estimate, it probably won't happen.
“Are you EPA RRP certified? (for pre-1978 homes only)”
Federal law requires EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting certification for any work disturbing more than 6 sq ft of painted surface in homes built before 1978. Uncertified work exposes your family to lead dust and can result in fines up to $37,500/day for the contractor.
Red Flags to Watch For
Quote is significantly lower than others with no explanation of what's different — they're likely cutting corners on prep, coats, or paint quality
Cannot specify the paint brand and product line they'll use, or plans to use unmarked or store-brand paint
Doesn't mention surface preparation in the estimate — this is the most common corner-cutting practice in painting
Not EPA RRP certified but willing to work on pre-1978 homes — this is a federal violation and a serious health hazard
Wants full payment before the job starts — standard practice is no more than 10–30% deposit with the balance due upon completion and inspection
Safety Considerations
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint — disturbing lead paint without proper containment releases toxic dust. Federal law requires EPA RRP certified contractors for this work
Exterior painting at heights requires proper scaffolding or lift equipment — ladders on uneven ground cause thousands of fall injuries annually among painters
Paint fumes in enclosed spaces can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation — ensure adequate ventilation during and after interior painting
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Interior painting of a single room with standard ceiling height is a reasonable DIY project if you're willing to invest in proper prep (cleaning, patching, sanding, priming, taping). Exterior painting, multi-story work, cabinet refinishing, and anything involving lead paint should always be left to professionals. The biggest mistake DIY painters make is skipping prep — paint applied over dirty, glossy, or damaged surfaces fails within 1–2 years. Professional painters also have spray equipment that delivers a smoother finish on cabinets, doors, and trim than even the best roller technique.
Licensing & Guarantees
Painter licensing requirements vary significantly by state and municipality. Some states require a painting contractor license; others only require general business licensing. EPA RRP certification is federally required for work on pre-1978 homes. Always verify liability insurance and workers' compensation. For commercial or multi-family projects, additional licensing and bonding may be required.
What to expect: Expect a minimum 2-year warranty on interior painting and 3–5 years on exterior work. The warranty should cover peeling, blistering, and premature fading caused by workmanship — not normal wear. Cabinet painting should carry at least a 2-year warranty against chipping and adhesion failure. Get the warranty in writing with clear terms about what is and isn't covered. The best painting companies offer 5–7 year exterior warranties when they control the product selection and prep quality.
Seasonal Tip
Exterior painting is best done in late spring through early fall when temperatures are consistently between 50°F and 85°F and rain is less likely. Paint needs 4+ hours of dry time and temperatures above 50°F overnight to cure properly. Interior painting can be done year-round but is most popular in spring. Avoid exterior painting in direct hot sun — paint applied to surfaces above 90°F dries too fast and won't bond properly. If you need exterior work, book your painter in late winter for spring scheduling — the best painters fill up quickly.
Cost Distribution
Most Expensive Cities
- 1. Breaux Bridge, LA$90
- 2. Lafayette, LA$90
- 3. Milton, LA$90
- 4. Roanoke, VA$90
- 5. Salem, VA$90
- 6. Vinton, VA$90
- 7. Cambridge, WI$85.5
- 8. Cottage Grove, WI$85.5
- 9. Deerfield, WI$85.5
- 10. Deforest, WI$85.5
Least Expensive Cities
- 1. Arnoldsville, GA$9.6
- 2. Athens, GA$9.6
- 3. Auburn, GA$9.6
- 4. Baldwin, GA$9.6
- 5. Bethlehem, GA$9.6
- 6. Bishop, GA$9.6
- 7. Bogart, GA$9.6
- 8. Bostwick, GA$9.6
- 9. Bowersville, GA$9.6
- 10. Bowman, GA$9.6
Coverage by State
$90.00 avg
$84.00 avg
$84.00 avg
$84.00 avg
$84.00 avg
$84.00 avg
$84.00 avg
$83.52 avg
$83.34 avg
$81.51 avg
$81.03 avg
$75.86 avg
$74.48 avg
$73.31 avg
$72.00 avg
$67.95 avg
$62.95 avg
$61.50 avg
$61.46 avg
$50.85 avg
$50.78 avg
$48.78 avg
$47.67 avg
$44.61 avg
$40.00 avg
$40.00 avg
$18.90 avg
$12.63 avg
$12.28 avg
$12.28 avg
$10.50 avg
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Frequently Asked Questions: Painters
- What is the average cost for Painters?
- The national average bid for Painters is $60.9 per call, with prices ranging from $9.6 to $90 depending on location and market competition.
- How many zip codes have Painters coverage?
- Painters has active provider coverage across 6,017 zip codes in 31 states, representing approximately 18% of US zip codes.
- Which state has the highest Painters costs?
- Louisiana has the highest average Painters bid at $90.00 per call across 7 zip codes.
- Which state has the lowest Painters costs?
- New Mexico has the lowest average Painters bid at $10.50 per call across 19 zip codes.
- How often is Painters pricing data updated?
- Our Painters market data is refreshed every 12 hours from the eLocal marketplace, ensuring you see current bid prices and coverage information.