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Painters in Massachusetts

330 zip codes with active providers out of 519 total (63.6% coverage). Ranked #22 of 31 states by avg bid.

State Avg

$48.78

National Avg

$60.9

Coverage

63.6%

vs National

-19.9%

State vs National Average

Massachusetts: $49-19.9% vs National Avg

Dashed line = National Avg ($61)

Painter Costs in Massachusetts

Typical cost range: $2,000–$6,000 for interior; $3,000–$10,000 for exterior

Interior painting (per room)$300–$800
Whole interior (3-bedroom home)$2,000–$5,000
Exterior painting (1,500 sq ft home)$3,000–$7,000
Exterior painting (2,500+ sq ft home)$5,000–$10,000
Cabinet painting/refinishing$1,500–$4,000
Deck or fence staining$500–$2,000

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

What to Look For

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

Common Painter Problems in Massachusetts

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 in Massachusetts

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 When Hiring a Painter

  • 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

DIY vs Hiring a Professional Painter

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.

Painter Safety Tips

  • 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

Best Time to Hire a Painter in Massachusetts

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.

Painter Licensing in Massachusetts

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.

City-by-City Costs (253 cities)

CityAvg BidMax BidMin BidZip Codes
Acton$84.00$84.00$84.002
Andover$84.00$84.00$84.001
Auburndale$84.00$84.00$84.001
Ashland$84.00$84.00$84.001
Arlington$84.00$84.00$84.002
Belmont$84.00$84.00$84.001
Beverly$84.00$84.00$84.001
Boxford$84.00$84.00$84.001
Boxborough$84.00$84.00$84.001
Bedford$84.00$84.00$84.001
Babson Park$84.00$84.00$84.001
Carlisle$84.00$84.00$84.001
Burlington$84.00$84.00$84.002
Chelsea$84.00$84.00$84.001
Concord$84.00$84.00$84.001
Danvers$84.00$84.00$84.001
Dover$84.00$84.00$84.001
Lexington$84.00$84.00$84.002
Lincoln$84.00$84.00$84.001
Malden$84.00$84.00$84.001
Lynnfield$84.00$84.00$84.001
Marblehead$84.00$84.00$84.001
Lynn$84.00$84.00$84.004
Hathorne$84.00$84.00$84.001
Hanscom AFB$84.00$84.00$84.001
Georgetown$84.00$84.00$84.001
Groveland$84.00$84.00$84.001
Everett$84.00$84.00$84.001
Fayville$84.00$84.00$84.001
Holliston$84.00$84.00$84.001
Hopkinton$84.00$84.00$84.001
Hudson$84.00$84.00$84.001
Lawrence$84.00$84.00$84.001
Maynard$84.00$84.00$84.001
Marlborough$84.00$84.00$84.001
Stoneham$84.00$84.00$84.001
Walpole$84.00$84.00$84.001
Tewksbury$84.00$84.00$84.001
Topsfield$84.00$84.00$84.001
Wakefield$84.00$84.00$84.001
Southborough$84.00$84.00$84.001
Wellesley$84.00$84.00$84.001
Wellesley Hills$84.00$84.00$84.001
Wenham$84.00$84.00$84.001
Salem$84.00$84.00$84.001
Prides Crossing$84.00$84.00$84.001
Peabody$84.00$84.00$84.001
Revere$84.00$84.00$84.001
Reading$84.00$84.00$84.001
Saugus$84.00$84.00$84.001
North Andover$84.00$84.00$84.001
Norfolk$84.00$84.00$84.001
North Reading$84.00$84.00$84.001
Newton Lower Falls$84.00$84.00$84.001
Nahant$84.00$84.00$84.001
Natick$84.00$84.00$84.001
Millis$84.00$84.00$84.001
Middleton$84.00$84.00$84.001
Melrose$84.00$84.00$84.001
Medford$84.00$84.00$84.002
Medfield$84.00$84.00$84.001
Sharon$84.00$84.00$84.001
Sherborn$84.00$84.00$84.001
South Hamilton$84.00$84.00$84.001
Swampscott$84.00$84.00$84.001
Stow$84.00$84.00$84.001
Sudbury$84.00$84.00$84.001
Wilmington$84.00$84.00$84.001
Wayland$84.00$84.00$84.001
Winthrop$84.00$84.00$84.001
Weston$84.00$84.00$84.001
West Newton$84.00$84.00$84.001
Winchester$84.00$84.00$84.001
Woburn$84.00$84.00$84.001
Somerville$74.50$84.00$55.503
Waltham$66.07$84.00$12.284
Cambridge$60.25$84.00$55.506
Norwell$55.50$55.50$55.501
North Weymouth$55.50$55.50$55.501
Pembroke$55.50$55.50$55.501
Norwood$55.50$55.50$55.501
Rockland$55.50$55.50$55.501
Roxbury Crossing$55.50$55.50$55.501
Roslindale$55.50$55.50$55.501
North Waltham$55.50$55.50$55.501
Quincy$55.50$55.50$55.504
Randolph$55.50$55.50$55.501
Newton Center$55.50$55.50$55.501
Newton Upper Falls$55.50$55.50$55.501
Newton$55.50$55.50$55.501
Newtonville$55.50$55.50$55.501
Newton Highlands$55.50$55.50$55.501
Roxbury$55.50$55.50$55.501
Milton$55.50$55.50$55.501
Needham Heights$55.50$55.50$55.501
Milton Village$55.50$55.50$55.501
New Town$55.50$55.50$55.501
Needham$55.50$55.50$55.501
Nonantum$55.50$55.50$55.501
North Scituate$55.50$55.50$55.501
Hingham$55.50$55.50$55.502
East Walpole$55.50$55.50$55.501
East Boston$55.50$55.50$55.501
Hyde Park$55.50$55.50$55.501
Hull$55.50$55.50$55.501
Jamaica Plain$55.50$55.50$55.501
Marshfield$55.50$55.50$55.501
Hanover$55.50$55.50$55.501
East Weymouth$55.50$55.50$55.501
Canton$55.50$55.50$55.501
Brookline$55.50$55.50$55.502
Charlestown$55.50$55.50$55.501
Mattapan$55.50$55.50$55.501
Holbrook$55.50$55.50$55.501
Braintree$55.50$55.50$55.502
Dedham$55.50$55.50$55.502
Chestnut Hill$55.50$55.50$55.501
Brighton$55.50$55.50$55.501
Boston$55.50$55.50$55.5031
Allston$55.50$55.50$55.501
Brookline Village$55.50$55.50$55.501
Dorchester Center$55.50$55.50$55.501
Dorchester$55.50$55.50$55.503
Avon$55.50$55.50$55.501
Stoughton$55.50$55.50$55.501
Westwood$55.50$55.50$55.501
South Weymouth$55.50$55.50$55.501
Weymouth$55.50$55.50$55.501
West Roxbury$55.50$55.50$55.501
Waban$55.50$55.50$55.501
South Boston$55.50$55.50$55.501
Readville$55.50$55.50$55.501
Watertown$50.59$84.00$12.283
Billerica$48.14$84.00$12.282
Framingham$40.97$84.00$12.285
South Carver$40.00$40.00$40.001
Wilbraham$40.00$40.00$40.001
South Easton$40.00$40.00$40.001
South Hadley$40.00$40.00$40.001
Minot$40.00$40.00$40.001
White Horse Beach$40.00$40.00$40.001
North Pembroke$40.00$40.00$40.001
North Carver$40.00$40.00$40.001
Ocean Bluff$40.00$40.00$40.001
Sagamore Beach$40.00$40.00$40.001
Scituate$40.00$40.00$40.001
Monponsett$40.00$40.00$40.001
Plympton$40.00$40.00$40.001
Plymouth$40.00$40.00$40.003
Granby$40.00$40.00$40.001
Ludlow$40.00$40.00$40.001
Longmeadow$40.00$40.00$40.001
Kingston$40.00$40.00$40.001
Marshfield Hills$40.00$40.00$40.001
Manomet$40.00$40.00$40.001
Hanson$40.00$40.00$40.001
West Bridgewater$40.00$40.00$40.001
Elmwood$40.00$40.00$40.001
Duxbury$40.00$40.00$40.002
Humarock$40.00$40.00$40.001
Cohasset$40.00$40.00$40.001
Brant Rock$40.00$40.00$40.001
Carver$40.00$40.00$40.001
Greenbush$40.00$40.00$40.001
Hampden$40.00$40.00$40.001
Accord$40.00$40.00$40.001
Belchertown$40.00$40.00$40.001
Bryantville$40.00$40.00$40.001
Abington$40.00$40.00$40.001
Bridgewater$40.00$40.00$40.002
Barnstable$12.28$12.28$12.281
Ashby$12.28$12.28$12.281
Ashburnham$12.28$12.28$12.281
Brewster$12.28$12.28$12.281
Boylston$12.28$12.28$12.281
Bolton$12.28$12.28$12.281
Berlin$12.28$12.28$12.281
Buzzards Bay$12.28$12.28$12.282
Chatham$12.28$12.28$12.281
Arlington Heights$12.28$12.28$12.281
Ayer$12.28$12.28$12.281
Chelmsford$12.28$12.28$12.281
Cummaquid$12.28$12.28$12.281
Clinton$12.28$12.28$12.281
Cotuit$12.28$12.28$12.281
Devens$12.28$12.28$12.281
Dennis Port$12.28$12.28$12.281
Dennis$12.28$12.28$12.281
Dracut$12.28$12.28$12.281
Marstons Mills$12.28$12.28$12.281
Mashpee$12.28$12.28$12.281
Lunenburg$12.28$12.28$12.281
Lowell$12.28$12.28$12.285
Hyannis Port$12.28$12.28$12.281
Lancaster$12.28$12.28$12.281
Leominster$12.28$12.28$12.281
Littleton$12.28$12.28$12.281
Hyannis$12.28$12.28$12.281
Fitchburg$12.28$12.28$12.281
Falmouth$12.28$12.28$12.282
Eastham$12.28$12.28$12.281
Groton$12.28$12.28$12.283
Harvard$12.28$12.28$12.281
Harwich$12.28$12.28$12.281
Harwich Port$12.28$12.28$12.281
Dunstable$12.28$12.28$12.281
East Falmouth$12.28$12.28$12.281
East Orleans$12.28$12.28$12.281
Forestdale$12.28$12.28$12.281
East Dennis$12.28$12.28$12.281
East Sandwich$12.28$12.28$12.281
Centerville$12.28$12.28$12.282
Cataumet$12.28$12.28$12.281
North Chelmsford$12.28$12.28$12.281
North Chatham$12.28$12.28$12.281
Monument Beach$12.28$12.28$12.281
North Billerica$12.28$12.28$12.281
North Falmouth$12.28$12.28$12.281
North Eastham$12.28$12.28$12.281
Pepperell$12.28$12.28$12.281
Pocasset$12.28$12.28$12.281
Sandwich$12.28$12.28$12.281
Sagamore$12.28$12.28$12.281
Provincetown$12.28$12.28$12.281
North Truro$12.28$12.28$12.281
Orleans$12.28$12.28$12.281
Osterville$12.28$12.28$12.281
Townsend$12.28$12.28$12.281
South Yarmouth$12.28$12.28$12.281
South Harwich$12.28$12.28$12.281
South Dennis$12.28$12.28$12.281
Shirley$12.28$12.28$12.281
South Chatham$12.28$12.28$12.281
Sterling$12.28$12.28$12.281
South Lancaster$12.28$12.28$12.281
South Orleans$12.28$12.28$12.281
South Wellfleet$12.28$12.28$12.281
Tyngsboro$12.28$12.28$12.281
Truro$12.28$12.28$12.281
West Hyannisport$12.28$12.28$12.281
West Falmouth$12.28$12.28$12.281
West Dennis$12.28$12.28$12.281
West Chatham$12.28$12.28$12.281
West Barnstable$12.28$12.28$12.281
Wellfleet$12.28$12.28$12.281
Waverley$12.28$12.28$12.281
West Harwich$12.28$12.28$12.281
West Groton$12.28$12.28$12.281
West Townsend$12.28$12.28$12.281
Westford$12.28$12.28$12.281
West Yarmouth$12.28$12.28$12.281
Woods Hole$12.28$12.28$12.281
Yarmouth Port$12.28$12.28$12.281

Showing 253 of 253 rows

Coverage Gaps

268 zip codes without coverage

These areas in Massachusetts have no active painters providers.

AcushnetAdamsAgawamAmesburyAshfieldAshley fallsAssonetAttleboroAuburnBaldwinvilleBarreBecketBellinghamBerkleyBlackstoneBlandfordBradfordBrimfieldBrookfieldBucklandByfieldCharltonCherry valleyCheshireChesterChesterfieldChicopeeChilmarkClarksburgColrainConwayCummingtonCushmanCuttyhunkDaltonDeerfieldDightonDudleyDudley hillEast bridgewaterEast brookfieldEast douglasEast freetownEast longmeadowEast otisEast tauntonEast templetonEast warehamEdgartownErving

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does painters cost in Massachusetts?

The average bid for painters in Massachusetts is $48.78, compared to the national average of $60.9. Prices range from $12.28 to $84 depending on location. Typical cost range: $2,000–$6,000 for interior; $3,000–$10,000 for exterior.

What cities in Massachusetts have painters coverage?

Massachusetts has painters providers in 253 cities across 330 zip codes, representing 63.6% coverage of the state. Top cities include Acton, Andover, Auburndale, Ashland, Arlington.

How does Massachusetts compare to the national average for painters?

Massachusetts is 19.9% below the national average for painters. It ranks #22 out of 31 states by average bid.

Are there areas in Massachusetts without painters providers?

Yes, 268 zip codes in Massachusetts currently have no active painters providers. Underserved cities include Acushnet, Adams, Agawam, Amesbury, Ashfield.

When should I hire a painter in Massachusetts?

Your exterior paint is peeling, cracking, chalking, or fading — this means the protective barrier is failing and wood is exposed to moisture 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.

What should I look for in a painter in Massachusetts?

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). Painter licensing requirements vary significantly by state and municipality.

Can I do painters work myself instead of 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.

What warranty should I expect from a painter in Massachusetts?

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.