Painters in Saint Paul, MN
31 zip codes with active providers. Average bid: $84 (national: $60.9).
City Avg
$84
State Avg
$84
National Avg
$60.9
Cost Index
64.2
Painter Costs in Saint Paul
Typical range: $2,000–$6,000 for interior; $3,000–$10,000 for exterior
Hiring a Painter in Saint Paul
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
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
Common Painter Problems in Saint Paul
Questions to Ask a Painter in Saint Paul
“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
- ✖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
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
Cost Comparison
Dashed line = National Avg ($61)
Dashed line = Minnesota Avg ($84)
Pricing by Zip Code (31 zips)
| Zip Code | Top Bid | vs City Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 55101 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55102 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55103 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55104 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55105 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55106 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55107 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55108 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55109 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55110 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55111 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55112 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55113 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55114 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55115 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55116 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55117 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55118 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55119 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55120 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55121 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55122 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55123 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55124 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55125 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55126 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55127 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55128 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55129 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55130 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
| 55155 | $84.00 | 0.0% |
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All Services in Saint Paul (37 categories)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does painters cost in Saint Paul, Minnesota?
The average bid for painters in Saint Paul is $84, compared to the national average of $60.9. Prices range from $84 to $84 across 31 zip codes.
How does Saint Paul compare to the rest of Minnesota?
Saint Paul's average bid of $84 is below the Minnesota state average of $84. The city has a cost index of 64.2 (100 = national average).
What other services are available in Saint Paul?
Saint Paul has active providers in 37 service categories. 20 categories have national coverage but no active providers in Saint Paul yet.
When should I call a painter in Saint Paul?
Your exterior paint is peeling, cracking, chalking, or fading — this means the protective barrier is failing and wood is exposed to moisture
What should I look for in a painter in Saint Paul, Minnesota?
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).
What warranty should a painter offer?
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.