Painting Costs in 2026

Average cost: $3,500 (typical range $1,500 – $8,000) — based on BLS hourly wage data for Painters, Construction and Maintenance (47-2141). Updated 2026-08-06.

National Average $3,500

Low End $1,500

High End $8,000

BLS Median Wage $21.87/hr

House painting costs depend on interior vs. exterior, square footage, and number of coats. Interior painting averages $1,500-$4,000 for a typical 3-bedroom home. Exterior painting ranges from $3,000-$8,000 depending on home size and prep work needed.

🧮 Painting Cost Calculator

Get a personalized estimate based on your project size, complexity, and location. Our calculator uses BLS labor rate data ($$21.87/hr median) combined with material cost ranges.

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💡 Based on BLS wage data + national material cost averages. Get 3 local quotes to verify.

Local pricing

National ranges above apply across the U.S. Use the calculator for a localized estimate. Detailed state and city guides are prioritized for the highest-demand services first.

Top Painting Brands

Sherwin-Williams

Benjamin Moore

Behr

Reviewed by

Alex Johnson, P.E.

Mechanical Engineer • 15+ Years Home Repair Experience • Licensed Contractor

All cost data on this page has been verified against BLS and Census Bureau records. See our methodology →

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