📦Unemployed? No experience? No problem! Start your painting career in the USA!✨
Want steady income without needing previous experience? House painting may be the path. It’s a physical, hands-on role that provides income, flexible hours, and the chance to build valuable trade skills. 🎯

💵 How Much Do Painters Make? (Across the U.S.)
Painter pay can vary based on region, but earnings are generally well above minimum wage. Here’s a breakdown of average hourly wages across selected states, based on recent data from ZipRecruiter and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
🏙️ State | 💰 Avg Hourly Pay (General) | 🏗️ BLS Rate (Construction Painters) | 🎨 Fine Artist Rate (Decorative/Artistic) |
---|---|---|---|
Washington (WA) | $24.72/hr | $25.31/hr | — |
Washington D.C. | $24.66/hr | $27.77/hr | — |
New York (NY) | $23.88/hr | $26.78/hr | $47.18/hr |
Massachusetts (MA) | $23.83/hr | $27.92/hr | $38.95/hr |
Alaska (AK) | $23.50/hr | $29.16/hr (Highest) | — |
Hawaii (HI) | $22.67/hr | $27.48/hr | — |
Illinois (IL) | $22.00/hr | $28.73/hr | — |
Oregon (OR) | $23.07/hr | $25.41/hr | — |
Colorado (CO) | $22.95/hr | $24.63/hr | — |
California (CA) | $22.00/hr | $25.02/hr | $54.81/hr (Highest) |
Vermont (VT) | $23.20/hr | — | — |
🧾 Note: Fine artist painters (murals, decorative, restoration) typically require more training or artistic background and earn significantly higher rates.
🎨 What Work Is Involved?
As a house painter, daily tasks may include:
- Preparing surfaces: sanding, taping, cleaning
- Painting: applying coats with brushes, rollers, or sprayers
- Repairs: patching small cracks or holes
- Protecting surrounding areas with drop cloths or tape
- Cleanup: ensuring tools and surfaces are left in good condition 🧹
Work can happen indoors or outdoors depending on season and job type.
✅ Who's a Good Fit?
This type of work fits many backgrounds. No technical credentials or job history are usually needed. A good fit often includes:
- People who are reliable and punctual
- Physically active individuals
- Those who follow instructions well
- English comprehension at a basic level
- Willingness to learn by doing 🙌

🕒 Flexible Schedules
Painters may be offered morning, afternoon, or weekend shifts. Opportunities can include:
- Short-term projects
- Part-time hours
- Full-time seasonal roles
This flexibility makes it a solid choice for those balancing family or personal responsibilities. ⏰
📄 Easy to Begin
Starting usually involves a basic application, a short conversation about availability, and training on tools and safety. Many job sites include instruction before hands-on work begins.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Painting offers a way to earn money without high barriers. With decent wages in many U.S. states, flexibility, and straightforward entry, it’s a path worth considering—especially for those seeking stability, physical work, and long-term skill growth. 🖌️💼