How much can you earn from painting jobs?

Working as a painter can be a profitable side gig, but what’s a painter’s salary like and how much do self-employed painters make? 

Aside from being a good source of income, a painting business is easy to start. You simply need a few basic skills and tools to take on painting jobs. (However, you do need a licence for bigger paint jobs and commercial painting work.) 

Keep reading to learn more about a painter’s average salary. 

Average painter salary in Australia

Painters in Australia typically earn $30,000 per year or at least $14,400, according to Salary Explorer. This figure includes housing, transport, and other benefits.

On the other hand, painter rates can widely vary, especially for self-employed painters and contractors. Factors like location, expertise, and the type of job can also affect how much a painter can charge. 

Factors that affect painter earnings

While we can talk about painter salaries in broad strokes, many factors determine a painter’s income. 

Consider these factors when estimating your potential earnings and figuring out how to maximise your income. For example, you can upskill in more specialised painting jobs to earn more money as a painter. 

1. Location

Some states pay more. Densely-populated cities have more homes, offices, and commercial buildings than rural areas. So, you can expect your services to be more in-demand than in a suburb or rural area. Do keep in mind that some prime locations may also come with higher costs of living. 

2. Complexity 

Painting jobs that require more time and effort pay more. For example, painting the entire side of a multi-story commercial building may require scaffolding. As a result, this painting job may pay more than simply painting the interior walls of a house. Lead times can also affect painter rates; Rush jobs or projects with tight deadlines can cost more. 

3. Experience 

Relevant work experience and a good reputation matter. When you get more painting jobs, you can hone your skills, establish a good reputation, and eventually charge a higher hourly rate. To get more experience, reach out to professional painters and see if anyone is willing to take you on as an apprentice. 

4. Type of service 

You can charge more for specialised painting services. Try to learn advanced painting techniques and market your services to homeowners and interior designers. 

5. Material costs 

Some clients may ask you to provide the paint and other necessary materials. Moreover, certain types and brands of paint may cost more than others. Consider these supply costs when setting your profit margins. Given the relative material costs, you’d want to ensure you’re not charging too low for your services. 

6. Type of employment 

Self-employed painters can take on as many jobs as possible, thus maximising their income. Meanwhile, employed painters have a fixed salary per month. Weigh the pros and cons of each and choose the setup that suits you best. 

Also read: How to estimate a paint job 

How much do painters get paid?

Here’s an overview of different types of painters and their average rates. 

House painter

On average, a house painter can charge anywhere between $1,000 and $35,000. House painting rates vary per city. If you’re wondering how much house painters make in different locations, you can check out this house painting cost guide. 

Exterior painter

Exterior painters earn $40 an hour on average. Rates can go even higher for bigger houses and additional fixtures to paint.

Bedroom painter

A bedroom painter can earn $340 to $1,500 per day in Australia. 

Furniture painter

Furniture painting jobs cost $150 to $400, although you can charge lower for small and quick painting jobs. 

Your rate will depend on the size of the furniture, the number of items, the condition of the furniture, and material costs. Furniture that needs cleaning, sanding, and minor repairs can raise your price, as will your client’s location.  

Commercial painter

Owners of commercial establishments can hire you to paint their offices, stores, or warehouses. Commercial painting jobs cost $10 to $30 per square metre.

Start earning money as a painter on Airtasker. 

Painting jobs are lucrative sources of income; The hard part is finding clients or signing up with a contractor who pays well. Finding high-paying painting jobs is easier and faster on Airtasker. Become a Tasker now and start browsing painting jobs in your area. You can also list your painting services, so that interested clients can reach out to you at any time.