Why Painting Is a High-Paying Skill
Painting is one of the most accessible trades to break into, yet it offers impressive earning potential. Skilled painters can make up to $60 per hour, especially in urban areas or regions experiencing real estate growth. Homeowners and businesses are constantly upgrading their properties, and professional painters are in high demand.
The beauty of this trade is its low barrier to entry. You don’t need expensive tools or formal certifications to get started. With just basic equipment, some technique, and a professional attitude, you can start landing paying jobs quickly—whether as a side hustle or a full-time career.
How to Find High-Paying Painting Gigs
Begin by tapping into your immediate network. Ask friends, family, and neighbors if they need any painting work done. Word of mouth is powerful and often leads to your first few gigs. After that, expand your search to platforms like Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, and Indeed, where individuals and businesses regularly post painting jobs.
Look for both residential and commercial projects. If you’re new, consider subcontracting under an experienced painter to build your skills and reputation. These initial projects will help you develop a portfolio, earn testimonials, and potentially generate repeat clients and referrals.
Why Join a Painters Union
If you’re looking for stability and long-term career growth, joining a union such as the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) can be a major advantage. Union membership comes with numerous benefits including higher pay rates, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid training.
Unions also offer apprenticeship programs that help you gain real-world experience while earning industry-recognized credentials. In some regions, union painters start at $30+ per hour, with opportunities to progress toward $60/hr through specialization in commercial, industrial, or luxury residential work.
What Clients Are Looking For in a Painter
To land jobs consistently, you’ll need more than technical skill. Clients prioritize reliability, neatness, and clear communication. That means arriving on time, properly preparing the space, protecting furniture and floors, and delivering clean, even coats of paint.
Differentiate yourself by offering color consultations, finish recommendations, and basic design advice. Tools like digital paint visualizers can help your clients make better choices—and they’ll appreciate the added value you bring to the job.
How to Maximize Your Earnings
Efficiency and quality are key to charging premium rates. Skilled painters know how to cut in, roll, and prep with precision and speed. Consider specializing in high-paying niches like cabinet refinishing, exterior painting, or decorative finishes—these services command higher fees.
Professional branding also impacts your rate. Branded workwear, a polished online portfolio, and five-star reviews all contribute to a reputation that justifies higher pricing. Take before-and-after photos of your work and collect client testimonials to build credibility and trust.
Prepping a Home Like a Pro
Proper preparation sets professional painters apart. This includes moving or covering furniture, repairing holes or cracks in drywall, sanding surfaces, and applying painter’s tape with care. Many clients are willing to pay extra for thorough prep work, especially when it includes minor repairs or cleaning.
By taking time to prep properly, you not only improve the final result but also reduce touch-ups and callbacks. That’s a win for both your reputation and your bottom line.
Post-Job Tips for Getting Repeat Business
Once the job is done, your follow-up is just as important as the painting itself. Leave the workspace spotless, send a thank-you message, and ask for a review or referral. Small gestures like these can lead to long-term relationships and repeat bookings.
Consider going the extra mile by leaving behind a small touch-up kit with leftover paint and a brush. It’s a thoughtful bonus that helps clients maintain your work and remember your name for future jobs.