Pop. 3.0MCOL: 86%8 month season#39 Market
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

How Much to Charge for Painting in Arkansas?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator

With 3.0M residents and a 66.2% homeownership rate, Arkansas has approximately 1,993,629 potential painting customers. Lower competition here means new providers can quickly become the neighborhood favorite. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable.

Or Use Arkansas State Average

Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with Arkansas statewide rates.

Enter Your Details

Include hallways

sq ft

Wall surface area

$

Suggested: $39/hr based on Arkansas wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$1,240

Range: $1,102 - $1,378

$0.83/sq ft - 17.6h estimated

5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer

Cost Breakdown

Labor Cost$588.63
Paint$225.00
Primer$60.00
Supplies$45.00
Total Materials$330.00
Subtotal$918.63
Markup (35%)+$321.37

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Arkansas Painting Market Intelligence

Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Arkansas.

Painting Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Per sq ft (interior)$1$2$3
Per sq ft (exterior)$2$3$5
Per room (avg 12x12)$172$344$602
Per hour$30$39$56

Prices adjusted for Arkansas cost of living (86% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Arkansas?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$2,496/mo
$29,952/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$5,824/mo
$69,888/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$8,321/mo
$99,852/yr

Estimates based on Arkansas average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.

Arkansas vs Other Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
Arkansas$39/hr86%medium
National Average$45/hr100%-
Missouri(neighbor)$40/hr88%high
Tennessee(neighbor)$41/hr90%very high
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Arkansas Licensing Requirements

  • No state contractor license required
  • Register business with Arkansas Secretary of State
  • Local business license required in most cities
  • Workers comp required if 3+ employees

This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.

Arkansas Painting Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful painting business in Arkansas

seasonal

Storm cleanup after tornado season (March-June) is lucrative. Have debris removal equipment ready.

regulatory

No state contractor license required for basic lawn and cleaning services. Just register your business locally.

marketing

Retirement communities in Hot Springs and Bentonville value reliability over price. Focus on recurring contracts.

growth

Partner with Walmart Home Office vendors in Bentonville — corporate housing and offices need regular service.

Key Insight: Arkansas combines low operating costs with growing markets in NW Arkansas — room for both budget and premium positioning.

Painting Demand in Arkansas by Month

Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.

Jan
30%
Feb
40%
Mar
60%
Apr
75%
May
90%
Jun
100%
Jul
100%
Aug
95%
Sep
80%
Oct
65%
Nov
45%
Dec
30%
Peak: May-Aug
Off-season: Nov-Feb

Offer 10-15% off-season discounts to maintain a steady client base.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I charge for painting in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, painting rates range from $31-$59/hour, with an average of $39/hour. Arkansas's cost of living is 86% of the national average. Major cities like Fayetteville command higher rates ($41/hr), while smaller markets like Fort Smith average $37/hr.

What's the Arkansas average for painting services?

The Arkansas statewide average for painting is $39/hour or approximately $117-$195 per job. This reflects Arkansas's 86% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.

Which Arkansas cities have the highest painting rates?

In Arkansas, Fayetteville has the highest painting rates at around $41/hour due to its 90% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville.

Do I need a license for painting in Arkansas?

Arkansas licensing: No state contractor license required Register business with Arkansas Secretary of State Local business license required in most cities Workers comp required if 3+ employees This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.

Is Arkansas a good market for painting businesses?

Arkansas offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $39/hour. The state's 86% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

Painting pricing data for Arkansas is sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau cost of living data, and verified quotes from local service professionals.

Data Sources:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Arkansas Labor Department
  • U.S. Census Bureau

Last updated: January 2026