How Much to Charge for Painting in Fort Smith?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Fort Smith metro area has approximately 35,657 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. Lower competition here means new providers can quickly become the neighborhood favorite.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $37/hr based on Fort Smith wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,035 - $1,294
$0.78/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Fort Smith Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Fort Smith.
Painting Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per sq ft (interior) | $1 | $2 | $3 |
| Per sq ft (exterior) | $2 | $3 | $5 |
| Per room (avg 12x12) | $164 | $328 | $574 |
| Per hour | $29 | $37 | $53 |
Prices adjusted for Fort Smith cost of living (82% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Fort Smith?
Estimates based on Fort Smith average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Fort Smith vs Other Arkansas Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith | $37/hr | 82% | medium |
| Fayetteville(most expensive) | $41/hr | 90% | high |
| Arkansas Average | $39/hr | 86% | - |
Market Position: Fort Smith
Fort Smith sits at the state average for Arkansas - price competitively and focus on service quality to stand out.
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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.
Fort Smith Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Arkansas
Storm cleanup after tornado season (March-June) is lucrative. Have debris removal equipment ready.
No state contractor license required for basic lawn and cleaning services. Just register your business locally.
Retirement communities in Hot Springs and Bentonville value reliability over price. Focus on recurring contracts.
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.
Offer 10-15% off-season discounts to maintain a steady client base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for painting in Fort Smith?
In Fort Smith, AR, you should charge $37-$55/hour for painting. This is 18% below the national average because Fort Smith's cost of living is 82% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $74-$185.
What's the average painting rate in Fort Smith, Arkansas?
The average painting rate in Fort Smith is $37/hour or $111 per job. Fort Smith has average demand with a population of 89K. Local pros typically charge $30-$55/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in Fort Smith?
Painting companies in Fort Smith charge $30-$55/hour (82% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $30/hour, while complex work commands $55+/hour. The average demand in Fort Smith supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in Fort Smith?
Key pricing factors in Fort Smith: (1) Cost of living - 18% below national average at 82%, (2) Market demand - medium in this area, (3) Competition - Fort Smith's 89K population creates average demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in Arkansas?
Arkansas licensing requirements: No state contractor license required Register business with Arkansas Secretary of State Local business license required in most cities 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 Fort Smith a good market for painting businesses?
Fort Smith shows average demand for painting services. With 89K residents and a 82% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $37-$55/hour. The Arkansas market is slightly lower than for service businesses.
How do Fort Smith painting prices compare to Arkansas average?
Fort Smith painting prices are typically 18% below the Arkansas state average. While state average is around $39/hour, Fort Smith pros charge $37/hour due to the city's 82% cost of living index.
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Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Fort Smith, 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