Pop. 4.7MCOL: 91%10 month season#17 Market
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

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

With 4.7M residents and a 66.6% homeownership rate, Louisiana has approximately 3,102,066 potential painting customers. Plenty of work available at competitive rates. Focus on efficiency and client retention. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. Louisiana rates run about 5% higher than neighboring Arkansas - useful context if you serve clients near the border.

Or Use Louisiana State Average

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

Enter Your Details

Include hallways

sq ft

Wall surface area

$

Suggested: $41/hr based on Louisiana wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$1,329

Range: $1,182 - $1,477

$0.89/sq ft - 17.6h estimated

5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer

Cost Breakdown

Labor Cost$654.79
Paint$225.00
Primer$60.00
Supplies$45.00
Total Materials$330.00
Subtotal$984.79
Markup (35%)+$344.21

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Louisiana Painting Market Intelligence

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

Painting Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Per sq ft (interior)$1$2$4
Per sq ft (exterior)$2$3$5
Per room (avg 12x12)$182$364$637
Per hour$32$41$59

Prices adjusted for Louisiana cost of living (91% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Louisiana?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$2,641/mo
$31,692/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$6,163/mo
$73,956/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$8,804/mo
$105,648/yr

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

Louisiana vs Other Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
Louisiana$41/hr91%high
National Average$45/hr100%-
Arkansas(neighbor)$39/hr86%medium
Mississippi(neighbor)$37/hr83%medium
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Louisiana Licensing Requirements

  • No state license for maintenance services
  • Parish and city business licenses required
  • Louisiana has parish system (counties)
  • Workers comp required for 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.

Louisiana Painting Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful painting business in Louisiana

operations

Mold and mildew grow year-round in Louisiana humidity. Specialize in mold treatment and prevention.

seasonal

Hurricane season (June-November) creates both prep and cleanup demand. Offer both services.

seasonal

Mardi Gras cleanup (February) is a commercial goldmine. Contact French Quarter businesses well in advance.

growth

Flood-prone areas need post-flood remediation services. Consider adding restoration to your offerings.

Key Insight: Louisiana's challenging climate creates constant maintenance demand — embrace the humidity as job security.

Painting Demand in Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

In Louisiana, painting rates range from $33-$62/hour, with an average of $41/hour. Louisiana's cost of living is 91% of the national average. Major cities like New Orleans command higher rates ($44/hr), while smaller markets like Lake Charles average $38/hr.

What's the Louisiana average for painting services?

The Louisiana statewide average for painting is $41/hour or approximately $123-$205 per job. This reflects Louisiana's 91% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.

Which Louisiana cities have the highest painting rates?

In Louisiana, New Orleans has the highest painting rates at around $44/hour due to its 98% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport.

Do I need a license for painting in Louisiana?

Louisiana licensing: No state license for maintenance services Parish and city business licenses required Louisiana has parish system (counties) Workers comp required for 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 Louisiana a good market for painting businesses?

Louisiana offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $41/hour. The state's 91% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

Painting pricing data for Louisiana 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
  • Louisiana Labor Department
  • U.S. Census Bureau

Last updated: January 2026