How Much to Charge for Painting in Minnesota?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 5.7M residents and a 73.2% homeownership rate, Minnesota has approximately 4,177,154 potential painting customers. High demand in a budget-conscious market - volume is your best friend here. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. Minnesota rates run about 4% higher than neighboring Wisconsin - useful context if you serve clients near the border.
Select Your City in Minnesota
Get precise painting rates for your local market.
Or Use Minnesota State Average
Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with Minnesota statewide rates.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $44/hr based on Minnesota wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,295 - $1,619
$0.97/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Minnesota Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Minnesota.
Painting Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per sq ft (interior) | $1 | $2 | $4 |
| Per sq ft (exterior) | $2 | $3 | $5 |
| Per room (avg 12x12) | $194 | $388 | $679 |
| Per hour | $34 | $44 | $63 |
Prices adjusted for Minnesota cost of living (97% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Minnesota?
Estimates based on Minnesota average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Minnesota vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $44/hr | 97% | high |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Wisconsin(neighbor) | $42/hr | 93% | high |
| Iowa(neighbor) | $40/hr | 89% | medium |
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Minnesota Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license required
- •Register with Minnesota Secretary of State
- •Local licenses required in cities
- •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.
Minnesota Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Minnesota
Minnesota nice is real — customer relationships and referrals drive business more than marketing.
Lake cabin properties number in the hundreds of thousands. Target seasonal property maintenance.
Winter salt damage requires spring pressure washing for driveways and walkways.
Minneapolis-St. Paul corporate campuses need professional maintenance. Target commercial accounts.
Key Insight: Minnesota's harsh winters create compressed seasonal demand — efficient operations maximize short-season revenue.
Painting Demand in Minnesota by Month
Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.
Plan alternative income sources for the off-season months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for painting in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, painting rates range from $35-$66/hour, with an average of $44/hour. Minnesota's cost of living is 97% of the national average. Major cities like Minneapolis command higher rates ($47/hr), while smaller markets like Duluth average $43/hr.
What's the Minnesota average for painting services?
The Minnesota statewide average for painting is $44/hour or approximately $132-$220 per job. This reflects Minnesota's 97% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which Minnesota cities have the highest painting rates?
In Minnesota, Minneapolis has the highest painting rates at around $47/hour due to its 105% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester.
Do I need a license for painting in Minnesota?
Minnesota licensing: No state contractor license required Register with Minnesota Secretary of State Local licenses required in cities 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 Minnesota a good market for painting businesses?
Minnesota offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $44/hour. The state's 97% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester.
Nearby States
Other Calculators for Minnesota
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Minnesota 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
- Minnesota Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026