How Much to Charge for Painting in Duluth?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Duluth metro area has approximately 37,200 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. A growing market - get in early, build your reputation, and watch your client base expand.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $43/hr based on Duluth wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,256 - $1,570
$0.94/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Duluth Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Duluth.
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) | $190 | $380 | $665 |
| Per hour | $33 | $43 | $62 |
Prices adjusted for Duluth cost of living (95% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Duluth?
Estimates based on Duluth average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Duluth vs Other Minnesota Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth | $43/hr | 95% | medium |
| Minneapolis(most expensive) | $47/hr | 105% | very high |
| Minnesota Average | $44/hr | 97% | - |
Market Position: Duluth
Duluth sits at the state average for Minnesota - price competitively and focus on service quality to stand out.
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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.
Duluth 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 Duluth?
In Duluth, MN, you should charge $43-$64/hour for painting. This is 5% below the national average because Duluth's cost of living is 95% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $86-$214.
What's the average painting rate in Duluth, Minnesota?
The average painting rate in Duluth is $43/hour or $128 per job. Duluth has average demand with a population of 93K. Local pros typically charge $34-$64/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in Duluth?
Painting companies in Duluth charge $34-$64/hour (95% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $34/hour, while complex work commands $64+/hour. The average demand in Duluth supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in Duluth?
Key pricing factors in Duluth: (1) Cost of living - 5% below national average at 95%, (2) Market demand - medium in this area, (3) Competition - Duluth's 93K population creates average demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in Minnesota?
Minnesota licensing requirements: No state contractor license required Register with Minnesota Secretary of State Local licenses required in 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 Duluth a good market for painting businesses?
Duluth shows average demand for painting services. With 93K residents and a 95% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $43-$64/hour. The Minnesota market is about equal to for service businesses.
How do Duluth painting prices compare to Minnesota average?
Duluth painting prices are typically 5% below the Minnesota state average. While state average is around $44/hour, Duluth pros charge $43/hour due to the city's 95% cost of living index.
Other Services in Duluth
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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 Duluth, 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