How Much to Charge for Painting in Saint Paul?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Saint Paul metro area has approximately 124,611 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. A bustling market where consistent quality and fair pricing build loyal clientele fast.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $45/hr based on Saint Paul wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,344 - $1,680
$1.01/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Saint Paul Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Saint Paul.
Painting Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per sq ft (interior) | $2 | $3 | $4 |
| Per sq ft (exterior) | $2 | $4 | $6 |
| Per room (avg 12x12) | $200 | $400 | $700 |
| Per hour | $35 | $45 | $65 |
Prices adjusted for Saint Paul cost of living (100% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Saint Paul?
Estimates based on Saint Paul average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Saint Paul vs Other Minnesota Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Paul | $45/hr | 100% | high |
| Minneapolis(most expensive) | $47/hr | 105% | very high |
| Duluth(most affordable) | $43/hr | 95% | medium |
| Minnesota Average | $44/hr | 97% | - |
Market Position: Saint Paul
Saint Paul 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.
Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul?
In Saint Paul, MN, you should charge $45-$68/hour for painting. This is at the national average because Saint Paul's cost of living is 100% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $90-$225.
What's the average painting rate in Saint Paul, Minnesota?
The average painting rate in Saint Paul is $45/hour or $135 per job. Saint Paul has high demand with a population of 312K. Local pros typically charge $36-$68/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in Saint Paul?
Painting companies in Saint Paul charge $36-$68/hour (100% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $36/hour, while complex work commands $68+/hour. The high demand in Saint Paul supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in Saint Paul?
Key pricing factors in Saint Paul: (1) Cost of living - at national average at 100%, (2) Market demand - high in this area, (3) Competition - Saint Paul's 312K population creates high 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 Saint Paul a good market for painting businesses?
Saint Paul shows high demand for painting services. With 312K residents and a 100% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $45-$68/hour. The Minnesota market is about equal to for service businesses.
How do Saint Paul painting prices compare to Minnesota average?
Saint Paul painting prices are typically at the Minnesota state average. While state average is around $44/hour, Saint Paul pros charge $45/hour due to the city's 100% cost of living index.
Other Services in Saint Paul
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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 Saint Paul, 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