Pop. 6.2MCOL: 88%7 month season#26 Market
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

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

With 6.2M residents and a 68.3% homeownership rate, Missouri has approximately 4,203,806 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.

Or Use Missouri State Average

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

Enter Your Details

Include hallways

sq ft

Wall surface area

$

Suggested: $40/hr based on Missouri wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$1,279

Range: $1,137 - $1,422

$0.85/sq ft - 17.6h estimated

5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer

Cost Breakdown

Labor Cost$617.76
Paint$225.00
Primer$60.00
Supplies$45.00
Total Materials$330.00
Subtotal$947.76
Markup (35%)+$331.24

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Missouri Painting Market Intelligence

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

Painting Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Per sq ft (interior)$1$2$4
Per sq ft (exterior)$2$3$5
Per room (avg 12x12)$176$352$616
Per hour$31$40$57

Prices adjusted for Missouri cost of living (88% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Missouri?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$2,554/mo
$30,648/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$5,960/mo
$71,520/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$8,514/mo
$102,168/yr

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

Missouri vs Other Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
Missouri$40/hr88%high
National Average$45/hr100%-
Iowa(neighbor)$40/hr89%medium
Illinois(neighbor)$42/hr93%high
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Missouri Licensing Requirements

  • No state contractor license required
  • KC metro spans two states - may need KS registration too
  • Workers comp rules vary by industry
  • 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.

Missouri Painting Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful painting business in Missouri

marketing

Kansas City and St. Louis are distinct markets with different competitors. Choose your region.

seasonal

Spring flooding along rivers creates pressure washing demand for mud and debris removal.

growth

Lake of the Ozarks vacation properties need seasonal maintenance packages.

Key Insight: Missouri's central location and moderate costs make it ideal for building efficient service routes.

Painting Demand in Missouri by Month

Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.

Jan
10%
Feb
15%
Mar
35%
Apr
60%
May
85%
Jun
100%
Jul
100%
Aug
90%
Sep
70%
Oct
45%
Nov
25%
Dec
10%
Peak: Jun-Aug
Off-season: Nov-Feb

Plan alternative income sources for the off-season months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I charge for painting in Missouri?

In Missouri, painting rates range from $32-$60/hour, with an average of $40/hour. Missouri's cost of living is 88% of the national average. Major cities like Kansas City command higher rates ($41/hr), while smaller markets like Springfield average $37/hr.

What's the Missouri average for painting services?

The Missouri statewide average for painting is $40/hour or approximately $120-$200 per job. This reflects Missouri's 88% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.

Which Missouri cities have the highest painting rates?

In Missouri, Kansas City has the highest painting rates at around $41/hour due to its 92% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield.

Do I need a license for painting in Missouri?

Missouri licensing: No state contractor license required KC metro spans two states - may need KS registration too Workers comp rules vary by industry 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 Missouri a good market for painting businesses?

Missouri offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $40/hour. The state's 88% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

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

Last updated: January 2026