How Much to Charge for Painting in St. Louis?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The St. Louis metro area has approximately 120,631 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: $41/hr based on St. Louis wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,173 - $1,466
$0.88/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
St. Louis Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in St. Louis.
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) | $180 | $360 | $630 |
| Per hour | $32 | $41 | $59 |
Prices adjusted for St. Louis cost of living (90% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in St. Louis?
Estimates based on St. Louis average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
St. Louis vs Other Missouri Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | $41/hr | 90% | high |
| Kansas City(most expensive) | $41/hr | 92% | very high |
| Springfield(most affordable) | $37/hr | 82% | high |
| Missouri Average | $40/hr | 88% | - |
Market Position: St. Louis
St. Louis sits at the state average for Missouri - price competitively and focus on service quality to stand out.
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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.
St. Louis Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Missouri
Kansas City and St. Louis are distinct markets with different competitors. Choose your region.
Spring flooding along rivers creates pressure washing demand for mud and debris removal.
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.
Plan alternative income sources for the off-season months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for painting in St. Louis?
In St. Louis, MO, you should charge $41-$61/hour for painting. This is 10% below the national average because St. Louis's cost of living is 90% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $81-$203.
What's the average painting rate in St. Louis, Missouri?
The average painting rate in St. Louis is $41/hour or $122 per job. St. Louis has high demand with a population of 302K. Local pros typically charge $32-$61/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in St. Louis?
Painting companies in St. Louis charge $32-$61/hour (90% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $32/hour, while complex work commands $61+/hour. The high demand in St. Louis supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in St. Louis?
Key pricing factors in St. Louis: (1) Cost of living - 10% below national average at 90%, (2) Market demand - high in this area, (3) Competition - St. Louis's 302K population creates high demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in Missouri?
Missouri licensing requirements: No state contractor license required KC metro spans two states - may need KS registration too Workers comp rules vary by industry 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 St. Louis a good market for painting businesses?
St. Louis shows high demand for painting services. With 302K residents and a 90% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $41-$61/hour. The Missouri market is slightly lower than for service businesses.
How do St. Louis painting prices compare to Missouri average?
St. Louis painting prices are typically 10% below the Missouri state average. While state average is around $40/hour, St. Louis pros charge $41/hour due to the city's 90% cost of living index.
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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 St. Louis, 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