Pop. 2.0MCOL: 91%5 month season#46 Market
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

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

With 2.0M residents and a 68.3% homeownership rate, Nebraska has approximately 1,339,707 potential painting customers. A growing market - get in early, build your reputation, and watch your client base expand. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable.

Or Use Nebraska State Average

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

Enter Your Details

Include hallways

sq ft

Wall surface area

$

Suggested: $41/hr based on Nebraska wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$1,329

Range: $1,182 - $1,477

$0.89/sq ft - 17.6h estimated

5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer

Cost Breakdown

Labor Cost$654.79
Paint$225.00
Primer$60.00
Supplies$45.00
Total Materials$330.00
Subtotal$984.79
Markup (35%)+$344.21

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Nebraska Painting Market Intelligence

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

Painting Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Per sq ft (interior)$1$2$4
Per sq ft (exterior)$2$3$5
Per room (avg 12x12)$182$364$637
Per hour$32$41$59

Prices adjusted for Nebraska cost of living (91% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Nebraska?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$2,641/mo
$31,692/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$6,163/mo
$73,956/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$8,804/mo
$105,648/yr

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

Nebraska vs Other Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
Nebraska$41/hr91%medium
National Average$45/hr100%-
South Dakota(neighbor)$41/hr92%low
Iowa(neighbor)$40/hr89%medium
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Nebraska Licensing Requirements

  • No state contractor license required
  • Register with Nebraska Secretary of State
  • Workers comp required for employees
  • 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.

Nebraska Painting Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful painting business in Nebraska

marketing

Omaha metro has different dynamics than rural Nebraska. Choose your market focus.

seasonal

Severe weather (hail, tornadoes) creates storm cleanup opportunities spring through summer.

growth

Agricultural equipment cleaning is a niche market. Farm operations pay well for professional service.

Key Insight: Nebraska's agricultural economy creates unique commercial opportunities beyond typical residential.

Painting Demand in Nebraska 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 Nebraska?

In Nebraska, painting rates range from $33-$62/hour, with an average of $41/hour. Nebraska's cost of living is 91% of the national average. Major cities like Omaha command higher rates ($42/hr), while smaller markets like Grand Island average $38/hr.

What's the Nebraska average for painting services?

The Nebraska statewide average for painting is $41/hour or approximately $123-$205 per job. This reflects Nebraska's 91% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.

Which Nebraska cities have the highest painting rates?

In Nebraska, Omaha has the highest painting rates at around $42/hour due to its 93% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue.

Do I need a license for painting in Nebraska?

Nebraska licensing: No state contractor license required Register with Nebraska Secretary of State Workers comp required for employees 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 Nebraska a good market for painting businesses?

Nebraska offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $41/hour. The state's 91% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

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

Last updated: January 2026