MEDIUM DEMANDPop. 160K
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

How Much to Charge for Painting in Paterson?2026 Local Rates & Calculator

The Paterson metro area has approximately 63,893 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. This is a premium market with room to grow. Fewer providers means you can command higher rates. Paterson costs are 10% below the New Jersey average - price competitively to win volume.

Calculate Your Painting Price

Enter Your Details

Include hallways

sq ft

Wall surface area

$

Suggested: $47/hr based on Paterson wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$1,615

Range: $1,435 - $1,794

$1.08/sq ft - 17.6h estimated

5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer

Cost Breakdown

Labor Cost$866.09
Paint$225.00
Primer$60.00
Supplies$45.00
Total Materials$330.00
Subtotal$1,196.09
Markup (35%)+$418.91

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Paterson Painting Market Intelligence

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

Painting Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Per sq ft (interior)$2$3$4
Per sq ft (exterior)$2$4$6
Per room (avg 12x12)$210$420$735
Per hour$37$47$68

Prices adjusted for Paterson cost of living (105% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Paterson?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$3,048/mo
$36,576/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$7,111/mo
$85,332/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$10,159/mo
$121,908/yr

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

Paterson vs Other New Jersey Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
Paterson$47/hr105%medium
Jersey City(most expensive)$58/hr128%high
New Jersey Average$52/hr115%-

Market Position: Paterson

Paterson is a value market in New Jersey - costs are below the state average, so focus on volume and efficiency.

Your Competitors Are Picking Up

Your Business Misses 5-10 Calls a Day.
One Is a Hot Lead - Gone to a Competitor.

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Losing:$3,000-$6,000/mo in missed calls
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New Jersey Licensing Requirements

  • HIC registration required for pressure washing
  • Lawn care and window cleaning typically exempt
  • Township/municipal licenses are very localized
  • Workers comp required for all 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.

Paterson Painting Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful painting business in New Jersey

operations

Dense population means efficient routing is possible. Serve neighborhoods, not scattered properties.

regulatory

Home Improvement Contractor registration required. Register with NJ DCA.

pricing

NYC commuters in Bergen and Essex counties pay premium for convenience and quality.

Key Insight: New Jersey's density allows efficient operations, and proximity to NYC supports premium pricing.

Painting Demand in New Jersey 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 Paterson?

In Paterson, NJ, you should charge $47-$71/hour for painting. This is 5% above the national average because Paterson's cost of living is 105% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $95-$236.

What's the average painting rate in Paterson, New Jersey?

The average painting rate in Paterson is $47/hour or $142 per job. Paterson has average demand with a population of 160K. Local pros typically charge $38-$71/hour depending on complexity.

How much do painting companies charge per hour in Paterson?

Painting companies in Paterson charge $38-$71/hour (105% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $38/hour, while complex work commands $71+/hour. The average demand in Paterson supports these rates.

What factors affect painting prices in Paterson?

Key pricing factors in Paterson: (1) Cost of living - 5% above national average at 105%, (2) Market demand - medium in this area, (3) Competition - Paterson's 160K population creates average demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.

Do I need a license for painting in New Jersey?

New Jersey licensing requirements: HIC registration required for pressure washing Lawn care and window cleaning typically exempt Township/municipal licenses are very localized 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 Paterson a good market for painting businesses?

Paterson shows average demand for painting services. With 160K residents and a 105% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $47-$71/hour. The New Jersey market is slightly higher than for service businesses.

How do Paterson painting prices compare to New Jersey average?

Paterson painting prices are typically 5% above the New Jersey state average. While state average is around $52/hour, Paterson pros charge $47/hour due to the city's 105% cost of living index.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

Painting pricing data for Paterson, New Jersey 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
  • New Jersey Labor Department
  • U.S. Census Bureau

Last updated: January 2026