Pop. 2.1MCOL: 93%7 month season#40 Market
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

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

With 2.1M residents and a 68.5% homeownership rate, New Mexico has approximately 1,450,503 potential painting customers. An emerging market with room to establish yourself. Build relationships and grow with the community. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. New Mexico rates run about 12% lower than neighboring Colorado - useful context if you serve clients near the border.

Or Use New Mexico State Average

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

Enter Your Details

Include hallways

sq ft

Wall surface area

$

Suggested: $42/hr based on New Mexico wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$1,371

Range: $1,219 - $1,523

$0.91/sq ft - 17.6h estimated

5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer

Cost Breakdown

Labor Cost$685.50
Paint$225.00
Primer$60.00
Supplies$45.00
Total Materials$330.00
Subtotal$1,015.50
Markup (35%)+$355.50

While you paint, customers call. 62% won't leave voicemail.

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New Mexico Painting Market Intelligence

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

Painting Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Per sq ft (interior)$1$2$4
Per sq ft (exterior)$2$3$5
Per room (avg 12x12)$186$372$651
Per hour$33$42$60

Prices adjusted for New Mexico cost of living (93% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in New Mexico?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$2,699/mo
$32,388/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$6,298/mo
$75,576/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$8,998/mo
$107,976/yr

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

New Mexico vs Other Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
New Mexico$42/hr93%medium
National Average$45/hr100%-
Colorado(neighbor)$47/hr105%high
Oklahoma(neighbor)$39/hr87%medium
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New Mexico Licensing Requirements

  • No state contractor license required
  • CRS registration required for tax purposes
  • Workers comp required at 3+ employees
  • Local licenses vary by city

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.

New Mexico Painting Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful painting business in New Mexico

operations

Adobe buildings require gentle soft washing. Train on historic material care.

pricing

Santa Fe's wealthy art community pays premium for quality. Position as high-end.

seasonal

Monsoon season (July-September) creates post-storm cleanup demand.

operations

Stucco cleaning is a specialty service. Learn proper techniques for Southwest materials.

Key Insight: New Mexico's unique architecture and climate require specialized skills that command premium rates.

Painting Demand in New Mexico by Month

Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.

Jan
25%
Feb
35%
Mar
55%
Apr
75%
May
90%
Jun
100%
Jul
100%
Aug
90%
Sep
75%
Oct
55%
Nov
35%
Dec
25%
Peak: May-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 New Mexico?

In New Mexico, painting rates range from $34-$63/hour, with an average of $42/hour. New Mexico's cost of living is 93% of the national average. Major cities like Santa Fe command higher rates ($50/hr), while smaller markets like Roswell average $37/hr.

What's the New Mexico average for painting services?

The New Mexico statewide average for painting is $42/hour or approximately $126-$210 per job. This reflects New Mexico's 93% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.

Which New Mexico cities have the highest painting rates?

In New Mexico, Santa Fe has the highest painting rates at around $50/hour due to its 110% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho.

Do I need a license for painting in New Mexico?

New Mexico licensing: No state contractor license required CRS registration required for tax purposes Workers comp required at 3+ employees Local licenses vary by city 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 New Mexico a good market for painting businesses?

New Mexico offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $42/hour. The state's 93% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

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

Last updated: January 2026