How Much to Charge for Painting in Albuquerque?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Albuquerque metro area has approximately 225,824 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. Plenty of work available at competitive rates. Focus on efficiency and client retention.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $43/hr based on Albuquerque wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,256 - $1,570
$0.94/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Albuquerque Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Albuquerque.
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) | $190 | $380 | $665 |
| Per hour | $33 | $43 | $62 |
Prices adjusted for Albuquerque cost of living (95% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Albuquerque?
Estimates based on Albuquerque average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Albuquerque vs Other New Mexico Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $43/hr | 95% | high |
| Santa Fe(most expensive) | $50/hr | 110% | high |
| Roswell(most affordable) | $37/hr | 82% | low |
| New Mexico Average | $42/hr | 93% | - |
Pricing Zones in Albuquerque
Foothills communities with mountain views and larger lots.
Central Albuquerque with diverse residential neighborhoods.
More affordable areas with growing demand for services.
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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.
Albuquerque Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in New Mexico
Adobe buildings require gentle soft washing. Train on historic material care.
Santa Fe's wealthy art community pays premium for quality. Position as high-end.
Monsoon season (July-September) creates post-storm cleanup demand.
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.
Plan alternative income sources for the off-season months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for painting in Albuquerque?
In Albuquerque, NM, you should charge $43-$64/hour for painting. This is 5% below the national average because Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $86-$214.
What's the average painting rate in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
The average painting rate in Albuquerque is $43/hour or $128 per job. Albuquerque has high demand with a population of 565K. Local pros typically charge $34-$64/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in Albuquerque?
Painting companies in Albuquerque charge $34-$64/hour (95% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $34/hour, while complex work commands $64+/hour. The high demand in Albuquerque supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in Albuquerque?
Key pricing factors in Albuquerque: (1) Cost of living - 5% below national average at 95%, (2) Market demand - high in this area, (3) Competition - Albuquerque's 565K population creates high demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in New Mexico?
New Mexico licensing requirements: No state contractor license required CRS registration required for tax purposes Workers comp required at 3+ 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.
Is Albuquerque a good market for painting businesses?
Albuquerque shows high demand for painting services. With 565K residents and a 95% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $43-$64/hour. The New Mexico market is about equal to for service businesses.
How do Albuquerque painting prices compare to New Mexico average?
Albuquerque painting prices are typically 5% below the New Mexico state average. While state average is around $42/hour, Albuquerque pros charge $43/hour due to the city's 95% cost of living index.
Other Services in Albuquerque
Other New Mexico Cities
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Albuquerque, 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