How Much to Charge for Painting in North Carolina?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 10.4M residents and a 66.4% homeownership rate, North Carolina has approximately 6,931,754 potential painting customers. High demand in a budget-conscious market - volume is your best friend here. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. North Carolina rates run about 9% lower than neighboring Virginia - useful context if you serve clients near the border.
Select Your City in North Carolina
Get precise painting rates for your local market.
Or Use North Carolina State Average
Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with North Carolina statewide rates.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $43/hr based on North Carolina 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
North Carolina Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in North Carolina.
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 North Carolina cost of living (95% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in North Carolina?
Estimates based on North Carolina average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
North Carolina vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $43/hr | 95% | very high |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Virginia(neighbor) | $47/hr | 104% | high |
| Tennessee(neighbor) | $41/hr | 90% | very high |
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North Carolina Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license required
- •Register with NC Secretary of State
- •Workers comp required at 3+ employees
- •Some cities require privilege licenses
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.
North Carolina Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in North Carolina
Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) tech workers pay premium for reliable service.
Charlotte is one of fastest-growing US metros. New construction = new customers.
Key Insight: North Carolina's explosive growth and diverse geography create abundant opportunities.
Painting Demand in North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
In North Carolina, painting rates range from $34-$65/hour, with an average of $43/hour. North Carolina's cost of living is 95% of the national average. Major cities like Raleigh command higher rates ($47/hr), while smaller markets like Winston-Salem average $40/hr.
What's the North Carolina average for painting services?
The North Carolina statewide average for painting is $43/hour or approximately $129-$215 per job. This reflects North Carolina's 95% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which North Carolina cities have the highest painting rates?
In North Carolina, Raleigh has the highest painting rates at around $47/hour due to its 105% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro.
Do I need a license for painting in North Carolina?
North Carolina licensing: No state contractor license required Register with NC Secretary of State Workers comp required at 3+ employees Some cities require privilege licenses 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 North Carolina a good market for painting businesses?
North Carolina offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $43/hour. The state's 95% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro.
Nearby States
Other Calculators for North Carolina
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for North Carolina 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
- North Carolina Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026