How Much to Charge for Painting in Rhode Island?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 1.1M residents and a 62.7% homeownership rate, Rhode Island has approximately 688,057 potential painting customers. This is a premium market with room to grow. Fewer providers means you can command higher rates. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. Rhode Island rates run about 28% lower than neighboring Massachusetts - useful context if you serve clients near the border.
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Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with Rhode Island statewide rates.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $48/hr based on Rhode Island wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,478 - $1,847
$1.11/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Rhode Island Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Rhode Island.
Painting Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per sq ft (interior) | $2 | $3 | $4 |
| Per sq ft (exterior) | $2 | $4 | $6 |
| Per room (avg 12x12) | $214 | $428 | $749 |
| Per hour | $37 | $48 | $70 |
Prices adjusted for Rhode Island cost of living (107% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Rhode Island?
Estimates based on Rhode Island average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Rhode Island vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $48/hr | 107% | medium |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Massachusetts(neighbor) | $61/hr | 135% | high |
| Connecticut(neighbor) | $54/hr | 121% | high |
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Rhode Island Licensing Requirements
- •Contractor registration required for pressure washing
- •Lawn care and window cleaning typically exempt
- •Small state means statewide marketing is practical
- •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.
Rhode Island Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Rhode Island
Smallest state means you can serve everywhere from one location. Go statewide.
Newport mansions and coastal estates pay ultra-premium rates.
Home Improvement Contractor registration required. Register with RI Contractor Registration Board.
Key Insight: Rhode Island's compact size enables efficient operations, and wealthy coastal areas support premium prices.
Painting Demand in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, painting rates range from $38-$72/hour, with an average of $48/hour. Rhode Island's cost of living is 107% of the national average. Major cities like Providence command higher rates ($50/hr), while smaller markets like Pawtucket average $44/hr.
What's the Rhode Island average for painting services?
The Rhode Island statewide average for painting is $48/hour or approximately $144-$240 per job. This reflects Rhode Island's 107% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which Rhode Island cities have the highest painting rates?
In Rhode Island, Providence has the highest painting rates at around $50/hour due to its 110% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Providence, Warwick, Cranston.
Do I need a license for painting in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island licensing: Contractor registration required for pressure washing Lawn care and window cleaning typically exempt Small state means statewide marketing is practical 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.
Is Rhode Island a good market for painting businesses?
Rhode Island offers a strong market for painting with rates averaging $48/hour. The state's 107% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Providence, Warwick, Cranston.
Other Calculators for Rhode Island
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Rhode Island 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
- Rhode Island Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026