How Much to Charge for Painting in South Carolina?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 5.1M residents and a 71.1% homeownership rate, South Carolina has approximately 3,639,200 potential painting customers. Plenty of work available at competitive rates. Focus on efficiency and client retention. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. South Carolina rates run about 3% lower than neighboring North Carolina - useful context if you serve clients near the border.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $41/hr based on South Carolina wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,190 - $1,488
$0.89/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
South Carolina Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in South 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) | $184 | $368 | $644 |
| Per hour | $32 | $41 | $60 |
Prices adjusted for South Carolina cost of living (92% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in South Carolina?
Estimates based on South Carolina average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
South Carolina vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $41/hr | 92% | high |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| North Carolina(neighbor) | $43/hr | 95% | very high |
| Georgia(neighbor) | $42/hr | 93% | very high |
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South Carolina Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license required
- •Register with SC Secretary of State
- •Workers comp required at 4+ employees
- •Local licenses required in cities
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.
South Carolina Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in South Carolina
Charleston's historic district requires soft washing expertise. Training is essential.
Palmetto bugs (roaches) thrive in SC humidity. Pressure washing helps control them.
Hurricane season prep and cleanup services are essential (June-November).
Retirement communities (Hilton Head, Sun City) value reliability over rock-bottom prices.
Key Insight: South Carolina's tourism and retirement demographics create strong year-round demand.
Painting Demand in South Carolina by Month
Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.
Offer 10-15% off-season discounts to maintain a steady client base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for painting in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, painting rates range from $33-$62/hour, with an average of $41/hour. South Carolina's cost of living is 92% of the national average. Major cities like Mount Pleasant command higher rates ($50/hr), while smaller markets like Rock Hill average $40/hr.
What's the South Carolina average for painting services?
The South Carolina statewide average for painting is $41/hour or approximately $123-$205 per job. This reflects South Carolina's 92% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which South Carolina cities have the highest painting rates?
In South Carolina, Mount Pleasant has the highest painting rates at around $50/hour due to its 112% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston.
Do I need a license for painting in South Carolina?
South Carolina licensing: No state contractor license required Register with SC Secretary of State Workers comp required at 4+ employees Local licenses required in cities 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 South Carolina a good market for painting businesses?
South Carolina offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $41/hour. The state's 92% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston.
Other Calculators for South Carolina
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for South 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
- South Carolina Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026