How Much to Charge for Painting in North Charleston?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The North Charleston metro area has approximately 45,941 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 North Charleston 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 Charleston Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in North Charleston.
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 Charleston cost of living (95% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in North Charleston?
Estimates based on North Charleston average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
North Charleston vs Other South Carolina Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston | $43/hr | 95% | high |
| Mount Pleasant(most expensive) | $50/hr | 112% | very high |
| Rock Hill(most affordable) | $40/hr | 88% | high |
| South Carolina Average | $41/hr | 92% | - |
Market Position: North Charleston
North Charleston sits at the state average for South Carolina - price competitively and focus on service quality to stand out.
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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.
North Charleston 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 North Charleston?
In North Charleston, SC, you should charge $43-$64/hour for painting. This is 5% below the national average because North Charleston'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 North Charleston, South Carolina?
The average painting rate in North Charleston is $43/hour or $128 per job. North Charleston has high demand with a population of 115K. Local pros typically charge $34-$64/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in North Charleston?
Painting companies in North Charleston 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 North Charleston supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in North Charleston?
Key pricing factors in North Charleston: (1) Cost of living - 5% below national average at 95%, (2) Market demand - high in this area, (3) Competition - North Charleston's 115K population creates high demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in South Carolina?
South Carolina licensing requirements: No state contractor license required Register with SC Secretary of State Workers comp required at 4+ 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 North Charleston a good market for painting businesses?
North Charleston shows high demand for painting services. With 115K residents and a 95% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $43-$64/hour. The South Carolina market is about equal to for service businesses.
How do North Charleston painting prices compare to South Carolina average?
North Charleston painting prices are typically 5% below the South Carolina state average. While state average is around $41/hour, North Charleston pros charge $43/hour due to the city's 95% cost of living index.
Other Services in North Charleston
Other South Carolina Cities
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for North Charleston, 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