How Much to Charge for Painting in Tennessee?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 6.9M residents and a 67.5% homeownership rate, Tennessee has approximately 4,664,817 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. Tennessee rates run about 3% higher than neighboring Kentucky - useful context if you serve clients near the border.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $41/hr based on Tennessee wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,173 - $1,466
$0.88/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Tennessee Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Tennessee.
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) | $180 | $360 | $630 |
| Per hour | $32 | $41 | $59 |
Prices adjusted for Tennessee cost of living (90% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Tennessee?
Estimates based on Tennessee average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Tennessee vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $41/hr | 90% | very high |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Kentucky(neighbor) | $39/hr | 87% | medium |
| Virginia(neighbor) | $47/hr | 104% | high |
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Tennessee Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license required
- •No state income tax
- •Workers comp required at 5+ employees
- •County business tax applies to most businesses
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.
Tennessee Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Tennessee
Nashville is one of fastest-growing US metros. New construction means new customers.
No state income tax keeps operating costs lower. Competitive advantage.
Key Insight: Tennessee's explosive growth and no state income tax make it excellent for building a business.
Painting Demand in Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
In Tennessee, painting rates range from $33-$62/hour, with an average of $41/hour. Tennessee's cost of living is 90% of the national average. Major cities like Nashville command higher rates ($46/hr), while smaller markets like Memphis average $38/hr.
What's the Tennessee average for painting services?
The Tennessee statewide average for painting is $41/hour or approximately $123-$205 per job. This reflects Tennessee's 90% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which Tennessee cities have the highest painting rates?
In Tennessee, Nashville has the highest painting rates at around $46/hour due to its 102% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville.
Do I need a license for painting in Tennessee?
Tennessee licensing: No state contractor license required No state income tax Workers comp required at 5+ employees County business tax applies to most businesses 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 Tennessee a good market for painting businesses?
Tennessee offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $41/hour. The state's 90% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville.
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Tennessee 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
- Tennessee Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026