How Much to Charge for Painting in Chattanooga?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Chattanooga metro area has approximately 72,440 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. High demand in a budget-conscious market - volume is your best friend here.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $41/hr based on Chattanooga 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
Chattanooga Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Chattanooga.
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 Chattanooga cost of living (90% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Chattanooga?
Estimates based on Chattanooga average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Chattanooga vs Other Tennessee Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $41/hr | 90% | high |
| Nashville(most expensive) | $46/hr | 102% | very high |
| Memphis(most affordable) | $38/hr | 85% | high |
| Tennessee Average | $41/hr | 90% | - |
Market Position: Chattanooga
Chattanooga sits at the state average for Tennessee - price competitively and focus on service quality to stand out.
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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.
Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga?
In Chattanooga, TN, you should charge $41-$61/hour for painting. This is 10% below the national average because Chattanooga's cost of living is 90% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $81-$203.
What's the average painting rate in Chattanooga, Tennessee?
The average painting rate in Chattanooga is $41/hour or $122 per job. Chattanooga has high demand with a population of 181K. Local pros typically charge $32-$61/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in Chattanooga?
Painting companies in Chattanooga charge $32-$61/hour (90% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $32/hour, while complex work commands $61+/hour. The high demand in Chattanooga supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in Chattanooga?
Key pricing factors in Chattanooga: (1) Cost of living - 10% below national average at 90%, (2) Market demand - high in this area, (3) Competition - Chattanooga's 181K population creates high demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in Tennessee?
Tennessee licensing requirements: No state contractor license required No state income tax Workers comp required at 5+ 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 Chattanooga a good market for painting businesses?
Chattanooga shows high demand for painting services. With 181K residents and a 90% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $41-$61/hour. The Tennessee market is slightly lower than for service businesses.
How do Chattanooga painting prices compare to Tennessee average?
Chattanooga painting prices are typically 10% below the Tennessee state average. While state average is around $41/hour, Chattanooga pros charge $41/hour due to the city's 90% cost of living index.
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Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Chattanooga, 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