How Much to Charge for Painting in Nashville?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Nashville metro area has approximately 275,779 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. High demand in a budget-conscious market - volume is your best friend here. Costs in Nashville run 12% above the Tennessee state average, supporting higher rates.
Calculate Your Painting Price
Enter Your Details
Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $46/hr based on Nashville wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,384 - $1,730
$1.04/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Nashville Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Nashville.
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) | $204 | $408 | $714 |
| Per hour | $36 | $46 | $66 |
Prices adjusted for Nashville cost of living (102% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Nashville?
Estimates based on Nashville average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Nashville vs Other Tennessee Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $46/hr | 102% | very high |
| Memphis(most affordable) | $38/hr | 85% | high |
| Tennessee Average | $41/hr | 90% | - |
Pricing Zones in Nashville
Nashville's most prestigious residential communities.
Trendy neighborhoods with Nashville's famous hospitality.
Fast-growing suburbs with more affordable pricing.
Your Business Misses 5-10 Calls a Day.
One Is a Hot Lead - Gone to a Competitor.
Every time you can't answer, that caller Googles the next business - and they pick up. 62% won't leave a voicemail. They won't call back. That's $200-500 walking out the door. Stop losing money - let AI answer while you work.
Instant Call Answering
Never miss a lead, even at 3 AM
Smart Scheduling
Books appointments directly to your calendar
SMS Follow-ups
Automatic text confirmations to callers
24/7 Availability
Works while you sleep, holidays included
"Running a service business means your hands are always busy. Voctiv is like having a receptionist for $29/month."
- John D., Service Business Owner, Arizona
Setup takes 40 seconds. While you're reading this, someone's trying to call you.
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.
Nashville 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 Nashville?
In Nashville, TN, you should charge $46-$69/hour for painting. This is 2% above the national average because Nashville's cost of living is 102% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $92-$230.
What's the average painting rate in Nashville, Tennessee?
The average painting rate in Nashville is $46/hour or $138 per job. Nashville has average demand with a population of 689K. Local pros typically charge $37-$69/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in Nashville?
Painting companies in Nashville charge $37-$69/hour (102% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $37/hour, while complex work commands $69+/hour. The average demand in Nashville supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in Nashville?
Key pricing factors in Nashville: (1) Cost of living - 2% above national average at 102%, (2) Market demand - very high in this area, (3) Competition - Nashville's 689K population creates average 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 Nashville a good market for painting businesses?
Nashville shows average demand for painting services. With 689K residents and a 102% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $46-$69/hour. The Tennessee market is about equal to for service businesses.
How do Nashville painting prices compare to Tennessee average?
Nashville painting prices are typically 2% above the Tennessee state average. While state average is around $41/hour, Nashville pros charge $46/hour due to the city's 102% cost of living index.
Other Services in Nashville
Other Tennessee Cities
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Nashville, 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