How Much to Charge for Painting in Texas?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 29.1M residents and a 62.7% homeownership rate, Texas has approximately 18,274,232 potential painting customers. High demand in a budget-conscious market - volume is your best friend here. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. Texas rates run about 5% higher than neighboring Oklahoma - useful context if you serve clients near the border.
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Get precise painting rates for your local market.
Or Use Texas State Average
Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with Texas statewide rates.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $41/hr based on Texas 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
Texas Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Texas.
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 Texas cost of living (92% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Texas?
Estimates based on Texas average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Texas vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $41/hr | 92% | very high |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Oklahoma(neighbor) | $39/hr | 87% | medium |
| Arkansas(neighbor) | $39/hr | 86% | medium |
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Texas Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license required
- •Workers comp is optional (non-subscriber state)
- •Sales tax permit required from Comptroller
- •No state income tax
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.
Texas Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Texas
Texas is not one market — Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio have different dynamics.
Summer heat (100°F+) means early morning scheduling is essential.
Storm cleanup after 100+ thunderstorm days per year is lucrative.
Key Insight: Texas's massive scale and growth create endless opportunity — but pick your metro and dominate it.
Painting Demand in Texas 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 Texas?
In Texas, painting rates range from $33-$62/hour, with an average of $41/hour. Texas's cost of living is 92% of the national average. Major cities like Austin command higher rates ($47/hr), while smaller markets like San Antonio average $41/hr.
What's the Texas average for painting services?
The Texas statewide average for painting is $41/hour or approximately $123-$205 per job. This reflects Texas's 92% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which Texas cities have the highest painting rates?
In Texas, Austin has the highest painting rates at around $47/hour due to its 105% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Houston, San Antonio, Dallas.
Do I need a license for painting in Texas?
Texas licensing: No state contractor license required Workers comp is optional (non-subscriber state) Sales tax permit required from Comptroller No state income tax 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 Texas a good market for painting businesses?
Texas 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 Houston, San Antonio, Dallas.
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Texas 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
- Texas Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026