How Much to Charge for Painting in Houston?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Houston metro area has approximately 921,832 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. A bustling market where consistent quality and fair pricing build loyal clientele fast.
Calculate Your Painting Price
Enter Your Details
Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $43/hr based on Houston 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
Houston Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Houston.
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 Houston cost of living (95% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Houston?
Estimates based on Houston average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Houston vs Other Texas Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $43/hr | 95% | very high |
| Austin(most expensive) | $47/hr | 105% | very high |
| San Antonio(most affordable) | $41/hr | 90% | very high |
| Texas Average | $41/hr | 92% | - |
Pricing Zones in Houston
Houston's wealthiest neighborhoods with large properties.
Growing suburban and urban core with steady demand.
Price-sensitive but high-volume opportunities.
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
"My painting crew grew from 2 to 6 people. Managing jobs is easier when Voctiv handles incoming calls."
- George B., Painting Company Owner, Alabama
Setup takes 40 seconds. While you're reading this, someone's trying to call you.
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.
Houston 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 Houston?
In Houston, TX, you should charge $43-$64/hour for painting. This is 5% below the national average because Houston'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 Houston, Texas?
The average painting rate in Houston is $43/hour or $128 per job. Houston has average demand with a population of 2.3 million. Local pros typically charge $34-$64/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in Houston?
Painting companies in Houston charge $34-$64/hour (95% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $34/hour, while complex work commands $64+/hour. The average demand in Houston supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in Houston?
Key pricing factors in Houston: (1) Cost of living - 5% below national average at 95%, (2) Market demand - very high in this area, (3) Competition - Houston's 2.3 million population creates average demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in Texas?
Texas licensing requirements: No state contractor license required Workers comp is optional (non-subscriber state) Sales tax permit required from Comptroller 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 Houston a good market for painting businesses?
Houston shows average demand for painting services. With 2.3 million residents and a 95% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $43-$64/hour. The Texas market is about equal to for service businesses.
How do Houston painting prices compare to Texas average?
Houston painting prices are typically 5% below the Texas state average. While state average is around $41/hour, Houston pros charge $43/hour due to the city's 95% cost of living index.
Other Services in Houston
Other Texas Cities
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Houston, 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