How Much to Charge for Painting in Virginia?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 8.6M residents and a 67.2% homeownership rate, Virginia has approximately 5,800,296 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. Virginia rates run about 5% lower than neighboring Maryland - useful context if you serve clients near the border.
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Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with Virginia statewide rates.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $47/hr based on Virginia wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,425 - $1,782
$1.07/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Virginia Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Virginia.
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) | $208 | $416 | $728 |
| Per hour | $36 | $47 | $68 |
Prices adjusted for Virginia cost of living (104% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Virginia?
Estimates based on Virginia average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Virginia vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $47/hr | 104% | high |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Maryland(neighbor) | $49/hr | 109% | high |
| West Virginia(neighbor) | $38/hr | 84% | low |
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Virginia Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license required for maintenance services
- •BPOL tax applies in most Virginia localities
- •Workers comp required at 3+ employees
- •NoVA may have additional requirements
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.
Virginia Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Virginia
Northern Virginia (DC suburbs) has highest incomes in the country. Premium positioning works.
Historic areas (Williamsburg, Alexandria) require soft washing expertise.
Military bases (Norfolk, Quantico) offer stable commercial contracts.
Federal contractor registration (SAM) opens doors to government work.
Key Insight: Virginia's federal economy and wealthy suburbs create exceptional demand for professional service.
Painting Demand in Virginia 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 Virginia?
In Virginia, painting rates range from $38-$71/hour, with an average of $47/hour. Virginia's cost of living is 104% of the national average. Major cities like Virginia Beach command higher rates ($46/hr), while smaller markets like Newport News average $43/hr.
What's the Virginia average for painting services?
The Virginia statewide average for painting is $47/hour or approximately $141-$235 per job. This reflects Virginia's 104% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which Virginia cities have the highest painting rates?
In Virginia, Virginia Beach has the highest painting rates at around $46/hour due to its 102% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake.
Do I need a license for painting in Virginia?
Virginia licensing: No state contractor license required for maintenance services BPOL tax applies in most Virginia localities Workers comp required at 3+ employees NoVA may have additional requirements 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 Virginia a good market for painting businesses?
Virginia offers a strong market for painting with rates averaging $47/hour. The state's 104% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake.
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Virginia 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
- Virginia Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026