How Much to Charge for Painting in Washington?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 7.6M residents and a 64.4% homeownership rate, Washington has approximately 4,903,991 potential painting customers. Clients here value reliability and quality, creating room for pros who deliver both. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. Washington rates run about 14% higher than neighboring Idaho - useful context if you serve clients near the border.
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Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with Washington statewide rates.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $50/hr based on Washington wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,554 - $1,943
$1.17/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Washington Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Washington.
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) | $220 | $440 | $770 |
| Per hour | $39 | $50 | $72 |
Prices adjusted for Washington cost of living (110% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Washington?
Estimates based on Washington average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Washington vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $50/hr | 110% | very high |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Idaho(neighbor) | $43/hr | 96% | high |
| Oregon(neighbor) | $50/hr | 110% | high |
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Washington Licensing Requirements
- •State business license required from Department of Revenue
- •No contractor license for maintenance services
- •Workers comp through state L&I
- •Seattle has specific 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.
Washington Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Washington
Moss and algae grow year-round in Seattle's climate. Constant pressure washing demand.
Tech industry wealth (Seattle, Bellevue) supports premium pricing.
Key Insight: Washington's wet climate creates year-round exterior maintenance demand — embrace it.
Painting Demand in Washington 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 Washington?
In Washington, painting rates range from $40-$75/hour, with an average of $50/hour. Washington's cost of living is 110% of the national average. Major cities like Bellevue command higher rates ($72/hr), while smaller markets like Spokane average $43/hr.
What's the Washington average for painting services?
The Washington statewide average for painting is $50/hour or approximately $150-$250 per job. This reflects Washington's 110% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which Washington cities have the highest painting rates?
In Washington, Bellevue has the highest painting rates at around $72/hour due to its 160% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma.
Do I need a license for painting in Washington?
Washington licensing: State business license required from Department of Revenue No contractor license for maintenance services Workers comp through state L&I Seattle has specific 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 Washington a good market for painting businesses?
Washington offers a strong market for painting with rates averaging $50/hour. The state's 110% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma.
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Washington 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
- Washington Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026