How Much to Charge for Painting in Tacoma?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Tacoma metro area has approximately 87,738 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. Clients here value reliability and quality, creating room for pros who deliver both.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $50/hr based on Tacoma 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
Tacoma Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma cost of living (110% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Tacoma?
Estimates based on Tacoma average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Tacoma vs Other Washington Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma | $50/hr | 110% | high |
| Bellevue(most expensive) | $72/hr | 160% | very high |
| Spokane(most affordable) | $43/hr | 95% | high |
| Washington Average | $50/hr | 110% | - |
Market Position: Tacoma
Tacoma sits at the state average for Washington - price competitively and focus on service quality to stand out.
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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.
Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
In Tacoma, WA, you should charge $50-$74/hour for painting. This is 10% above the national average because Tacoma's cost of living is 110% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $99-$248.
What's the average painting rate in Tacoma, Washington?
The average painting rate in Tacoma is $50/hour or $149 per job. Tacoma has high demand with a population of 219K. Local pros typically charge $40-$74/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in Tacoma?
Painting companies in Tacoma charge $40-$74/hour (110% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $40/hour, while complex work commands $74+/hour. The high demand in Tacoma supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in Tacoma?
Key pricing factors in Tacoma: (1) Cost of living - 10% above national average at 110%, (2) Market demand - high in this area, (3) Competition - Tacoma's 219K population creates high demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in Washington?
Washington licensing requirements: State business license required from Department of Revenue No contractor license for maintenance services Workers comp through state L&I 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 Tacoma a good market for painting businesses?
Tacoma shows high demand for painting services. With 219K residents and a 110% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $50-$74/hour. The Washington market is slightly higher than for service businesses.
How do Tacoma painting prices compare to Washington average?
Tacoma painting prices are typically 10% above the Washington state average. While state average is around $50/hour, Tacoma pros charge $50/hour due to the city's 110% cost of living index.
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Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Tacoma, 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