Pop. 1.8MCOL: 84%6 month season#48 Market
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

How Much to Charge for Painting in West Virginia?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator

With 1.8M residents and a 74.2% homeownership rate, West Virginia has approximately 1,330,937 potential painting customers. An emerging market with room to establish yourself. Build relationships and grow with the community. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. West Virginia rates run about 5% lower than neighboring Ohio - useful context if you serve clients near the border.

Or Use West Virginia State Average

Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with West Virginia statewide rates.

Enter Your Details

Include hallways

sq ft

Wall surface area

$

Suggested: $38/hr based on West Virginia wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$1,202

Range: $1,068 - $1,335

$0.80/sq ft - 17.6h estimated

5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer

Cost Breakdown

Labor Cost$560.20
Paint$225.00
Primer$60.00
Supplies$45.00
Total Materials$330.00
Subtotal$890.20
Markup (35%)+$311.80

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West Virginia Painting Market Intelligence

Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in West Virginia.

Painting Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Per sq ft (interior)$1$2$3
Per sq ft (exterior)$2$3$5
Per room (avg 12x12)$168$336$588
Per hour$29$38$55

Prices adjusted for West Virginia cost of living (84% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in West Virginia?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$2,438/mo
$29,256/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$5,689/mo
$68,268/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$8,127/mo
$97,524/yr

Estimates based on West Virginia average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.

West Virginia vs Other Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
West Virginia$38/hr84%low
National Average$45/hr100%-
Ohio(neighbor)$40/hr89%high
Pennsylvania(neighbor)$43/hr96%high
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West Virginia Licensing Requirements

  • No state contractor license required
  • Register with WV Secretary of State
  • Workers comp required for employees
  • Local licenses vary

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.

West Virginia Painting Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful painting business in West Virginia

pricing

Lower cost of living means price sensitivity. Focus on value and reliability.

operations

Coal dust in some areas creates unique pressure washing challenges.

marketing

Limited competition in rural areas. Serve broader territory for volume.

Key Insight: West Virginia's challenging terrain and limited competition create opportunity for committed operators.

Painting Demand in West Virginia by Month

Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.

Jan
10%
Feb
15%
Mar
35%
Apr
60%
May
85%
Jun
100%
Jul
100%
Aug
90%
Sep
70%
Oct
45%
Nov
25%
Dec
10%
Peak: Jun-Aug
Off-season: Nov-Feb

Plan alternative income sources for the off-season months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I charge for painting in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, painting rates range from $30-$57/hour, with an average of $38/hour. West Virginia's cost of living is 84% of the national average. Major cities like Morgantown command higher rates ($41/hr), while smaller markets like Parkersburg average $35/hr.

What's the West Virginia average for painting services?

The West Virginia statewide average for painting is $38/hour or approximately $114-$190 per job. This reflects West Virginia's 84% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.

Which West Virginia cities have the highest painting rates?

In West Virginia, Morgantown has the highest painting rates at around $41/hour due to its 90% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown.

Do I need a license for painting in West Virginia?

West Virginia licensing: No state contractor license required Register with WV Secretary of State Workers comp required for employees Local licenses vary 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 West Virginia a good market for painting businesses?

West Virginia offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $38/hour. The state's 84% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

Painting pricing data for West 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
  • West Virginia Labor Department
  • U.S. Census Bureau

Last updated: January 2026