How Much to Charge for Painting in Wisconsin?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 5.9M residents and a 68.4% homeownership rate, Wisconsin has approximately 4,031,303 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. Wisconsin rates run about 4% lower than neighboring Minnesota - useful context if you serve clients near the border.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $42/hr based on Wisconsin wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,219 - $1,523
$0.91/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Wisconsin Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Wisconsin.
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) | $186 | $372 | $651 |
| Per hour | $33 | $42 | $60 |
Prices adjusted for Wisconsin cost of living (93% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Wisconsin?
Estimates based on Wisconsin average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Wisconsin vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $42/hr | 93% | high |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Minnesota(neighbor) | $44/hr | 97% | high |
| Iowa(neighbor) | $40/hr | 89% | medium |
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Wisconsin Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license required
- •Register with WI Department of Financial Institutions
- •Workers comp required at 3+ employees
- •Local licenses vary by city
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.
Wisconsin Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Wisconsin
Lake house properties (Door County, Lake Geneva) are premium seasonal market.
Milwaukee and Madison are distinct markets with different customer bases.
Spring salt damage creates pressure washing demand March-April.
Key Insight: Wisconsin's lake culture and seasonal tourism create strong supplemental revenue opportunities.
Painting Demand in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, painting rates range from $34-$63/hour, with an average of $42/hour. Wisconsin's cost of living is 93% of the national average. Major cities like Madison command higher rates ($46/hr), while smaller markets like Racine average $38/hr.
What's the Wisconsin average for painting services?
The Wisconsin statewide average for painting is $42/hour or approximately $126-$210 per job. This reflects Wisconsin's 93% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which Wisconsin cities have the highest painting rates?
In Wisconsin, Madison has the highest painting rates at around $46/hour due to its 102% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay.
Do I need a license for painting in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin licensing: No state contractor license required Register with WI Department of Financial Institutions Workers comp required at 3+ employees Local licenses vary by city 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 Wisconsin a good market for painting businesses?
Wisconsin offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $42/hour. The state's 93% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay.
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Wisconsin 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
- Wisconsin Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026