If you’re exploring a career as a house painter in Jacksonville, Florida, understanding salary expectations can help you make smarter decisions about your future. In 2026, the painting trade remains a solid choice for those interested in hands‑on work, craftsmanship, and steady demand. This detailed, SEO‑friendly guide breaks down average pay, factors influencing earnings, salary by experience level, job market trends, benefits, and how Jacksonville compares to other cities.
🧰 Average House Painter Salary in Jacksonville, FL (2026)
House painters in Jacksonville earn competitive compensation influenced by experience, skill level, and work environment. Here’s what the data suggests for 2026:
| Salary Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Hourly Wage | ~$21.70/hr (Indeed estimate) |
| Typical Annual Salary | ~$42,784/yr (Salary.com for Painter I) |
| Salary Range | $35,800 – $50,550+ (percentile spread) |
| Statewide Average (Florida) | ~$49,743/yr |
Entry level: Often starts near $35,000 – $38,000 annually for beginners.
Median/average: Around $42,000 – $46,000 a year or about $21 – $22/hour.
Top earners: Experienced painters or specialists can exceed $50,000+ per year.
Compared to Florida overall, Jacksonville’s painter salaries are slightly below the broader state average — partly due to local cost of living and demand differences.
📈 How Experience Impacts Painter Earnings
Painter salaries generally rise with experience. Here’s how you might expect earnings to grow over time:
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0‑1 yr) | ~$35,800 – $38,000 |
| Early Career (1‑3 yrs) | ~$39,000 – $42,000 |
| Mid Career (3‑7 yrs) | ~$42,000 – $46,000 |
| Experienced (>7 yrs) | ~$46,000 – $50,500+ |
More seasoned painters with advanced skills — for example in textured finishes, trim work, or specialty coatings — can often command higher wages. On‑the‑job learning and apprenticeships are common ways to build these skills.
🧠 Factors That Affect Painter Salary
Painter salaries aren’t fixed — several key factors shape what you can earn:
🔹 1. Experience & Skill Level
More experienced painters with a proven track record or supervisory experience typically earn more.
🔹 2. Type of Work
Residential painting: Interior or exterior house painting.
Commercial projects: Office buildings, retail spaces — often higher pay.
Specialized painting: Decorative work, protective coatings. Skills here can lead to premium rates.
🔹 3. Location Within the Area
Painters in busier neighborhoods with more demand or higher cost housing might find better pay due to competition for skilled labor.
🔹 4. Certifications & Training
Formal credentials (e.g., safety certifications, contractor training) can open doors to higher wages or supervisory roles.
🔹 5. Business Ownership
Independent painters or contractors typically capture a larger share of project revenue — but also incur costs like supplies, insurance, and licensing.
📊 Comparing Painter Salaries: Jacksonville vs. Nearby Cities
To understand how Jacksonville stacks up, here’s a comparison of painting wages in nearby areas:
| City | Approx. Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville, FL | ~$42,000 – $46,000 |
| Orlando, FL | ~$43,000 – $50,900 (Painter I average) |
| Jacksonville Beach, FL | Lower hourly average (~$20/hr) |
| Florida Statewide Avg. | ~$49,743/yr |
Insights: Jacksonville’s wages are generally competitive with regional peers like Orlando but slightly below the Florida statewide average. Higher pay near coastal cities still requires experience and often specialization.
📉 Job Market Trends & Outlook (2026)
The painting trade remains steady as demand persists in both residential and commercial sectors. Key trends include:
Steady demand for home improvements: Property owners frequently repaint interiors and exteriors for maintenance or resale value.
Commercial repaint cycles: Offices, retail, and rental properties require periodic refreshes.
Seasonal variation: Exterior painting work often increases in drier months.
Overall, the outlook for painters in Jacksonville is stable to moderately growing, supported by ongoing construction and renovation projects.
🎁 Benefits of a Career as a House Painter
A house painting career offers practical benefits, including:
Flexible hours: Opportunities for part‑time or full‑time work.
Skill‑based career: Progression possible through experience and certification.
Contract work potential: Many painters choose self‑employment with higher earning potential.
Steady local demand: Painting is essential for property upkeep and aesthetic improvement.
📘 Certifications & Education That Can Impact Pay
While formal degrees aren’t generally required for painting roles, certain credentials can boost your earning potential:
📌 Valuable Certifications
Safety & OSHA training: Especially useful on commercial projects.
Paint manufacturer training: Specialized product knowledge can lead to premium roles.
Apprenticeships: Structured learning that builds core competencies.
Having certifications enhances credibility and may help painters qualify for supervisory or high‑specialty positions.
💼 Career Growth for Painters
Painters can advance in several directions:
Lead Painter or Supervisor: Oversee teams and complex jobs.
Contractor/Business Owner: Independent operation with higher revenue potential.
Specialized Painter Roles: Decorative finishes, high‑end residential or commercial coatings.
These paths often lead to increased earnings and long‑term job security.
🧠 Final Takeaways
Here’s what you need to know about house painter salaries in Jacksonville, FL in 2026:
📌 Average pay is around $21.70/hr or roughly $42,000 – $46,000 annually for many positions.
📈 Experience and skill level significantly affect earning potential.
📊 Jacksonville’s painter salaries are competitive with regional peers but slightly below Florida’s broader average.
🛠️ Certifications, specialized skills, and contractor status can lead to higher pay and more opportunities.
If you’re planning a career in painting, Jacksonville provides solid prospects with the possibility of growth and diversification through experience and training.