In 2026, house painters in Wichita, Kansas enjoy solid demand and competitive pay thanks to ongoing residential and commercial projects. Whether you’re starting out or growing in this trade, understanding salary ranges, influencing factors, and career prospects helps you make smarter decisions. This detailed guide dives deep into the Painter (House) salary in Wichita, KS, including earnings by experience, job market trends, certification impacts, and comparisons with nearby cities.
🧮 Average Painter (House) Salary in Wichita, KS (2026)
House painters in Wichita see a range of pay depending on experience, employer, and role complexity. Multiple sources show consistent figures for local wages:
| Metric | Average |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage (Typical) | ~$22.51/hour |
| Annual Salary (Salary.com estimate) | ~$42,209/year |
| Annual Average (Alternate estimate) | ~$43,307/year |
| Entry-Level Range (10th percentile) | ~$32,000/year |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | ~$50,000+/year |
💡 These figures indicate most painters in Wichita earn roughly $20–$22.50 per hour or $40,000–$45,000 annually, with experienced painters or specialized roles exceeding $50,000.
Note: Some job ads in the area also show pay rates from $25–$30 per hour for qualified candidates.
🧠 Factors That Influence Painter Salaries
Several key factors impact how much Cincinnati painters can earn in 2026:
✅ 1. Experience Level
Entry-level painters generally start at lower wages (~$32,000/year).
Workers with a few years of experience move into the typical average range.
Top-tier painters with advanced skills or specialized painting experience can exceed $45,000–$50,000+.
✅ 2. Type of Painting Work
House painters often work in both residential and commercial settings—interior, exterior, trim painting, and detailed finishing. Experience with high-end finishes and exterior prep often boosts pay.
✅ 3. Employer and Project Size
Larger companies or industrial assignments like aircraft or commercial painting may offer higher pay and better benefits. Textron Aviation and FIGEAC AERO, for example, are known to offer higher-than-average salaries for painters in the area.
✅ 4. Skill and Efficiency
Painters who master advanced techniques (spray application, surface prep, color matching) and safety procedures are in greater demand and can command higher wages.
📊 Salary by Experience Level
Here’s a look at how experience affects painter earnings locally:
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | ~$32,000 or lower |
| Mid-Level | ~$38,000–$43,000 |
| Experienced | ~$44,000–$50,000+ |
| Specialized/Top Roles | $50,000+ |
Experience allows painters to take on more advanced tasks, work independently, and negotiate better rates.
📍 Job Market Trends in Wichita
The demand for house painters in Wichita reflects broader construction and home improvement trends:
🔹 Residential Renovation Growth
Home remodeling and repaint projects typically rise with homeowner investment in property upgrades, influencing steady demand for painters.
🔹 Commercial & Industrial Work
Industrial employers providing painting tasks (aviation, manufacturing) offer robust opportunities, often with better pay and benefits.
🔹 Regional Construction Activity
Wichita’s affordable cost of living and expansion in housing projects support ongoing demand for painters in both new construction and upkeep jobs.
Job Outlook (2026):
Painter roles generally maintain steady need due to constant maintenance needs for both homes and commercial spaces.
🎁 Benefits of a Career as a Painter
Painters often enjoy practical workplace benefits:
Flexible work opportunities (contract, part-time, full-time).
On-the-job training with skills transferable nationwide.
Health insurance and retirement plans (especially with larger employers).
Overtime and project bonuses in some companies.
For many, painting is both a craft and a practical career with opportunities for steady work.
📘 Certifications and Skills That Boost Salary
While formal education isn’t always required, these credentials and skills can help enhance earnings:
📌 Valuable Credentials
Lead-safe certification (important for older homes).
OSHA safety training (for industrial and commercial sites).
Color theory and finishing techniques courses.
Apprenticeships or mentorship training.
Painters with documented training and safety certifications are often prioritized by employers.
🧠 Comparison with Nearby Cities (2026)
| City | Average Painter Salary |
|---|---|
| Wichita, KS | ~$40,000–$45,000+ |
| Kansas City, KS | ~$46,000+ |
| Topeka, KS | ~$22/hr average reported |
| Manhattan, KS | ~$42,000+ |
| Statewide Average (KS) | ~$43,000 |
Painters in larger metro areas like Kansas City often earn slightly more due to higher demand and larger commercial markets, while Wichita remains competitive with many local opportunities.
🔎 Tips to Boost Your Earnings
Want to maximize your painter salary in Wichita? Here are some practical tips:
✔ Build a strong portfolio with before/after photos of your work.
✔ Invest in certifications and advanced training.
✔ Seek experience on diverse projects (interior, exterior, specialized surfaces).
✔ Network with contractors and property managers for recurring jobs.
✔ Consider starting your own painting business once experienced.
❤️ Final Thoughts
In 2026, house painters in Wichita, KS can expect steady demand with average salaries ranging roughly from $40,000 to over $50,000 depending on experience and skills. With ongoing housing renovation trends and commercial projects, the outlook for this profession remains positive. Strategic certifications, diversified skills, and local networking can all help painters boost earnings and stability throughout their careers.