If you’re exploring a career as a house painter in St. Paul, Minnesota, one of the most important considerations is how much you can earn. This detailed, SEO-friendly guide covers salary ranges, factors that influence pay, experience‑based earnings, job market trends, benefits, education, and comparison with nearby areas — all tailored for 2026.
Average Salary Overview — St. Paul, MN
House painters in St. Paul enjoy competitive earnings relative to national averages. According to recent wage data:
🎨 Average Hourly Wage: ~$26.65 per hour for painters in Saint Paul, MN — about 23% above the U.S. average.
💼 Typical Salary Range (Hourly):
Low: ~$17.46/hr
High: ~$40.70/hr
💰 That translates to an approximate annual salary range of ~$36,000 to $84,000+ depending on experience, role complexity, and industry demand.
Another dataset estimates the average annual painter salary in St. Paul at about $57,170 with ranges from around $37,000 up to $86,880 depending on skill level and employer.
These figures reflect both residential and commercial painting roles, and many painters also earn overtime pay for extended or seasonal work.
Factors That Influence Painter Earnings
Several key factors affect how much house painters can earn in St. Paul:
1. Experience Level
Entry‑level painters earn closer to the lower end of the pay scale.
Skilled painters with several years of experience command higher hourly rates.
Highly specialized or lead painters often earn top wages within the city.
Generally, the more experience and range of painting techniques you have (e.g., interior/exterior, epoxy coatings), the better your pay.
2. Type of Painting Work
Residential painting typically offers steady hourly wages.
Commercial painting and industrial jobs often pay more due to scale and safety protocols.
Specialty coatings (like industrial, fire‑retardant, or weatherproof finishes) may earn premium pay.
3. Union Membership or Certification
Union painters often receive higher wages and benefits.
Voluntary certifications in lead safety, scaffold safety, or EPA renovation training can increase eligibility for higher‑paying positions.
4. Employer Size & Workload
Larger companies or government contracts may pay more than small independent contractors.
Heavy or specialized workloads (e.g., historic homes, high‑rise buildings) may command better pay.
Salary by Experience Level
Here’s how experience typically affects a painter’s pay in St. Paul:
| Experience Level | Expected Pay | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Entry‑Level | ~$17–$22/hr | New painters starting out with basic skills. |
| Mid‑Career | ~$22–$30/hr | Painters with solid residential or commercial experience. |
| Experienced / Skilled | ~$30–$40+/hr | Skilled journeyman or lead painters. |
In general, wages increase as workers gain more technique mastery, reliability, and ability to handle major painting projects independently.
Job Market Trends — St. Paul & Beyond
Steady Demand for Painters
The Twin Cities region, including St. Paul and Minneapolis, continues to support a healthy construction and renovation market. Painters are needed for:
New residential builds
Home renovations
Commercial property maintenance
Government and institutional buildings
These markets typically keep demand stable year‑round, with spikes in spring and summer when weather permits exterior painting.
Growth in Specialized Work
Projects involving eco‑friendly coatings, protective finishes, or commercial interiors are expanding the scope of painter roles, often at higher pay brackets.
Union & Independent Opportunities
Union painters may enjoy steadier schedules and better benefits.
Independent contractors and self‑employed painters can increase earnings through flexible pricing and direct client work.
Benefits of a Career as a House Painter
Working as a house painter provides several advantages:
✅ Flexible Career Path
You can work for a company, with a contractor, freelance, or start your own business later.
✅ Skill Transferability
Painting skills apply to residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
✅ Earning Potential Through Specialization
Wage boosts often come from advanced techniques and certifications.
✅ Seasonality Allows for Diverse Workload
Painters can tailor projects seasonally or diversify with interior/exterior offers.
Many employers also provide basic benefits such as paid time off, insurance, and sometimes retirement plans — especially with larger firms or government contracts.
Education & Certifications That Can Impact Salary
Painters don’t require formal degrees, but certain training and certifications help:
Valuable Certifications
Lead Paint Safety (EPA)
OSHA Safety Training
Scaffold Safety Certificates
Advanced Surface Preparation and Coating Certifications
These certifications can open doors to higher‑paying jobs in commercial or specialized paints.
Trade & Apprenticeship Programs
Participating in apprenticeship programs through trade unions or community colleges helps accelerate learning and improve job prospects.
Comparing St. Paul to Nearby Cities
Here’s how St. Paul stacks up against other nearby Minnesota areas:
| City | Avg Hourly Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| St. Paul, MN | ~$26.65/hr (local average) | Above Minnesota average. |
| Minneapolis‑St. Paul Region | ~$23.70/hr (combined) | Slightly broader metro average. |
| Minneapolis, MN | ~$23.33/hr | Comparable but typically slightly lower than St. Paul. |
| Minnesota State Avg | ~$22.32/hr | Statewide average for all painters. |
Painters in St. Paul often earn more than the broader metro area and state averages, making it an attractive location for skilled workers.
Job Outlook & Career Growth
The future for painters in St. Paul through 2026 looks solid:
📈 Job Growth: Moderate demand due to ongoing residential and commercial projects.
🛠 Career Progression: Skilled painters can advance to supervisory roles or start their own contracting business.
💼 Diversity of Work: Opportunities in historic renovations, commercial finishes, interior design requirements, and protective coatings.
Final Thoughts — Is House Painting a Good Career in St. Paul?
Absolutely. As of 2026, house painters in St. Paul, MN, enjoy competitive pay, great opportunities for skill growth, and a stable job market that rewards experience and specialized training. With the right certifications and practical experience, you can elevate your earnings and even move into supervisory or entrepreneurial roles in the industry.
Summary Highlights:
Average painter salary in St. Paul: ~$26.65/hr (~$57K/yr typical range).
Experience and specialization significantly increase earnings.
Demand remains consistent in both residential and commercial sectors.
Advanced training and union membership offer higher pay potential.
Whether you’re entering the trade or looking to grow your painting career, St. Paul remains a strong market for 2026.