If you’re considering a career as a house painter in Chesapeake, Virginia, knowing the salary landscape for 2026 can help you make informed decisions about training, job opportunities, and earning potential. Chesapeake lies within the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, a region with consistent residential and commercial demand for skilled trades. This article breaks down everything you need to know about Painter (House) salary in Chesapeake, VA — including average pay ranges, experience-based wages, key influencing factors, job market trends, benefits, certifications, and how Chesapeake compares with neighboring cities.
Average Painter (House) Salary in Chesapeake, VA (2026)
House painters in Chesapeake earn wages that reflect the city’s cost of living, strong housing market, and regional demand for maintenance and renovation work.
Estimated Salary Range (2026)
| Pay Type | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hourly Average | $18 – $28 |
| Monthly Average | $3,200 – $4,800 |
| Annual Average | $38,000 – $57,000 |
| Top Earners / Independent Contractors | $60,000+ |
Painters who work full time for established companies often fall within the average range, while experienced independents or specialists may surpass it.
Painter Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a major role in how much house painters earn. As skills and responsibilities grow, so does compensation.
Experience-Based Earnings
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | $16 – $19 | $33,000 – $39,000 |
| Mid-Level (2–4 yrs) | $20 – $24 | $41,000 – $49,000 |
| Experienced (5–9 yrs) | $24 – $28 | $49,000 – $58,000 |
| Senior / Lead (10+ yrs) | $28 – $32+ | $58,000 – $66,000+ |
Senior painters often take on project estimation, crew supervision, and advanced painting techniques — all of which can elevate pay.
Factors That Influence Painter Salaries in Chesapeake
Several factors determine how much a house painter can earn in Chesapeake. These include:
1. Type of Employment
Company-employed painters usually receive consistent pay and benefits.
Independent contractors can set their own rates but may face income variability.
2. Skill Specialization
Painters with specialized skills—such as:
Spray painting
Decorative finishes
Drywall repair
Exterior weatherproof coatings
…often command higher pay.
3. Project Complexity
Large or high-end residential projects often pay more per hour or per square foot compared to routine repainting jobs.
4. Reputation and Client Base
Painters with strong local reputations and repeat business often earn more through referrals and premium pricing.
5. Seasonality
Warmer months and busy construction seasons typically offer more hours, better pay, and overtime opportunities.
Job Market Trends for Painters in Chesapeake (2026)
The Chesapeake housing market is part of the broader Hampton Roads area, which sees steady demand for both new construction and home renovation.
Key Job Market Trends
Aging Housing Stock: Older homes often need repainting and refinishing.
Renovation Growth: Homeowners increasingly invest in professional improvements rather than DIY projects.
Rental Property Turnover: Chesapeake’s rental market drives consistent repainting needs.
Energy-Efficient Coatings: Demand rises for paints that improve insulation and durability.
Painters who stay up-to-date with new coatings and application methods are particularly well-positioned in 2026.
Benefits of Working as a House Painter in Chesapeake
The painter trade offers practical benefits that appeal to many workers:
Consistent Demand
There’s nearly year-round work in Chesapeake due to weather, maintenance cycles, and housing turnover.
Active Work Environment
Painters stay physically engaged and see visible results after completing jobs — a rewarding aspect of the trade.
Growth Opportunities
Experienced painters can advance to:
Lead painter roles
Supervisory positions
Independent contracting or business ownership
Benefits with Established Employers
Some larger painting companies offer:
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement benefits
Training programs
Education and Certifications That Impact Salary
While formal education isn’t required, certain certifications and training can elevate a painter’s earning potential:
Useful Certifications
OSHA Safety Certification: Enhances job site safety practices.
Lead-Safe Certification: Important for older homes with lead-based paint.
Spray Application Training: Boosts skills for high-end finishes.
Apprenticeship Completion: Demonstrates structured learning and competence.
Impact on Earnings
| Education / Certification | Estimated Salary Impact |
|---|---|
| No Certification | Base Pay |
| One Certification | +10% to +15% |
| Multiple Certifications | +15% to +30% |
| Business/Estimating Skills | Higher contractor rates |
Painters who combine technical skill with business knowledge often command the highest rates, especially as independent contractors.
Comparing House Painter Salaries: Chesapeake vs Nearby Cities
How do house painters in Chesapeake stack up against nearby markets?
| City | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VA | $38,000 – $57,000 |
| Norfolk, VA | $39,000 – $58,000 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| Portsmouth, VA | $37,000 – $56,000 |
| Suffolk, VA | $36,000 – $55,000 |
| Richmond, VA | $41,000 – $62,000 |
Larger cities like Virginia Beach and Richmond often offer slightly higher wages, but Chesapeake’s competitive pay combined with a moderate cost of living makes it appealing for many painters.
Job Outlook for House Painters in Chesapeake (2026)
The job outlook for house painters in Chesapeake remains positive in 2026, supported by:
Steady Construction Activity
New housing and renovation projects are ongoing throughout the region.
Maintenance Needs
Homeowners, landlords, and property managers consistently schedule repainting work.
Preference for Professional Services
Many homeowners choose professional painters over DIY due to quality expectations and time-saving benefits.
With solid demand and opportunities for specialization, painters who continue training and deliver quality work are likely to find stable employment.
Is House Painting a Good Career in Chesapeake?
Yes — for many workers, house painting is a strong career choice in Chesapeake. Here’s why:
Pros
Rapid entry into the workforce
Skill-based income growth
Potential to become self-employed
Consistent demand across seasons
Visible, satisfying results
Cons
Physically demanding work
Weather can impact exterior projects
Income variability for independents
Painters who build a strong local reputation and invest in ongoing skills development often transition into lead roles or business ownership.
Conclusion
The Painter (House) salary in Chesapeake, VA for 2026 reflects a stable, growing trade with competitive pay and diverse opportunities. While entry-level wages are accessible, earnings grow significantly with experience, certifications, and specialization. Chesapeake benefits from a steady housing market and proximity to larger regional hubs, making it a promising environment for both employed painters and independent contractors.
For aspiring painters, focusing on training, acquiring certifications, and building strong client relationships are key steps toward maximizing income and building a long-term career in the house painting trade.