Whether you’re considering a career in residential painting or evaluating local wage expectations, understanding the Painter (House) salary in Norfolk, VA for 2026 is essential. Norfolk’s thriving housing market and steady demand for home services create solid opportunities for skilled painters. In this detailed, SEO‑friendly guide, we explore average salaries, experience‑based pay, influential factors, job outlook, benefits, certifications, and comparisons with nearby cities to help you make an informed decision.
Average House Painter Salary in Norfolk, VA (2026)
In 2026, house painters in Norfolk earn competitive wages influenced by local market conditions, cost of living, and industry demand.
Salary Overview
| Pay Type | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hourly Average | $18 – $28 |
| Monthly Average | $3,000 – $4,700 |
| Annual Average | $36,000 – $56,000 |
| Top Earners / Contractors | $60,000+ |
These figures represent full‑time work for residential painters. Earnings vary based on employment type (company vs. independent), skill level, and specialty work.
Salary by Experience Level
Painter salaries typically increase with experience. Here’s how Norfolk pay breaks down by years on the job:
Earnings by Experience
| 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 – $50,000 |
| Experienced (5–9 yrs) | $24 – $28 | $50,000 – $58,000 |
| Senior / Lead (10+ yrs) | $28 – $32+ | $58,000 – $66,000+ |
Senior painters often take on supervisory roles or specialize in intricate finishes, increasing their earning potential.
Key Factors That Influence Painter Salaries in Norfolk
Painter wages are shaped by many variables, from skill sets to market dynamics.
1. Skill and Specialization
Painters with advanced skills typically earn more:
Spray finishing
Faux decorative techniques
Surface restoration and drywall repair
Weather‑resistant exterior systems
Specialty painters can command premium pay.
2. Employment Type
Company Employees: Offer wage stability and benefits.
Independent Contractors: Set their own rates but manage variable workloads.
Norfolk’s strong rental and housing markets provide opportunities for both.
3. Project Scope
Larger homes or renovation projects usually offer higher pay than routine repaint jobs.
4. Reputation and Client Base
Painters with strong referrals and online reviews often attract higher‑paying jobs and repeat clients.
5. Seasonal Demand
Demand increases in spring and summer, often with overtime and bonus opportunities.
Norfolk Job Market Trends for House Painters (2026)
Norfolk’s housing and service markets remain active in 2026, offering a positive outlook for house painters.
Market Drivers
Aging Housing Stock: Older homes need repainting and maintenance.
Renovations: Homeowners continue to invest in remodeling.
Rental Turnovers: Frequent repainting due to high rental activity.
DIY Fatigue: More homeowners prefer professional results over DIY.
These trends support steady demand for skilled painters in Norfolk and the broader Hampton Roads region.
Benefits of Working as a House Painter in Norfolk
House painting offers more than just wages — it provides lifestyle and career benefits that appeal to many workers.
Workplace Benefits
Regular year‑round work with peak seasons
Opportunity for overtime and weekend pay
Work outdoors and stay physically engaged
Immediate visible results and job satisfaction
Company‑Provided Benefits
Painters employed by established companies may enjoy:
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plans
Tools and equipment provided
Self‑Employment Perks
Independent painters benefit from:
Flexible schedules
Control over pricing
Ability to build a personal client base
Greater earning potential with efficient marketing
Certifications and Training That Boost Salary
Formal education is not mandatory, but relevant training and certification can increase a painter’s earning power.
Valuable Certifications
OSHA Safety Training: Important for safe work practices.
Lead Paint Safety Certification: Required for older homes and high‑risk jobs.
Spray Application Certification: Enhances versatility.
Apprenticeship Completion Certificates: Demonstrate formal experience.
Impact on Salary
| Education / Training | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|
| No Certification | Base pay |
| Single Certification | +8% to +15% |
| Multiple Certifications | +15% to +30% |
| Business / Estimating Courses | Higher Contractor Income |
Painters with additional certifications and business training often charge higher rates and manage more profitable projects.
Painter Salary Comparison: Norfolk vs Nearby Cities (2026)
To understand where Norfolk stands, let’s compare painter salaries in nearby Virginia cities.
| City | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA | $36,000 – $56,000 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $38,000 – $58,000 |
| Chesapeake, VA | $37,000 – $57,000 |
| Portsmouth, VA | $35,000 – $55,000 |
| Richmond, VA | $40,000 – $62,000 |
| Hampton, VA | $34,000 – $53,000 |
Larger metropolitan areas like Richmond and Virginia Beach typically offer slightly higher wages, but Norfolk remains competitive with a lower cost of living and strong demand.
Job Outlook for House Painters in 2026
The painter job outlook in Norfolk is positive and stable through 2026.
Opportunities
Residential repaint projects
Home renovation and remodeling
Rental property turnover work
Insurance and restoration painting
Demand Drivers
Home resale markets emphasize repainting for curb appeal.
Professional painting services preferred over DIY.
Local construction activity remains steady.
Skilled painters with good work habits and customer service are well positioned for long‑term employment.
Is House Painting a Good Career Choice in Norfolk?
For many in Norfolk, house painting is a solid career choice.
Pros
Quick entry with on‑the‑job training
Growing demand across housing markets
Flexible employment options
Potential for self‑employment and business growth
Opportunities for skill‑based wage increases
Cons
Physically demanding work
Weather exposure during outdoor jobs
Workload can vary seasonally
Painters who develop specialized skills, maintain strong safety practices, and build solid reputations typically find lasting success.
Final Takeaways
The Painter (House) salary in Norfolk, VA in 2026 reflects a stable and rewarding trade with competitive pay and steady demand. While entry‑level painters can begin earning quickly, experienced and certified painters often see accelerated income growth. Norfolk’s strong housing market, combined with regional renovation activity, supports a growing need for professional painters.
Whether you’re beginning your painting career or evaluating wage potential in 2026, focusing on experience, certification, and client satisfaction can help you optimize earnings and long‑term prospects in the Norfolk area.