If you’re curious about what a house painter earns in Leeds in 2026, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re considering this as a career or want to understand earnings potential, this detailed guide covers average pay, experience‑based salary differences, job market trends, benefits, certifications, and how Leeds compares to nearby cities. You’ll walk away with real, useful insights into the profession in the Leeds area.
Average Painter (House) Salary in Leeds (2026)
In 2026, house painters in Leeds earn salaries that reflect local industry standards and demand for residential and commercial painting work.
Hourly and Annual Earnings
| Pay Metric | Average (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | ~£18.00 per hour (typical for painters) |
| Annual Salary (Painter & Decorator) | ~£37,000 per year (typical) |
| Reported Average | ~£36,000 – £37,400 (by postcode areas) |
| Alternative Job Posting Data | £25K – £33K range (Glassdoor) |
Key Insight: Hourly rates around £18 per hour generally translate into annual earnings in the mid‑£30,000s, depending on full‑time hours and overtime.
Salary Breakdown by Experience
Experience plays a significant role in how much a painter earns. In Leeds, there’s a visible progression from entry‑level to highly experienced professionals.
Typical Earnings by Experience
| Experience Level | Expected Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level / Apprenticeship | ~£16,000 – £22,000 (starting range) |
| Early Career (1–3 yrs) | ~£24,000 – £28,000 |
| Mid Career (4–7 yrs) | ~£28,000 – £33,000 |
| Experienced / Senior Painter | £33,000+ (potential higher with skills / contracting) |
Pay can vary by employer, contract status, and whether painters work on residential projects or also take commercial jobs.
Key Factors That Influence Painter Salaries in Leeds
Your earnings as a painter in Leeds can be shaped by several important elements:
1. Skill and Specialisation
Painters with expertise in:
Surface preparation and plaster repair
Spray painting techniques
Decorative finishes
…can command higher rates.
2. Employment Type
Employed painters often get steady wages and sometimes benefits.
Self‑employed contractors may set their own rates and take on jobs at premium pricing.
3. Demand & Seasonal Work
Painting jobs often peak in:
Spring and summer months
…leading to more work and potentially overtime opportunities.
4. Project Scale
Large homes or complex renovation projects usually pay more than small repaint jobs.
5. Reputation & Network
Good local reviews and referrals help painters secure higher‑paying contracts.
Job Market Trends in Leeds (2026)
Leeds has a lively housing and construction scene, and the maintenance and renovation sector supports regular demand for painters.
Market Drivers
Continuing residential renovations in older housing stock.
Increasing interest in high‑quality interior and exterior finishes.
Construction growth expanding commercial painting needs.
Rental market turnover driving repaint requirements.
Overall, the job market for painters in Leeds remains stable with moderate growth, especially for skilled and dependable workers.
Benefits of Being a House Painter
Painting isn’t just about the paycheck. There are several career benefits:
Work‑Related Advantages
Visible results and job satisfaction from completed work.
Opportunity for overtime and additional project pay.
Physically active work that avoids a desk job.
Skill stability—painting will always be needed for homes and buildings.
Role Benefits in Employment
Employed painters may receive:
Holiday pay
Pension contributions
Employer‑provided tools or training
Advantages for Self‑Employment
Ability to set your own rates
Flexible schedule
Control over job selections and workload
Certifications and Training That Can Boost Pay
Formal qualifications aren’t always mandatory in painting, but training and certifications can enhance credibility and earning potential.
Valuable Accreditations
NVQ in Painting & Decorating – recognised UK qualification
CSCS Card – safety and site competence card for construction sites
Health & Safety Training – increases value for commercial jobs
Painters with recognised certifications often earn more and win better contracts than those without formal training.
Comparing Leeds With Surrounding Cities
Understanding how Leeds stacks up regionally helps gauge local competitiveness.
| City | Typical Annual Salary for Painters |
|---|---|
| Leeds, UK | ~£36,000 – £37,400 |
| Halifax, UK | ~£36,700 |
| Bradford, UK | ~£35,000+ |
| Brighouse, UK | ~£40,000+ (higher range small sample) |
Leeds sits comfortably in the middle of nearby West Yorkshire cities, offering solid pay relative to local costs of living and housing market dynamics.
Job Outlook for Painters in 2026
The outlook for painters, particularly those with solid trade skills, remains positive.
Why Demand Persists
Ongoing home renovations and repair work.
Growing emphasis on quality finishes in property sales and rentals.
Commercial refurbishment projects.
Painters who maintain good quality, reliability, and professional reputations are likely to secure steady workflows and competitive pay.
Is House Painting a Good Career in Leeds?
Absolutely—if you enjoy hands‑on work, steady demand, and the potential to grow your business.
Pros
Strong consistent demand
Progression opportunities from labourer to lead painter or business owner
Skills that transfer across regions
Cons
Physically demanding work
Seasonal peaks and troughs
Self‑employment requires managing finances and clients
Overall, painting offers a practical, skill‑based career path with opportunities for advancement and earnings progression in Leeds.
Takeaway
In Leeds in 2026, house painters can expect average earnings around £36,000–£37,400 per year and hourly rates of about £18, with experience, skills, and certifications influencing pay. Whether you’re entering the trade or considering expanding your painting business, Leeds presents a stable and rewarding market for skilled painters ready to build a solid career.