If you’re exploring a trade career as a house painter in Cardiff, Wales, it’s important to understand the current earnings landscape and what you can expect in 2026. Across the city’s residential and renovation projects, painters have steady opportunities — and pay can vary based on experience, qualifications, and work type. This detailed, SEO‑friendly guide breaks down salary ranges, key influences on earnings, job market trends, benefits, certifications, and comparisons to nearby cities to help you assess your career decisions.
Average Painter (House) Salary in Cardiff (2026)
In Cardiff, painter and decorator salaries reflect local demand, skill levels, and role responsibilities. Most data combines both house painting and decorating roles, which are closely related in the UK context.
Typical Salary Snapshot
| Pay Type | Estimated Amount (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Hourly Average (Painters) | ~£18.7 per hour |
| Annual Average (Painter & Decorator) | ~£36,737 per year |
| Alternate Annual Range Estimate | £26,000 – £33,000 per year |
Across reports:
Trade sites like Indeed report £18.73 per hour as an average for painters in Cardiff.
Annual data for painters and decorators tends to range around £36,737 per year.
Independent salary surveys show a wider range from £26K to £33K depending on employer and experience.
This mix reflects both employed roles and average earnings across the trade in Cardiff for 2026.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a significant role in how much house painters earn in Cardiff.
Estimated Earnings at Different Levels
| Experience Level | Hourly / Annual Estimate |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level / Apprentice | £14 – £18 per hour (typical starting range) |
| Intermediate Painter | £18 – £22 per hour (steady wage range) |
| Experienced / Skilled | £22 – £26+ per hour (highly skilled or specialist) |
| Senior / Lead / Self‑Employed | £26,000 – £40,000+ annually depending on workload and clients |
Entry painters often begin around national minimum skilled rates or slightly above.
Mid‑career painters gain higher hourly rates as they master complex prep work, surface finishing, and decorating techniques.
Experienced painters and those who specialize beyond basic painting — including exterior weatherproof coating applications — can generate higher income, especially if self‑employed.
Key Factors Influencing Earnings in Cardiff
Several factors contribute to the salary variations for house painters:
1. Type of Work
Basic interior repainting is often lower paid.
Exterior and specialist coatings (e.g., weatherproofing) pay more.
2. Employment Type
Employed painters may have stable pay with benefits.
Self‑employed or subcontractors negotiate their own rates and can earn more per job, but incomes vary.
3. Skills & Qualifications
Tradespeople with additional qualifications like NVQs or professional decorating certifications tend to command higher rates.
4. Local Demand & Seasonality
Wales’ weather affects scheduling — painters often see higher demand in spring and summer.
5. Reputation & Client Base
Repeat customers and good local reviews can significantly boost earning potential.
Job Market Trends for Painters in Cardiff (2026)
The skilled trades remain a backbone of Cardiff’s housing market. Trends influencing painter jobs include:
Market Insights
Home renovations remain common as properties age.
Rental turnover and property refurbishments keep painters in demand.
Many painters work on both residential and mixed commercial assignments.
Job postings suggest:
Paid opportunities often range from £14.50 to £18.50+ per hour, depending on employer and experience.
The trend indicates steady demand with competitive wage potential for skilled painters in Cardiff.
Benefits of Being a House Painter in Cardiff
House painting is more than just a paycheck — it offers several career benefits:
Advantages of the Trade
High demand for skilled manual labour in residential areas.
Physical work with visible results, appealing for hands‑on professionals.
Flexible career paths — employees can become subcontractors or business owners.
Low barrier to entry — many start through apprenticeships.
Typical Job Benefits
Employed painters can receive benefits like:
Pension contributions
Paid leave
Health and wellbeing programs
Training support through employers or unions
These perks improve job satisfaction and financial stability.
Certifications and Education That Impact Salary
While formal degrees aren’t required, certain certifications can enhance your earnings.
Valuable Credentials
NVQ Level 2 in Painting & Decorating — recognised UK qualification.
CSCS Card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) — often required on building sites.
Health & Safety Training — boosts employability and pay.
Impact on Earnings
Painters with relevant qualifications are more likely to:
Get hired on complex projects.
Command higher hourly or daily rates.
Access better benefits from employers.
Salary Comparison: Cardiff vs Nearby UK Cities (2026)
Comparing Cardiff to nearby or similar UK cities reveals how wages stack up:
| City | Typical Painter Salary |
|---|---|
| Cardiff | ~£26K – £37K annually |
| Bristol | Slightly above Cardiff average due to higher cost of living (national guides) |
| Swansea | Similar to Cardiff or slightly lower due to local demand patterns |
| Newport | Slightly higher hourly rates around £19+ per hour |
| London | Typically much higher pay due to demand and living costs (varies widely) |
While Cardiff doesn’t pay as highly as London, its lower living costs often make local salaries competitive.
Job Outlook for House Painters in Cardiff (2026)
The job outlook for painters and decorators in Cardiff remains positive in 2026:
Growth Drivers
Continued housing rentals and refurbishments.
Local building projects requiring painting and decorating.
Skilled trade shortages in some areas.
Career Advancement
Painters who:
Build reputation
Gain qualifications
Offer specialised services
…can find pathways into supervisory roles or self‑employment, boosting long‑term earnings.
Is House Painting a Good Career in Cardiff?
Absolutely — for many, house painting offers a rewarding and stable career:
Pros
Constant demand in residential areas.
Potential to transition into self‑employment.
Practical skillset with visible results.
Cons
Work can be physical and outdoors in varying weather.
Income may fluctuate for freelancers.
With training and experience, painters in Cardiff can enjoy a satisfying career with competitive pay.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, house painters in Cardiff can expect solid earning potential with average salaries typically between £26,000 and £37,000 per year, depending on experience and job type. Factors like qualifications, reputation, and demand influence income, while apprenticeships and certifications open doors to better opportunities. Compared to other UK cities, Cardiff remains competitive and appealing for painters entering or advancing in the trade.