In 2026, house painters — professionals who prepare and paint residential properties — remain in steady demand in Arlington, Texas. Whether you’re considering a career in this skilled trade or simply curious about current wage trends, this guide provides an in‑depth look at average earnings, influencing factors, salary by experience, job market trends, benefits, and how Arlington compares with nearby cities.
📊 Average House Painter Salary in Arlington, TX (2026)
Painter salaries can vary depending on experience, project type (interior vs exterior), and employer. Based on local pay data:
| Pay Measure | 2026 Estimate Arlington, TX |
|---|---|
| Average Hourly Wage | ~$17.54/hour (Indeed) |
| Typical Annual Salary Range | ~$24,000 – ~$54,000 |
| Local Salary Estimate | ~$46,189/yr (average) |
Local job postings show painters in Arlington averaging around $17.54 per hour.
Salary range estimates vary widely — from about $24,000 to $54,000 annually, reflecting differences in experience and workload.
One estimate places the average annual pay around $46,189.
Because painter roles span part‑time hourly work, full‑time employment, and contract jobs, actual earnings depend heavily on work type and hours.
💰 Average Painter Salary in Texas (for Context)
It’s helpful to look at broader state figures for comparison:
| Metric | Texas Average (2026) |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | ~$50,200 |
| Hourly Wage | ~$24/hour |
| 25th–75th Percentile | ~$43,643 – $53,543 |
| Top 10% Earners | ~$56,587 |
This means Arlington painters generally make somewhat less on average than the statewide average — a common pattern in cities with lower living costs than metropolitan hubs like Austin or Dallas.
🧩 Factors That Influence Painter Earnings
Several factors shape how much a house painter earns:
🔹 Experience and Skill Level
Entry‑level workers typically earn less than those with several years of experience.
Skilled painters who handle trim, specialty finishes, or commercial contracts can command higher pay.
🔹 Type of Painting Work
Residential interior painting jobs usually pay hourly rates.
Exterior painting often pays more given higher skill and safety requirements.
Commercial painting and trim/detail work typically offer higher compensation.
🔹 Work Arrangement
Hourly wage jobs are common for smaller residential projects.
Contractor or self‑employed painters may earn more per job but must manage business costs (materials, insurance, licensing).
🔹 Training & Certifications
Certifications such as lead‑safe or safety training can make workers more competitive.
Formal apprenticeships or vocational training may improve both skill and pay.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a major role in a painter’s earnings. While specific Arlington data is limited, Texas salary trends illustrate how experience impacts pay:
| Experience Level | Estimated Pay (TX) |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (< 1 yr) | ~$48,600/yr |
| Early Career (1‑2 yrs) | ~$48,800/yr |
| Mid‑Level (2‑4 yrs) | ~$50,600/yr |
| Senior (5‑8 yrs) | ~$51,900/yr |
| Expert (> 8 yrs) | ~$52,400/yr |
Painters with more experience generally earn higher wages, especially when handling complex residential or commercial jobs.
📍 Job Market & Outlook in Arlington
📊 Demand Trends
The construction and home renovation market in the Dallas–Fort Worth area remains active, fueling demand for skilled trade workers, including painters.
Home repairs, remodeling, and new construction all contribute to steady work for painters.
📈 Employment Opportunities
Residential painters hire year‑round, though demand often increases in spring and summer.
Commercial and multi‑family housing projects add breadth to available job opportunities.
📉 Competition & Freelancing
Some painters work independently, bidding on projects.
Others join established companies that offer more stable hours and benefits.
🎁 Benefits of Being a House Painter
Being a house painter offers several advantages:
✨ Flexible Work Options
Many painters are self‑employed or work contract‑to‑contract.
Part‑time and full‑time roles are available.
💼 Skill Development
Opportunities to learn new techniques like spraying, faux finishes, or color consultation.
Certifications and training help increase earning potential.
🧰 Job Satisfaction
Painters see tangible results of their work.
Work variety increases with different projects and challenges.
📑 Certifications and Training That Impact Salary
While formal degrees are not required, certain credentials can boost earnings and reputation:
Lead‑Safe Certification — important for older homes.
Safety Training — reduces risk and increases professionalism.
Apprenticeships — often lead to higher skill and pay over time.
Specialty Finishes Courses — decorative painting techniques can command premium rates.
Investing in these credentials can help painters negotiate higher pay, attract better clients, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
🆚 Arlington vs Nearby Cities (Salary Comparison)
| City | Estimated Painter Salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| Arlington, TX | ~$24,000 – ~$54,000 (avg ~46K) |
| Dallas, TX | ~$45,085 avg for Painter I role |
| Statewide Texas Avg | ~$50,200 |
| Nearby Fort Worth, TX | Likely similar to Dallas area averages |
Painters in larger metro markets like Dallas or Fort Worth generally earn slightly more than those in Arlington — though living costs also tend to be higher.
🧠 Job Outlook & Long‑Term Trends
Moderate growth is expected as housing markets and remodeling trends continue.
Painter roles are unlikely to be automated, as craftsmanship and detail are still hands‑on skills.
Skilled painters with diverse techniques (interior, exterior, trim work) have the most stable opportunities.
📝 Final Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of house painter pay and prospects in Arlington, TX for 2026:
Average wage in Arlington is around $17.54/hour locally, with annual pay ranging broadly.
Texas state averages suggest house painters can earn around $50K annually with experience.
Experience, certifications, and specialization play key roles in increasing earning potential.
Job outlook is stable, with opportunities across residential and commercial markets.
If you’re entering trade work or planning to grow your painting career, Arlington offers a competitive environment where skill and experience can translate directly into better wages and more job flexibility.