If you’re considering a career as a house painter in Dallas, Texas, understanding your earning potential in 2026 is key to planning your future. Painters are essential in both residential and commercial settings — applying paint, prepping surfaces, and ensuring spaces look polished and protected. This article breaks down the average salary range, factors that influence earnings, salary by experience, job market trends, and career benefits — giving you real value and insight into this trade profession.
📊 Average House Painter Salary in Dallas (2026)
Wages for painters vary based on skills, experience, and employer type. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay scale in Dallas, TX:
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | ~$45,000 – $51,000 |
| Average Hourly Wage | ~$22 – $25/hour |
| Entry-Level Range | ~$38,000 – $41,000 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | ~$58,000+ |
Key takeaways:
A Residential Painter in Dallas earns about $51,121/year (about $25/hour) on average.
A Painter I role averages around $45,085/year (about $22/hour).
Salaries can vary based on employer, experience, and specialization.
📈 Factors Affecting Painter Earnings
Painter salaries are influenced by several key factors:
🧰 1. Experience
Experience directly impacts pay. As you gain years on the job and improve your techniques, your earning potential increases.
🏙️ 2. Type of Employer
Painters in commercial projects or large construction firms often earn higher wages.
Residential painters may earn slightly less but can find steady work through homeowners and renovation companies.
🎓 3. Skills & Certifications
Holding industry-related certifications — such as lead-safe practices, advanced finish techniques, or OSHA safety training — can increase credibility and help you command better pay.
🛠️ 4. Specializations
Skills like spray painting, textured finishes, or historic restoration painting can make you more valuable and lead to higher-paying jobs.
🧑🔧 5. Shift and Hours
Full-time painters with overtime or weekend availability may earn more overall than part-time painters.
👷 Salary by Experience Level
Below is a breakdown showing how experience typically impacts house painter salaries:
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | ~$38,000 – $41,000 | ~$18 – $20/hr |
| Early Career (1–2 yrs) | ~$45,000 | ~$22/hr |
| Mid-Level (2–5 yrs) | ~$50,000 | ~$24/hr |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | ~$53,000+ | ~$25+ hr |
Experience not only improves skill but often increases access to more complex and better-paying projects.
📈 Job Market Trends in Dallas, TX
The demand for skilled painters remains steady in the Dallas metro due to several ongoing trends:
🏡 1. Construction Growth
Dallas continues to expand with new residential, commercial, and industrial construction — increasing demand for painters.
🛠️ 2. Renovations & Remodels
Older homes and commercial spaces require repainting or updates, providing regular work for painters.
🧑🔧 3. Skilled Labor Shortages
Like many trades, Texas experiences periodic labor shortages, which can benefit experienced painters with better negotiating power.
📊 Comparison: Dallas vs Nearby Cities
Here’s how Dallas house painter salaries compare to some nearby areas or broader averages:
| Location | Approx. Avg. Salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | ~$45,000 – $51,000 | ~$22 – $25/hr |
| Texas Average | ~$51,000+ | ~$25/hr |
| Dallas-Fort Worth Metro | ~$43,000 – $46,000 | ~$20 – $22/hr |
Dallas’s average painter salary is close to the statewide average, reflecting its competitive construction and renovation market.
🌟 Benefits of Being a House Painter
Working as a house painter offers several advantages:
Steady demand due to ongoing construction and maintenance needs.
Flexible work settings — residential, commercial, new builds.
Skill development — hands-on trade with opportunities for specialization.
Opportunity for self‑employment — many painters eventually start their own businesses.
Overtime potential during busy construction seasons.
📘 Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
While a formal degree isn’t required, professional certifications can boost earnings and credibility:
🧯 Recommended Credentials
OSHA Safety Training
Lead Paint Safety Certification
EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Certificate
Advanced Finishing and Decorative Techniques Training
Certified painters are often preferred for jobs requiring regulatory compliance or specialized techniques.
📈 Job Outlook (2026 and Beyond)
The outlook for painters in Dallas remains positive:
As construction and renovation projects continue statewide, painters will remain in demand.
Skilled painters with certifications and experience are better positioned to secure consistent work and higher pay.
Growth in commercial and residential markets supports job stability.
📌 Summary & Takeaways
Here’s what to remember about House Painter Salaries in Dallas, TX for 2026:
🎨 Average yearly pay ranges $45,000 to $51,000 with most painters earning around $22–$25/hour.
📈 Experience and skill advancements lead to higher earnings.
📍 Dallas’s painting market is steady with ongoing local demand.
🛠️ Certifications and specializations improve job prospects and pay.
Whether you’re just entering the trade or aiming to grow your painting career, Dallas offers competitive wages and strong potential for growth in 2026 and beyond.