If you’re considering a career as a house painter in Leicester, UK, understanding local salary trends, job prospects, and factors that influence income is essential. This detailed guide provides valuable insights into the Painter (House) salary in Leicester for 2026, including average earnings, how experience affects pay, job market trends, benefits, qualifications, and comparisons with similar cities.
Average Painter Salary in Leicester (2026)
In Leicester, salaries for painters and decorators vary depending on experience, employer, and type of employment. Several data sources provide insight into what painters typically earn in the area.
Current Salary Snapshot
| Salary Type | Typical Amount (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Pay (Industry Average) | £36,000 – £38,500 |
| Indeed Average (Painter & Decorator) | ~£38,480 per year |
| Glassdoor Annual Range | £25,000 – £32,000 |
| Hourly Painter Rate | ~£16.85 per hour |
🔎 Data from job postings also shows hourly rates for painters ranging from roughly £15 to £20 per hour in Leicester, depending on role and contract type.
What This Means for 2026
For the 2026 salary outlook:
Entry-level / junior painters may start closer to £20,000–£27,000 annually.
Experienced painters & decorators with solid portfolios often earn around £30,000–£40,000 per year.
Highly skilled or specialised contractors (e.g., multi-trade operatives or self-employed decorators with premium clients) can exceed these ranges.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a major role in earnings. As painters gain skills and industry reputation, their income typically grows.
Earnings by Experience
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | £20,000–£27,000 | Training and basic tasks |
| Mid-Level (3–6 yrs) | £27,000–£33,000 | More complex work & reliability |
| Skilled (7–10 yrs) | £33,000–£40,000 | Precision finishes and client trust |
| Senior / Specialist | £40,000+ | Self‑employed or niche expertise |
Salaries reported from job postings and surveys indicate that experienced painters who can handle specialist coatings or commercial work tend to command higher pay.
Key Factors That Influence Painter Salaries
Several factors can impact how much a painter earns in Leicester:
1. Type of Employment
Employed Painters: Often earn consistent salaries with some benefits.
Self‑Employed / Contractors: Have control over rates but also manage expenses (insurance, tools).
Contract roles listing up to £150–£170 per day show higher potential daily earnings for experienced contractors.
2. Skill Set and Specialisation
Painters skilled in:
Decorative finishes
Spray painting
Surface preparation
Exterior weather‑resistant coatings
…can negotiate higher wages.
3. Economic and Market Demand
Construction growth and home renovations in Leicester increase demand for painters.
4. Reputation and Client Base
Painters with strong local reputations often secure higher‑paying work or repeat contracts.
Job Market Trends for Painters in Leicester (2026)
Growing Demand
Leicester’s housing market has steady renovation and maintenance needs. Painters are essential for:
Home refurbishments
New interior finishes
Exterior repainting and weatherproofing
Skilled painters who embrace modern materials and efficient techniques are especially in demand.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Job postings show a mix of:
Permanent roles around £30,000–£35,000 per year
Contract or temporary positions
Self‑employment opportunities
Benefits of a Career in Painting
Being a house painter offers many advantages:
Professional Benefits
Consistent work: steady demand for maintenance and upgrades.
Skill growth: ability to specialise in decorative techniques or protective coatings.
Flexibility: self‑employment allows schedule control.
Employer Benefits
Some employers offer pension contributions, paid holidays, or training programs (especially local government or large contractors).
Personal Satisfaction
Painters often enjoy seeing the completed work transform a space — a tangible and rewarding outcome.
Education, Training & Certifications That Boost Salary
Although specific degrees aren’t required, training and certifications can enhance skills and earning potential:
Valuable Qualifications in the UK
NVQ Level 2 / Level 3 in Painting and Decorating
CSCS Card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
Health & Safety Training / PPE Awareness
Apprenticeship schemes in construction trades
Impact on Earnings
Structured training can:
Improve job prospects
Increase earning potential
Help secure contracts from larger employers
Painter Salary Comparison: Leicester vs Nearby Cities
Comparing Leicester with nearby UK cities helps frame the regional salary landscape:
| City | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Leicester | £30,000–£40,000 (avg) |
| Nottingham | £30,000–£42,000 |
| Derby | £28,000–£38,000 |
| Birmingham | £32,000–£45,000 |
| Coventry | £30,000–£40,000 |
Leicester salaries are competitive within the Midlands region, though larger cities like Birmingham sometimes offer slightly higher pay due to increased demand and cost of living.
Job Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
The outlook for house painters in Leicester is stable with moderate growth. Drivers include:
Ongoing renovation activity in residential and commercial property
Continued maintenance needs
Local construction projects
For painters who enhance skills and build strong reputations, opportunities remain solid into 2026 and beyond.
Is Painting a Good Career Choice in Leicester?
Pros
Quick entry with apprenticeship options
Skill‑driven pay increases
Opportunity to specialise
Demand for quality workmanship
Challenges
Competition in urban areas
Need for ongoing marketing if self‑employed
Physically demanding tasks
Final Takeaways
In Leicester, house painters can expect a solid salary range in 2026, with £30,000–£40,000 as a typical full‑time earning bracket and higher potential for specialists and self‑employed contractors. Wages are influenced by experience, skills, certifications, and employment type. With a steady job market and the opportunity for growth, painting remains a valuable and flexible trade career in Leicester.