If you’re considering a career as a house painter in Liverpool, UK, it helps to understand how much you can earn, what influences your salary, and what the job market looks like heading into 2026. Painters are essential to the construction and renovation industries—responsible for interior and exterior finishes that improve aesthetics and protect surfaces. This in‑depth article covers income ranges, experience‑based pay, influencing factors, benefits, certifications, job prospects, and comparisons with nearby cities and national figures.
Average Painter Salary in Liverpool (2026)
House painter and decorator earnings vary depending on factors such as experience, employment type (employee vs contractor), and skill level.
Typical Salary Ranges
| Pay Type | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | ~£20 – £24 per hour on average for decorators locally |
| Annual Average | ~£33,000 per year reported for painters & decorators in Liverpool |
| Typical Glassdoor Range | £23,000 – £32,000 annually |
| Higher Pay Roles | Up to £34,000 reported for experienced decorators |
Pay rates can differ by neighbourhood and specific job duties, with some independent painters charging higher hourly rates.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience and skill progression make a noticeable difference in earnings.
Experience‑Based Pay Scale (2026)
| Experience Level | Typical Earnings |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0–2 yrs) | £18,000 – £24,000 per year |
| Mid‑Level (3–6 yrs) | £24,000 – £30,000 per year |
| Experienced (7–10 yrs) | £30,000 – £34,000+ per year |
| Specialist/Lead | £34,000+ with strong portfolio or contractor work |
Those with additional skills like textured finishes and exterior weatherproofing are often able to command higher rates.
Factors Influencing Painter Salaries in Liverpool
Painter wages aren’t fixed. Several influences can push earnings up or down:
1. Skills and Specialisation
Standard painting vs advanced decorative finishes
Wallpapering
Spray equipment operation
More specialised skills usually command higher pay.
2. Employment Status
Employed painters get regular salaries but may have limited peak rates.
Self‑employed / contract painters set their own rates and can earn more depending on reputation and workload.
3. Seasonal Demand
Painting work can peak in spring and summer as renovations grow. Planners account for weather when scheduling exterior jobs.
4. Project Type
Multi‑room, complex interior designs, or exterior projects often pay more than routine room repaints.
Job Market Trends for Painters in Liverpool (2026)
The job market for painters in Liverpool remains relatively healthy:
Industry Trends
Steady demand for residential repainting and refurbishment.
Property owners and landlords often refresh interiors between tenancies.
Skilled decorators with modern finishing techniques remain in demand.
Plenty of painters operate independently, supporting a competitive service market. Some report day rates well above basic hourly figures—especially for experienced contract work.
Benefits of a Painter Career in Liverpool
Pursuing painting as a profession brings various advantages.
Job Benefits
Steady work availability in both residential and commercial sectors.
Tangible results—visible transformation of spaces.
Flexibility for self‑employment.
Skill growth with experience and portfolio building.
Additional Perks (Company Roles)
Potential pension schemes.
Holiday pay and other workplace benefits depending on employer.
Certifications and Training That Can Impact Salary
While formal education is not a strict requirement, proper training and recognised certifications can boost credibility and pay.
Useful Certifications and Training
Painting & Decorating NVQ/SVQ
Health & Safety / COSHH training
Work at Height Safety Certification
Apprenticeship completion credentials
Certified painters are often trusted with higher‑end projects and can negotiate better rates with clients.
Comparing Liverpool Salaries with Other UK Cities (2026)
Painter and decorator salaries vary across the UK, primarily reflecting local demand and cost of living.
| City | Typical Painter Salary Estimate |
|---|---|
| Liverpool | ~£30,000 – £34,000 per year |
| Manchester | ~£32,000 – £36,000 (regional estimate) |
| Leeds | ~£30,000 – £35,000 (regional estimate) |
| Birmingham | ~£31,000 – £36,000 (regional estimate) |
| London | ~£35,000 – £45,000+ (higher living cost) |
While Liverpool’s rates are competitive for the North West, larger cities like London typically offer higher wages due to elevated living costs and project complexity.
Job Outlook for House Painters in Liverpool
Painters equipped with a broad range of skills and good reputations generally enjoy solid employment prospects in Liverpool:
Growth Drivers
Ongoing home refurbishments
Landlord and rental market updates
Commercial interior works
Technical skills, reliability, and strong client reviews help painters attract repeat business and steady contracts.
Is House Painting a Good Career in Liverpool?
Yes, it can be a rewarding trade with viable earnings and diverse opportunities.
Pros
Practical skill with steady local demand.
Room for self‑employment and business growth.
Potential to earn above regional averages with experience.
Cons
Earnings vary significantly with skill level and client base.
Physical and often outdoor work.
Overall, house painting offers a fair income with potential growth for those who specialise, build trust, and expand their portfolio.
Final Takeaways: Painter Salary in Liverpool (2026)
Liverpool’s house painter salary landscape in 2026 shows a dependable and competitive trade, with average annual earnings around £30,000 – £34,000. Experience, specialised skills, and self‑employment typically lead to higher pay, while regional comparisons reveal opportunities that align well with the North West UK market. Whether you’re starting out or advancing your painting career, the profession offers both career stability and the chance for higher earnings through expertise and client relationships.