If you’re considering a career as a house painter in Memphis, Tennessee, understanding the 2026 salary landscape is crucial. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been painting homes for years, this guide provides detailed insights into average pay, experience levels, job market trends, benefits, and factors that influence earnings — all designed to help you make smart career decisions.
🧰 Average Salary Range in 2026
In Memphis, the pay for painters — including residential house painters — varies depending on experience, skills, and employer type.
| Salary Metric | Annual/Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary (Salary.com) | ~$49,244/year (~$24/hr) |
| 25th–75th Percentile Range | ~$43,629–$52,519/year |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | ~$55,500+/year |
| Entry-Level Painter (Indeed average) | ~$15.73/hr (~$32,700/yr) |
| Lead Painter (Indeed) | ~$22.90/hr (~$47,600/yr) |
💡 Note: Salary figures vary by source because some reflect broad job postings (Indeed), and others like Salary.com reflect ongoing compensation surveys, which often include residential and commercial work.
🧑🎨 Factors Influencing House Painter Earnings
Several key factors determine how much a painter earns in Memphis:
🔹 Experience Level
Beginners generally start at lower hourly rates (~$15–$18/hr).
Painters with several years of experience — especially those with specialized skills — often reach the $20–$30/hr range.
Those who lead teams, supervise or work in high-demand niches can earn toward the higher end of the annual ranges.
🔹 Type of Painting Job
House painters may work on:
Residential interior/exterior jobs
Commercial properties
Specialty coatings or finishes
Different settings can pay differently, often with commercial work offering slightly higher rates.
🔹 Certifications & Skills
OSHA safety training
Specialty coatings certifications (e.g., VOC‑aware or eco‑friendly paint techniques)
Spray equipment skills
These may improve employability and bargaining power.
🔹 Hours and Job Complexity
Overtime pay and longer contracts can boost income.
Jobs requiring prep work (sanding, stripping, repair) often pay more.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
Experience significantly affects what painters make. Below is a general breakdown:
| Experience Level | Expected Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | ~$30,000–$35,000/year ($15–$18/hr) |
| Early Career (2–4 yrs) | ~$38,000–$45,000/year |
| Mid-Level (5–8 yrs) | ~$45,000–$52,000/year |
| Experienced/Senior Painter | ~$52,000–$60,000+ yearly |
📍 These figures combine data from multiple salary sources and reflect both hourly wage conversions and annual compensation surveys.
🌆 Job Market Trends in Memphis (2026)
The painting profession in Memphis remains stable and in consistent demand:
🔹 Residential Rehabs & Renovations
As homeowners invest in updating older homes or preparing properties for sale, demand for house painters stays strong.
Projects include interior repainting, exterior refreshes, and prep work for repairs.
🔹 Commercial & Institutional Jobs
Commercial painting (offices, schools, retail) often requires painters with broader skills and may pay more.
🔹 Labor Market Stability
There is a steady need for skilled painters across construction, home improvement, and property maintenance.
Job Outlook (2026):
Painters are part of the broader construction and facilities maintenance workforce, which generally shows stable employment trends as long as construction and renovation activities continue — a trend expected in 2026.
📊 Comparison With Nearby Cities
Here’s how Memphis house painter pay compares to similar Mid‑South markets:
| City | Typical Annual Painter Salary |
|---|---|
| Memphis, TN | ~$43,600–$52,500+ average |
| Knoxville, TN | ~$38,300–$45,900+ (Salary.com) |
| Tennessee Average | ~$19.84/hr (~$41,000/yr) industrywide estimate |
Key Takeaway:
Memphis pay for painters is around or slightly above the statewide average, especially when considering the broader compensation survey data.
🧾 Benefits of Being a House Painter
Working as a painter offers practical perks:
✅ Flexible Work Options
Freelance painters often set schedules or choose project‑based work.
✅ Skill Mastery
Many painters refine valuable technical skills (surface prep, specialty finishes).
✅ Job Variety
From residential interiors to commercial exteriors and trim work, painters enjoy dynamic workdays.
✅ Entry Without Formal Degree
Many painters get started with a high school diploma, on‑the‑job training, and apprenticeships.
🎓 Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
While a college degree is not required, certain credentials help:
OSHA Safety Certification — improves job site safety knowledge.
EPA Lead‑Safe Certification — required for older properties and often boosts pay.
Advanced Painting Techniques Training — such as airless sprayer certification.
Painters who invest in skills training can become more competitive and often negotiate better compensation.
💡 Tips to Increase Your Earnings
If you want to boost your painter income in Memphis:
🔹 Gain more experience — and highlight it on job applications.
🔹 Specialize (e.g., trim/detail work, exterior coatings).
🔹 Build a portfolio of completed jobs.
🔹 Consider self‑employment or subcontracting.
🔹 Network with contractors and real estate professionals.
🧠 Summary
Here’s a quick recap for house painter salaries in Memphis, TN in 2026:
🎨 Average Salary: Around $49,000 per year (about $24/hr) based on compensation data.
📍 Range: From approximately $38,000 entry‑level to $55,000+ for top earners.
📈 Experience Matters: More experience generally means higher pay.
💼 Job Outlook: Stable demand due to ongoing residential and commercial painting needs.
📚 Certifications and specialization can enhance earning potential.
Whether you’re starting your painting career or aiming to grow it, Memphis offers solid opportunities with competitive compensation in 2026.