House painting is a reliable skilled trade that offers steady work and income in many U.S. cities — including Spokane, Washington. As the Pacific Northwest housing market continues evolving, painters remain in demand for both new construction and repainting jobs. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Painter (House) salary in Spokane, WA in 2026, including average pay, experience-based earnings, factors influencing wages, job market trends, benefits, required certifications, and comparisons with nearby cities. Whether you’re considering a painting career or evaluating your next job offer, this article gives you clear insights into the local pay landscape.
Average House Painter Salary in Spokane, WA (2026)
In 2026, Spokane painters earn competitive wages that mirror the city’s economic activity and housing demand. Spokane’s cost of living is generally lower than major West Coast metros (like Seattle), but higher than many inland cities, giving painters a balanced earning outlook.
Salary Overview
| Pay Metric | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hourly Average | $22 – $32 |
| Monthly Average | $3,700 – $5,400 |
| Annual Average | $44,000 – $65,000 |
| Experienced / Top Earners | $68,000+ |
Painters with specialized skills, commercial experience, or business ownership potential can see earnings above these ranges.
House Painter Salary by Experience Level
Experience directly influences earning potential in the painting profession. Apprentice painters start lower, while seasoned pros with advanced skills command higher pay.
Experience-Based Pay Breakdown
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | $19 – $23 | $39,000 – $47,000 |
| Mid-Level (2–4 yrs) | $23 – $27 | $48,000 – $56,000 |
| Experienced (5–9 yrs) | $27 – $31 | $56,000 – $64,000 |
| Senior / Lead (10+ yrs) | $31 – $36+ | $64,000 – $74,000+ |
Lead painters often take on supervisory roles, crew management, and complex surface preparation tasks that warrant higher compensation.
Key Factors That Influence Painter Salaries in Spokane
Several key elements shape how much house painters earn in Spokane:
1. Skill Level and Specialization
Painters with niche expertise — such as:
Spray application and large surfaces
Faux finishes or decorative techniques
Drywall repair and surface prep
Weather-resistant exterior coatings
…can demand higher rates.
2. Type of Employment
Company-employed painters often receive consistent wages and benefits.
Self-employed or contract painters set their own rates but must handle business expenses, insurance, and marketing.
3. Local Demand & Seasonality
Spokane weather affects outdoor painting schedules: warmer months (spring/summer) bring peak demand and overtime opportunities.
4. Project Scope
Large homes, multi‑unit properties, and commercial repaints often pay more than single-room repainting.
5. Reputation and Client Feedback
Painters with strong reviews, referrals, and repeat clients often charge premium rates due to trust and reliability.
Job Market Trends for House Painters in Spokane (2026)
The Spokane housing market and regional construction industry continue to support skilled trades in 2026:
Trend Highlights
Steady residential maintenance: Aging homes in Spokane often need repainting and upkeep.
Renovations and upgrades: Many homeowners invest in interior updates rather than full resale projects.
Energy-efficient paint products: Demand grows for low‑VOC, long‑lasting coatings that improve home performance.
Rental turnover maintenance: Spokane’s rental market sees consistent repainting needs between tenants.
Overall, the painter job market in Spokane remains stable with moderate growth, especially for experienced and certified professionals.
Benefits of Working as a House Painter in Spokane
Being a house painter offers more than just wages — there are several perks and career advantages.
Core Benefits
Steady year‑round work, with seasonal peaks
Ability to work outdoors and stay physically active
Quick entry into the workforce with on‑the‑job training
Tangible results — you see direct improvements with every job
Benefits (Company Roles)
Health insurance
Paid vacation and personal time
Retirement plans
Employer‑provided tools and protective gear
Advantages for Independents
Flexible work hours
Ability to set your own pricing
Potential to grow into business ownership
Choose preferred types of projects
Certifications and Education That Can Boost Your Salary
Formal college degrees aren’t required to be a successful house painter, but training and certifications definitely enhance skills and pay.
Beneficial Certifications
OSHA Safety Training – essential for safe job sites
Lead‑Safe Certification – required for older homes with lead paint
Spray and Specialty Coating Certifications – increases versatility
Apprenticeship Completion Credentials
Impact of Education and Training
| Training / Credentials | Impact on Earnings |
|---|---|
| No Certification | Base wage |
| One Relevant Certification | +10% to +15% |
| Several Certifications | +15% to +30% |
| Business / Estimating Skills | Higher contractor income |
Painters who learn cost estimating, project planning, and customer service can increase their rates and earn more as independents or business owners.
Comparing Painter Salaries: Spokane vs Nearby Cities (2026)
Let’s see how Spokane’s painter salaries compare with nearby cities in Washington and neighboring states.
| City | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Spokane, WA | $44,000 – $65,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Tacoma, WA | $46,000 – $70,000 |
| Boise, ID | $42,000 – $62,000 |
| Portland, OR | $48,000 – $72,000 |
| Coeur d’Alene, ID | $40,000 – $60,000 |
While larger cities like Seattle and Portland tend to offer higher pay, Spokane remains competitive — especially considering its lower housing and living costs.
Job Outlook for House Painters in 2026
The future looks solid for painters in Spokane:
Why Demand Continues
Long‑term residential repaint needs
Increase in home remodeling projects
Rental market turnover requirements
Aging housing stock
Painters who stay current with safety standards, paint technologies, and customer expectations are well‑positioned for stable employment.
Is House Painting a Good Career in Spokane?
Yes — painting is a practical and sustainable career in Spokane.
Pros
Fast entry with minimal formal education required
Skill‑driven pay increases
Growing demand regionally
Flexibility to work for companies or freelance
Cons
Physically demanding labor
Weather dependency on exterior jobs
Seasonal slowdowns possible
Painters who develop excellent craftsmanship, communication skills, and professional reliability can advance into supervisory roles or open their own businesses.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, the Painter (House) salary in Spokane, WA offers a compelling blend of solid pay, job stability, and opportunities for growth. Entry‑level painters can begin earning quickly, while experienced professionals with certifications and business skills can command higher rates and build lasting careers. With a steady local housing market, demand for quality work, and relatively affordable living costs compared to major West Coast cities, Spokane provides a fertile environment for painters seeking both employment and entrepreneurial paths.