If you’re considering a career as a house painter in Sunderland in 2026, understanding local salary trends, what impacts pay, and job prospects can help you make informed career choices. This detailed article covers average salaries, experience‑based pay scales, key influencing factors, job market trends, benefits of the role, education and certifications that can boost earnings, along with comparisons to nearby UK cities. All figures are based on current Sunderland and UK industry data for skilled painters and decorators.
📊 Average Painter (House) Salary in Sunderland — 2026
In Sunderland, painters are commonly referred to as painters & decorators since these roles often overlap in practice. Based on reported local salaries:
Sunderland Typical Earnings
| Salary Type | Estimated Earnings (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | ~£36,296 per year (Painter & Decorator) |
| Typical Hourly Rate | ~£20–£23 per hour (local trade rates) |
| Daily Rate (Contract/Indep.) | £160–£170+ per day |
| Self‑Employed Est. | ~£41,900 per year (est.) |
Note: Salaries can vary depending on whether you work for an employer, are self‑employed, or work on contract jobs directly with homeowners.
🧰 Painter Salary by Experience
Experience plays a big role in salary progression. Below is a breakdown based on typical UK trends for painters & decorators, with Sunderland reflecting similar patterns.
Expected Earnings by Experience
| Experience Level | Estimated Pay | Typical Role |
|---|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0‑2 yrs) | ~£20,000 – £24,000 | Apprentice or junior painter |
| Intermediate (2‑5 yrs) | ~£24,000 – £30,000 | Competent painter & decorator |
| Experienced (5‑10 yrs) | ~£30,000 – £38,000 | Skilled and independent work |
| Senior / Self‑Employed | £38,000+ | Contractor or lead decorator |
These figures align with broader UK salary data showing typical paint/decorator roles range from approximately £32,000–£38,000 annually depending on experience and skills.
💼 Key Factors Influencing Painter Salary in Sunderland
Painter earnings in Sunderland depend on multiple factors:
📌 1. Employment Type
Employed painters typically earn stable wages and often get benefits.
Self‑employed painters/contractors can charge higher rates but income fluctuates with clients and seasonality.
📌 2. Skill Specialisation
Painters with additional skills — such as detailed finish work, spray painting, decorative techniques, or wallpapering — often command higher rates than basic painters.
📌 3. Day/Hourly Rates
Local trade rate data shows average hourly rates in the Sunderland area around £22 per hour, with daily rates around £160–£170 for residential properties.
📌 4. Demand and Seasonal Trends
Painting work often peaks in spring and summer as home renovation activity increases. Seasonal demand can boost earnings for freelance painters.
📌 5. Reputation & Client Base
Painters with strong local reputations and repeat clients often secure higher day rates and more consistent work.
📈 Job Market Trends – Sunderland (2026)
The job market for painters in Sunderland is shaped by:
🧱 Housing Maintenance & Construction Growth
Ongoing maintenance of homes and a steady pipeline of renovations help sustain demand for painters in residential areas.
🏘 Regional Skilled Trades Demand
Across the UK, skilled trades like painting & decorating tend to remain consistent due to ongoing property upkeep needs — meaning steady opportunities for trained painters.
📊 UK Skilled Trade Salary Averages
National guides indicate painters & decorators typically earn between £36k–£38.5k (median UK trade salary band), reflecting the broader trend that Sunderland salaries align well with this range.
🎓 Education & Certifications That Impact Salary
While formal university education isn’t required, training and certifications can influence earnings:
🛠 Valuable Training & Qualifications
NVQ Level 2/3 in Painting & Decorating — Industry‑recognised skill benchmark
Apprenticeship Certification — Practical training with structured learning
Health & Safety Certifications (e.g., CSCS) — Improves employability and safety compliance
Business training (estimating, client relations) can increase earning potential if you run your own business.
Painters with certifications and contractor skills often attract higher paying jobs and can work on larger renovation projects.
✅ Benefits of Being a House Painter in Sunderland
Choosing painting as a career has several advantages:
👌 Job Stability
Residential maintenance, refurbishments, and renovations ensure consistent demand for painters year after year.
👇 Skills That Transfer
Painting skills transfer widely — you can work on domestic properties, rental portfolios, and even commercial projects.
💡 Flexibility
Painters can work as employees with a steady wage or opt to be self‑employed, setting their own rates and hours.
🎨 Visible Results
The trade offers the satisfaction of visible work outcomes, which clients often appreciate.
📍 Salary Comparison: Sunderland vs Nearby Cities
Here’s how Sunderland painter salaries generally stack up regionally:
| City / Area | Typical Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | ~£36,296 | Local average figure |
| Tyne and Wear Region | ~£35,806 | Broader regional average |
| Washington (nearby) | ~£40,298 | Slightly higher local rate |
| Gosforth | ~£38,994 | Slightly above Sunderland |
| Wallsend | ~£38,806 | Slightly above Sunderland |
Overall, Sunderland salaries are competitive within the North East of England, with nearby towns sometimes offering slightly higher pay, often associated with local demand and cost‑of‑living factors.
📉 Job Outlook for Painters in Sunderland
The future remains stable for house painters in Sunderland in 2026:
Sunderland’s housing stock continues regular maintenance and renovation demand.
Skilled painters with certifications and broader decorating skills remain attractive to employers.
Independent painters can build client bases in both residential and small commercial sectors.
Both employed and self‑employed painters are expected to find steady work — especially those who adapt to seasonal demand and enhance their skill sets.
📌 Final Thoughts
In 2026, painters (house) in Sunderland enjoy competitive salaries that reflect both local demand and broader UK trade trends. Entry‑level painters start with modest wages, but with experience, certifications, and strong client relationships, painters can earn mid‑to‑high income levels within the trade. Sunderland’s average pay aligns well with the broader Tyne & Wear region, and skilled painters are positioned to benefit from steady work and opportunities for career growth.