Painter Salary in California
Painters in California earn an average of $56,914 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.3% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$56,914
per year
Hourly Rate
$27.36
per hour
vs National
+15.3%
$49,350 national
Salary Range
$36,637
to $82,517
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$56,914
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$40,080
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Painter's salary of $56,914 has the purchasing power of $40,080 in an average-cost area.
Painter Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $68,612 | $32.99/hr | $43,364 | $100,132 | 397 |
| San Francisco, CA | $65,085 | $31.29/hr | $43,861 | $90,742 | 464 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $55,772 | $26.81/hr | $35,787 | $83,291 | 507 |
| San Diego, CA | $52,966 | $25.46/hr | $33,572 | $78,967 | 269 |
| Sacramento, CA | $50,267 | $24.17/hr | $31,703 | $70,967 | 315 |
| Riverside, CA | $48,781 | $23.45/hr | $31,535 | $71,005 | 257 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Painter Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,209 Painters employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Painter Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$36,637
Starting salary for new Painters
Median (50th Percentile)
$56,914
Mid-career Painter salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$82,517
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Painter Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Painter salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Painter salary in California?
The average Painter salary in California is $56,914 per year ($27.36/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.3% above the national average of $49,350.
What is the highest paying city for Painters in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Painters in California, with a median salary of $68,612 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $48,781.
What is the salary range for Painters in California?
Painter salaries in California range from $36,637 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $82,517 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $56,914 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.