Painter Salary in North Carolina
Painters in North Carolina earn an average of $47,871 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +3.0% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$47,871
per year
Hourly Rate
$23.02
per hour
vs National
-3.0%
$49,350 national
Salary Range
$30,187
to $71,497
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$47,871
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$49,866
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Painter's salary of $47,871 has the purchasing power of $49,866 in an average-cost area.
Painter Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $48,825 | $23.47/hr | $30,615 | $72,809 | 337 |
| Charlotte, NC | $46,916 | $22.56/hr | $29,758 | $70,184 | 284 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Painter Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 621 Painters employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Painter Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$30,187
Starting salary for new Painters
Median (50th Percentile)
$47,871
Mid-career Painter salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$71,497
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Painter Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Painter salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Painter salary in North Carolina?
The average Painter salary in North Carolina is $47,871 per year ($23.02/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 3.0% below the national average of $49,350.
What is the highest paying city for Painters in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Painters in North Carolina, with a median salary of $48,825 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $46,916.
What is the salary range for Painters in North Carolina?
Painter salaries in North Carolina range from $30,187 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $71,497 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $47,871 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 North Carolina. 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.