Painter Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax

Painters in Tennessee earn an average of $46,477 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +5.8% lower than the national average.

Average Salary

$46,477

per year

Hourly Rate

$22.35

per hour

vs National

-5.8%

$49,350 national

Salary Range

$30,300

to $67,553

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$46,477

Cost of Living Index

93

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$49,975

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Painter's salary of $46,477 has the purchasing power of $49,975 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.

Painter Salary by City in Tennessee

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Nashville, TN$49,023$23.57/hr$31,179$72,992271
Memphis, TN$43,931$21.12/hr$29,420$62,113321

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

Tennessee vs National Average

Painter Salary Comparison

Tennessee Average$46,477
National Average$49,350
Difference-$2,873 (-5.8%)

Employment in Tennessee

There are approximately 592 Painters employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.

Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment

State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)

Painter Salary Range in Tennessee

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$30,300

Starting salary for new Painters

Median (50th Percentile)

$46,477

Mid-career Painter salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$67,553

Top earners in the field

Painter Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Painter salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Painter salary in Tennessee?

The average Painter salary in Tennessee is $46,477 per year ($22.35/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 5.8% below the national average of $49,350.

What is the highest paying city for Painters in Tennessee?

Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Painters in Tennessee, with a median salary of $49,023 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $43,931.

What is the salary range for Painters in Tennessee?

Painter salaries in Tennessee range from $30,300 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $67,553 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $46,477 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 Tennessee. 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.