The average monthly income for a wall painter in the United States ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on factors such as location, experience, and job type. High-demand areas like New York or San Francisco typically offer higher earnings, while rural regions may pay less. Unionized painters or those with specialized skills (e.g., interior design integration) often command premium rates.

Monthly income is primarily influenced by hourly wages, project scope, and expenses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2023, painting workers earned a median of $21.10 per hour, translating to approximately $4,400 annually or $366 weekly. For a full-time painter working 40 hours weekly, this equates to roughly $1,866 monthly before expenses. However, income can rise significantly with overtime, commercial projects, or premium materials. For example, unionized painters in major cities often earn $35–$50 per hour, generating $5,600–$8,000 monthly gross. Subtracting expenses (e.g., paint, tools, transportation, and taxes), net monthly income typically falls between $2,500 and $6,000.

Data from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) supports this range, noting that 60% of wall painters in high-cost regions net $4,000–$7,000 monthly. Commercial projects, such as office or hotel renovations, often pay $50–$70 per hour due to larger budgets, whereas residential repaints average $25–$40 hourly. Seasonality also impacts earnings; summer and holiday periods see higher demand, boosting monthly income by 20–30%. Additionally, self-employed painters with strong client networks may earn $8,000+ monthly but face higher tax and insurance costs. In contrast, entry-level or part-time workers in low-demand areas may earn below $3,000 monthly. Overall, location, specialization, and project type are critical determinants of a wall painter’s monthly income.