How to Price Your Painting Services: A Complete Guide for Painting Contractors
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
If you're starting or growing a residential or commercial painting business, one of the most important questions you'll face is: How do I price my painting services profitably and competitively? Whether you're bidding on interior or exterior jobs, pricing can make or break your business.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to price painting jobs accurately, avoid common mistakes, and ensure your business stays profitable. Plus, we’ll show you how Wexford Insurance can help protect your painting business with the right insurance coverage.
Why Pricing Painting Services Correctly Matters
Pricing isn’t just about covering your costs—it’s about building a sustainable business. If you underbid, you risk losing money. If you overbid, you may lose the job to a competitor. The right pricing strategy helps you:
Win more bids
Maintain healthy profit margins
Build trust with clients
Grow your business sustainably
Step-by-Step: How to Price a Painting Job
1. Calculate Your Costs
Start by understanding your direct and indirect costs:
Labor: Estimate how many hours the job will take and multiply by your hourly labor rate.
Materials: Include paint, primer, tape, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, etc.
Overhead: Don’t forget business expenses like fuel, marketing, equipment maintenance, and painting contractor insurance.
💡 Tip: Use a job estimating software to track expenses and improve accuracy over time.
2. Measure the Space
For interior jobs, calculate the square footage of walls and ceilings. For exterior jobs, measure the surface area of siding, trim, and other features.
Tools like a laser measurer or painting estimating apps can help speed up this process and reduce errors.
3. Determine Your Labor Rate
A common industry benchmark is $20–$45 per hour per painter, but this varies by region and experience. Factor in:
Skill level of your crew
Job complexity (e.g., high ceilings, detailed trim)
Local market rates
4. Add Your Markup
Once you’ve calculated your costs, add a markup for profit—typically 20–50% depending on your business goals and competition.
Common Pricing Methods for Painting Contractors
✅ Per Square Foot Pricing
Interior painting: $1.50–$3.50 per sq. ft.
Exterior painting: $1.50–$4.00 per sq. ft.
This method is fast and easy but may not account for job complexity.
✅ Hourly Rate Pricing
Charge based on labor hours. Ideal for small or unpredictable jobs.
✅ Flat Rate Pricing
Offer a fixed price for the entire job. This is attractive to clients but requires accurate estimating.
Surface condition (e.g., peeling paint, repairs needed)
Number of coats required
Paint quality and brand
Height and accessibility
Time of year (busy seasons may allow for higher pricing)
Location (urban vs. rural pricing differences)
For example, using premium paint brands like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore can increase your material costs but may justify a higher price point.
How to Present a Professional Estimate
Your estimate should include:
Scope of work
Materials and labor breakdown
Timeline
Payment terms
Warranty or guarantee
Explore More from this blog How Painting Contractors Can Create Winning Bids and Estimates
Don’t Forget Insurance in Your Pricing
When pricing your services, factor in the cost of business insurance. It protects your business and gives clients peace of mind. At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping painting contractors get the right coverage, including:
Final Thoughts: Price Smart, Grow Fast
Pricing your painting services isn’t just about numbers—it’s about strategy. With the right approach, you can win more jobs, grow your business, and stay protected with the right insurance.
At Wexford Insurance, we’re here to support painting contractors like you with tailored insurance solutions and business insights. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, we’ve got your back.
👉 Contact us today.