Quick Answer: Exterior painting costs $1.50–$4.50 per square foot of paintable surface. A 2,000 sq ft wood siding exterior costs roughly $4,000–$7,500 including paint ($0.60/sq ft × 2 coats), labor (0.015 hr/sq ft per coat at local painter rates × 1.5 burden), fixed costs ($1,350 for pressure washing, caulking, trim, primer, and supplies), and 20% contractor markup. Multi-story homes add 25–50% to labor. Enter your ZIP code above for a location-specific estimate based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for your metro area.
Estimate how much it will cost to paint your home's exterior. This calculator uses real labor rate data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics across 393 US metro areas to give you a location-specific cost range. Select your surface type, enter the paintable area and number of stories, and get a detailed breakdown of materials, labor, and total project cost.
How Exterior Painting Cost Is Calculated
The total cost of exterior house painting depends on five components:
- Paint material — Cost per square foot varies by surface type ($0.45–$0.60/sq ft per coat). Default is 2 coats. Premium paint adds a 1.3x multiplier; luxury adds 1.6x.
- Labor — Hourly painter rate from BLS data for your metro area, multiplied by hours per square foot per coat (varies by surface), number of coats, story multiplier (1.25x for 2 stories, 1.50x for 3), and 1.5x burden factor.
- Fixed costs — Pressure washing ($300), caulking and prep ($400), trim paint ($300), primer ($200), and drop cloths and tape ($150) total $1,350 regardless of area.
- Story multiplier — Multi-story homes require ladders and scaffolding, increasing labor by 25% (2 stories) or 50% (3 stories).
- Contractor markup — Standard 20% overhead and profit margin on the subtotal.
Exterior Painting Cost by Surface Type
Different exterior surfaces require different paint application methods and time:
| Surface | Paint Rate | Total $/Sq Ft | 2,000 Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Siding | $0.60/sq ft/coat | $2.00–$3.50 | $4,000–$7,000 |
| Stucco | $0.55/sq ft/coat | $2.00–$3.75 | $4,000–$7,500 |
| Brick | $0.50/sq ft/coat | $2.00–$4.00 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Vinyl | $0.45/sq ft/coat | $1.50–$2.75 | $3,000–$5,500 |
Factors That Affect Exterior Painting Cost
- Labor rates: Painter wages range from $17/hr in low-cost Southern metros to $35+/hr in New York, Boston, and San Francisco. Labor is typically 60–70% of total exterior painting cost, making location the biggest cost variable.
- Number of stories: Two-story homes cost 25% more for labor due to ladder setup and slower work at height. Three-story homes cost 50% more and may require scaffolding rental ($200–$500 additional).
- Surface condition: Homes with peeling paint, rotted wood, or extensive caulking needs require more prep time. Severe prep can double the labor hours.
- Paint quality: Premium paint costs 30% more than standard but lasts 2–3 years longer. Luxury paint (1.6x cost) offers the best UV protection and coverage for extreme climates.
Cost Formula Summary
Exterior Painting Cost Formula:
Paint Cost = Area × Rate/SqFt × Coats × Quality Multiplier
Labor Cost = Area × Hr/SqFt × Coats × Story Mult × Rate × 1.5
Total = (Paint + Labor + Fixed Costs) × 1.20 (markup)
| Constant | Wood | Stucco | Brick | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material rate | $0.60/sq ft | $0.55/sq ft | $0.50/sq ft | $0.45/sq ft |
| Labor hours | 0.015 hr/sq ft | 0.018 hr/sq ft | 0.020 hr/sq ft | 0.012 hr/sq ft |
| Quality tier | Standard 1.0x, Premium 1.3x, Luxury 1.6x (materials) | |||
| Story mult | 1 story 1.0x, 2 stories 1.25x, 3 stories 1.50x (labor) | |||
| Pressure washing | $300 (flat) | |||
| Caulking/prep | $400 (flat) | |||
| Trim paint | $300 (flat) | |||
| Primer | $200 (flat) | |||
| Drop cloths/tape | $150 (flat) | |||
| Fixed total | $1,350 | |||
Labor data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release. SOC 47-2141 (Painters, Construction and Maintenance). National mean wage $24.48/hr. Covers 393 US metropolitan statistical areas.
Standard assumptions: Labor burden factor of 1.5 covers payroll taxes (FICA 7.65%), workers' compensation insurance (8–15% for construction), general liability, and benefits. Contractor markup of 20% covers overhead (10%) and profit (10%). Low/high range uses BLS 25th and 75th percentile hourly wages; mid-range uses mean wage. Default 2 coats of paint.
Painters Hourly Rates by Metro (BLS OEWS May 2024)
| Metro | 25th %ile | Mean | 75th %ile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $22.99 | $30.08 | $34.60 |
| Los Angeles | $23.12 | $30.04 | $35.66 |
| Chicago | $23.12 | $34.34 | $47.25 |
| Dallas | $18.14 | $21.14 | $22.44 |
| Houston | $19.09 | $21.84 | $23.28 |
| Washington | $22.44 | $26.37 | $28.59 |
| Philadelphia | $22.30 | $27.12 | $29.85 |
| Miami | $18.67 | $22.44 | $23.31 |
| Atlanta | $20.31 | $22.77 | $24.30 |
| Phoenix | $22.00 | $25.49 | $28.13 |
Planning a DIY Paint Job?
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Calculate exact gallons of exterior paint needed for your home.
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Estimates are for planning purposes only. Consult a qualified contractor for critical projects. Actual material requirements may vary based on site conditions, waste, and installation methods.
Pricing last verified: February 2026. Material prices vary by region, season, and supplier. Prices shown are national averages for planning purposes.