Labor Cost Estimation for Painting
Master accurate labor cost calculations with production rates, crew optimization, and real-world pricing formulas. Part of our comprehensive painting quote guide.
How Do You Calculate Painting Labor Cost?
Calculate painting labor cost by: (Square Footage ÷ Production Rate per Hour) × Hourly Rate × Crew Size. For example: 2,000 sq ft ÷ 200 sq ft/hour = 10 hours × $50/hour × 2 workers = $1,000 labor cost. Add 20-30% for prep work and cleanup.
The Labor Cost Formula
Formula Components
- Hours: Total work hours needed
- Rate: Hourly wage per worker
- Crew: Number of workers
- Burden: Taxes, insurance (30-40%)
Example Calculation
// 2,500 sq ft interior
Production: 200 sq ft/hour
Hours: 2,500 ÷ 200 = 12.5
Rate: $30/hour base
Crew: 2 painters
// Calculation
12.5 × $30 × 2 = $750
+ 35% burden = $262.50
Total Labor: $1,012.50
Standard Production Rates
| Task | Sq Ft/Hour | Skill Level | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Wall Rolling | 180-250 | Entry | Standard |
| Interior Cutting In | 100-150 | Skilled | High |
| Exterior Siding | 150-200 | Skilled | Standard |
| Trim/Detail Work | 50-75 | Expert | Premium |
| Ceiling Painting | 150-200 | Skilled | Standard |
| Cabinet Spraying | 20-30 doors | Expert | Premium |
| Prep Work (general) | 100-150 | Entry | Critical |
Pro Tip: Adjust production rates based on surface condition (-20% for poor condition), height factors (-15% for high ceilings), and crew experience level.
Painter Hourly Rates by Region
High Cost Regions
- San Francisco/NYC:$45-80/hr
- Seattle/Boston:$40-70/hr
- Los Angeles/DC:$38-65/hr
- Chicago/Denver:$35-60/hr
Average Cost Regions
- Phoenix/Atlanta:$30-50/hr
- Dallas/Houston:$28-48/hr
- Orlando/Tampa:$25-45/hr
- Rural Areas:$20-40/hr
Labor Burden Breakdown
Employee Costs (30-40%)
- • Payroll taxes: 7.65%
- • Workers comp: 8-15%
- • Unemployment: 3-6%
- • Benefits: 5-15%
Subcontractor Markup
- • Base rate: $40-60/hr
- • Your markup: 15-25%
- • No burden costs
- • 1099 filing required
Hidden Costs
- • Drive time pay
- • Tool allowance
- • Training time
- • Callbacks/warranty
Crew Size Optimization
Optimal Crew Configurations
Residential Projects
- • 1 Painter: Small rooms, touch-ups (< 500 sq ft)
- • 2 Painters: Standard rooms, efficiency sweet spot
- • 3-4 Painters: Whole house, tight deadlines
- • Lead + Helper: Quality focus, training
Commercial Projects
- • 2-3 Painters: Small offices (< 5,000 sq ft)
- • 4-6 Painters: Medium buildings
- • 8+ Painters: Large projects, phases
- • Spray + Back-roll: Maximum efficiency
Efficiency Factors
2-Person Crew
100%
Peak efficiency
3-4 Person Crew
85-90%
Good for speed
5+ Person Crew
70-80%
Coordination issues
Real-World Labor Examples
Example 1: 3-Bedroom House Interior
Project Details
- • Total area: 1,800 sq ft walls
- • Ceilings: 1,200 sq ft
- • Condition: Good, minor prep
- • Paint: 2 coats, 3 colors
- • Timeline: 3 days
Labor Breakdown
Prep: 8 hours × 2 = 16 hrs
Walls: 1,800 ÷ 200 = 9 hrs
Ceilings: 1,200 ÷ 180 = 7 hrs
Trim: 6 hours
Total: 38 hrs × $35 = $1,330
+ 35% burden = $465
Total Labor: $1,795
Example 2: Commercial Office Repaint
Project Details
- • Total area: 8,000 sq ft
- • After-hours work required
- • Low-VOC paint mandatory
- • 4-person crew
- • Timeline: 5 nights
Labor Breakdown
Base hours: 8,000 ÷ 220 = 36
4-person crew ÷ 0.85 = 42 hrs
Night shift premium: +25%
42 hrs × $45 × 1.25 = $2,363
× 4 workers = $9,450
+ 30% burden = $2,835
Total Labor: $12,285
Labor Estimation Best Practices
Do's
- ✓Track actual vs estimated hours
- ✓Include setup/cleanup time
- ✓Factor in crew experience levels
- ✓Add contingency for unknowns
- ✓Consider project complexity
Don'ts
- ✗Use same rates for all tasks
- ✗Forget labor burden costs
- ✗Ignore travel time between sites
- ✗Assume perfect conditions
- ✗Cut rates to win jobs