Painter salary in Wisconsin
Median $24.08 an hour for 3,350 painters, construction and maintenance, May 2025, with the union scale by county and the trend since 1999.
$24.08/hrMedian hourly wageWisconsin, May data
$50,090/yrMedian annual payfull-time equivalent
$18.21 – $36.0810th to 90th percentilehourly range
3,350Jobs countedemployer survey
Painter pay in Wisconsin: the full range
Wisconsin ranks 23rd of 51 states for median painter pay, and 25th once adjusted for cost of living (the cost-of-living-adjusted median is $25.59). 3,350 painters, construction and maintenance work in the state.
| Career stage (approximate) | Hourly | Annual | Where it sits in the distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice / entry | $18.21 – $22.42 | $37,870 – $46,640 | roughly the 10th–25th percentile |
| Journeyman | $22.42 – $28.89 | $46,640 – $60,100 | the middle half, around the median |
| Master / foreman / specialist | $28.89 – $36.08 | $60,100 – $75,040 | the 75th–90th percentile and above |
Where does your pay fall?
Painter pay by metro in Wisconsin
| Metro | 10th | Median $/hr | 90th | Jobs | vs state |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $17.91 | $29.26 | $44.71 | 2,710 | 22% above |
| Madison | $18.98 | $27.16 | $38.34 | 520 | 13% above |
| Janesville | $13.75 | $25.04 | $37.23 | 50 | 4% above |
| Oshkosh | $17.95 | $24.54 | $33.13 | 90 | 2% above |
| Racine | $18.59 | $24.50 | $41.05 | 80 | 2% above |
| Appleton | $18.82 | $24.34 | $33.20 | 80 | 1% above |
| Milwaukee | $18.94 | $24.34 | $36.11 | 1,140 | 1% above |
| Duluth | $16.49 | $23.90 | $37.50 | 120 | 1% below |
| La Crosse | $13.47 | $23.79 | $29.80 | 60 | 1% below |
| Sheboygan | $18.69 | $23.78 | $35.67 | 90 | 1% below |
| Fond du Lac | $17.67 | $23.76 | $34.70 | 30 | 1% below |
| Kenosha | $18.51 | $23.47 | $35.50 | 100 | 3% below |
| Green Bay | $17.40 | $23.02 | $30.87 | 200 | 4% below |
| Wausau | $17.29 | $22.90 | $34.49 | 50 | 5% below |
| Eau Claire | $17.65 | $22.71 | $34.62 | 110 | 6% below |
Painter wages in Wisconsin over time
Table
| Year | Wisconsin $/hr | In 2025 $ | US $/hr | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | $14.93 | $28.85 | $12.86 | 5,220 |
| 2000 | $14.88 | $27.82 | $13.10 | 4,670 |
| 2001 | $15.48 | $28.14 | $13.66 | 4,450 |
| 2002 | $16.07 | $28.76 | $13.98 | 4,650 |
| 2003 | $16.10 | $28.17 | $14.12 | 4,390 |
| 2004 | $15.47 | $26.37 | $14.55 | 4,520 |
| 2005 | $15.93 | $26.26 | $14.81 | 4,120 |
| 2006 | $16.13 | $25.76 | $15.00 | 3,860 |
| 2007 | $16.94 | $26.30 | $15.42 | 3,530 |
| 2008 | $17.35 | $25.94 | $15.85 | 3,670 |
| 2009 | $17.10 | $25.66 | $16.21 | 3,490 |
| 2010 | $17.83 | $26.32 | $16.48 | 2,980 |
| 2011 | $18.16 | $25.99 | $17.04 | 2,890 |
| 2012 | $18.10 | $25.38 | $16.92 | 2,820 |
| 2013 | $18.77 | $25.94 | $17.01 | 2,900 |
| 2014 | $18.13 | $24.66 | $17.29 | 3,070 |
| 2015 | $18.85 | $25.60 | $17.59 | 3,070 |
| 2016 | $19.14 | $25.67 | $18.06 | 3,260 |
| 2017 | $19.82 | $26.03 | $18.25 | 3,180 |
| 2018 | $19.83 | $25.42 | $18.72 | 3,470 |
| 2019 | $21.01 | $26.46 | $19.37 | 3,710 |
| 2020 | $22.07 | $27.45 | $20.25 | 3,690 |
| 2021 | $22.29 | $26.48 | $21.92 | 3,130 |
| 2022 | $22.94 | $25.24 | $22.16 | 3,020 |
| 2023 | $23.25 | $24.57 | $22.94 | 3,250 |
| 2024 | $24.05 | $24.68 | $23.40 | 3,430 |
| 2025 | $24.08 | $24.08 | $23.75 | 3,350 |
In today's dollars, the median painter wage in Wisconsin changed by -6.0% over the last ten years of data.
Union scale and prevailing wage for painters in Wisconsin
On federally funded construction in Wisconsin, contractors must pay painters at least the Davis-Bacon rate for the county. 20 of the 72 counties with a Building rate use a union contract rate (typical package $58.82 an hour including fringe); the rest use a survey rate (typical $15.97). 52 of the 72 counties still use a survey rate dated 2002 or earlier (for example Adams County at $15.97). The market median for the state is $24.08.
Union contract rateSurvey rate
| County | Rate source | Base | Fringe | Total | Determination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenosha | Union PAIN0934-002 2025-06-01 | $41.62 | $26.37 | $67.99 | WI20260004 |
| Racine | Union PAIN0108-001 2025-06-01 | $44.64 | $23.35 | $67.99 | WI20260009 |
| Milwaukee | Union PAIN0781-001 2025-06-01 | $42.44 | $24.87 | $67.31 | WI20260001 |
| Ozaukee | Union PAIN0781-001 2025-06-01 | $42.44 | $24.87 | $67.31 | WI20260001 |
| Washington | Union PAIN0781-001 2025-06-01 | $42.44 | $24.87 | $67.31 | WI20260001 |
| Waukesha | Union PAIN0781-001 2025-06-01 | $42.44 | $24.87 | $67.31 | WI20260001 |
| Douglas | Union PAIN0106-003 2025-05-05 | $38.17 | $27.26 | $65.43 | WI20260007 |
| Brown | Union PAIN0802-007 2025-06-01 | $37.65 | $21.17 | $58.82 | WI20260014 |
| Calumet | Union PAIN0802-008 2025-06-01 | $37.65 | $21.17 | $58.82 | WI20260016 |
| Dane | Union PAIN0802-001 2025-06-01 | $37.65 | $21.17 | $58.82 | WI20260005 |
| Marathon | Union PAIN0802-005 2025-06-01 | $37.65 | $21.17 | $58.82 | WI20260002 |
| Outagamie | Union PAIN0802-008 2025-06-01 | $37.65 | $21.17 | $58.82 | WI20260016 |
| Rock | Union PAIN0802-001 2025-06-01 | $37.65 | $21.17 | $58.82 | WI20260012 |
| Sheboygan | Union PAIN0802-008 2025-06-01 | $37.65 | $21.17 | $58.82 | WI20260016 |
| Winnebago | Union PAIN0802-008 2025-06-01 | $37.65 | $21.17 | $58.82 | WI20260016 |
| La Crosse | Union PAIN0259-005 2017-05-01 | $22.99 | $13.29 | $36.28 | WI20260003 |
| Chippewa | Union PAIN0259-001 2008-05-01 | $24.11 | $12.15 | $36.26 | WI20260006 |
| Eau Claire | Union PAIN0259-001 2008-05-01 | $24.11 | $12.15 | $36.26 | WI20260006 |
| Pierce | Union PAIN0259-001 2008-05-01 | $24.11 | $12.15 | $36.26 | WI20260013 |
| St. Croix | Union PAIN0259-001 2008-05-01 | $24.11 | $12.15 | $36.26 | WI20260013 |
| Adams | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Ashland | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Barron | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Bayfield | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Buffalo | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Burnett | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Clark | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Columbia | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Crawford | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Dodge | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Door | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Dunn | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Florence | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Fond du Lac | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Forest | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Grant | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Green | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Green Lake | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Iowa | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Iron | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Jackson | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Jefferson | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Juneau | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Kewaunee | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Lafayette | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Langlade | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Lincoln | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Manitowoc | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Marinette | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Marquette | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Menominee | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Monroe | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Oconto | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Oneida | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Pepin | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Polk | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Portage | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Price | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Richland | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Rusk | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Sauk | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Sawyer | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Shawano | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Taylor | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Trempealeau | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Vernon | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Vilas | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Walworth | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Washburn | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Waupaca | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Waushara | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
| Wood | Survey SUWI2002-001 2002-01-23 | $13.72 | $2.25 | $15.97 | WI20260011 |
Building construction type, current revisions as of 2026-09-28. Residential, Heavy and Highway rates differ; look them up on the Wisconsin prevailing wage page. This is not the official wage determination.
Is construction work growing in Wisconsin?
167.3kConstruction jobsWisconsin, 2026-08
+7.5%Change over 12 monthsseasonally unadjusted
Keep comparing
Painter pay in neighbouring states
Other trades in Wisconsin
Questions this page answers
How much do painters make in Wisconsin?
The median painter in Wisconsin earned $24.08 an hour ($50,090 a year) in May 2025, 1% above the national median of $23.75. The middle half earn $22.42–$28.89; the top 10% earn more than $36.08.
Where does Wisconsin rank for painter pay?
Wisconsin ranks 23rd of 51 states for painter pay, with a median of $24.08 an hour, and 25th after adjusting for Wisconsin's cost of living (BEA price parity 94.1, US = 100).
What is the union painter rate in Wisconsin?
Davis-Bacon determinations list a union contract rate for painters in 20 counties, with a typical package of $58.82 an hour including fringe benefits; see the county table above.
How many painters work in Wisconsin?
BLS counted 3,350 painters, construction and maintenance in Wisconsin in May 2025, 1.1 per 1,000 jobs (location quotient 0.79; 1.0 is the national average concentration).
Sources and notes
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Wisconsin and metro areas, SOC 47-2141.
- BLS Current Employment Statistics, state construction employment through 2026-08.
- BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2025 annual averages.
- BEA Regional Price Parities (cost-of-living adjustment).
- SAM.gov Davis-Bacon wage determinations, current revisions as of 2026-09-28. Not the official determination.