{ "slug": "painting", "name": "Painting & Wall Finishing", "in_level_book": true, "scores": { "resilience": 64.2, "leverage": 74.3, "trade_ai_score": 69.3, "quadrant": "under-pressure", "quadrant_label": "Under Pressure", "quadrant_desc": "Exposed and slow to gain from AI. Differentiate on service and lock-in, fast.", "resilience_rel": 0, "leverage_rel": 12 }, "subscores": { "resilience": { "physical_core": 86, "disintermediation": 58, "entry_barrier": 46, "switching_cost": 52 }, "leverage": { "coordination_drag": 76, "operating_leverage": 82, "revenue_expansion": 66, "data_amplification": 70 }, "basis": "Physical, but lowest entry barrier and lock-in of the set. Commercial vs residential margin gap + job costing = operating-leverage upside. A vertical Level works in." }, "research": { "wages_detail": { "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.94, "median_hourly_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_hourly_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "median_hourly_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "median_annual_wage_usd": 47700, "median_annual_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_annual_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "median_annual_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "pct25_hourly_wage_usd": 18.74, "pct25_hourly_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "pct25_hourly_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "pct25_hourly_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "pct75_hourly_wage_usd": 28.6, "pct75_hourly_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "pct75_hourly_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "pct75_hourly_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "pct90_hourly_wage_usd": 36.55, "pct90_hourly_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "pct90_hourly_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "pct90_hourly_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "pct10_hourly_wage_usd": 17.1, "pct10_hourly_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "pct10_hourly_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "pct10_hourly_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "wage_data_year": "2023", "median_hourly_wage_usd_source_access": "url", "median_annual_wage_usd_source_access": "url", "pct25_hourly_wage_usd_source_access": "url", "pct75_hourly_wage_usd_source_access": "url", "pct90_hourly_wage_usd_source_access": "url", "pct10_hourly_wage_usd_source_access": "url" }, "employment": { "us_employment": 342200, "us_employment_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/painters-construction-and-maintenance.htm)", "us_employment_research_pass_count": 6, "us_employment_confidence": "high-primary", "projected_10yr_growth_pct": 4, "projected_10yr_growth_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/painters-construction-and-maintenance.htm)", "projected_10yr_growth_pct_research_pass_count": 6, "projected_10yr_growth_pct_confidence": "high-primary", "annual_openings": 28100, "annual_openings_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/painters-construction-and-maintenance.htm)", "annual_openings_research_pass_count": 6, "annual_openings_confidence": "high-primary", "projected_10yr_net_change": 13000, "projected_10yr_net_change_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/painters-construction-and-maintenance.htm)", "projected_10yr_net_change_research_pass_count": 6, "projected_10yr_net_change_confidence": "high-primary", "us_employment_year": "2024", "us_employment_source_access": "url", "projected_10yr_growth_pct_source_access": "url", "annual_openings_source_access": "url", "projected_10yr_net_change_source_access": "url" }, "labor_shortage": { "unfilled_openings": 28100, "unfilled_openings_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook: Painters, Construction and Maintenance (2025 release), https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/painters-construction-and-maintenance.htm", "unfilled_openings_research_pass_count": 6, "unfilled_openings_confidence": "high-primary", "vacancy_rate_pct": 3.5, "vacancy_rate_pct_source": "Home Builders Institute (HBI), Construction Labor Market Report (Fall 2025), https://hbi.org", "vacancy_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "vacancy_rate_pct_confidence": "high", "unfilled_openings_year": "2025", "shortage_note": "The U.S. construction industry needs to attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers in 2026 and 456,000 in 2027 on top of normal hiring to satisfy labor demand and offset retirements across trades.", "shortage_note_source": "Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), 2026 Construction Workforce Shortage Model (2026), https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/01/15/3220027/0/en/ABC-Construction-Industry-Must-Attract-349-000-Workers-in-2026-Despite-Macroeconomic-Headwinds.html", "vacancy_rate_pct_shared_across": 7, "vacancy_rate_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 7 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "unfilled_openings_source_access": "url", "vacancy_rate_pct_source_access": "url", "shortage_note_source_access": "url" }, "workforce_aging": { "median_worker_age": 43.1, "median_worker_age_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, Household Data Annual Averages Table 11b (Employed persons by detailed occupation and age), https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11b.htm", "median_worker_age_research_pass_count": 5, "median_worker_age_confidence": "high-primary", "pct_over_55": 24.7, "pct_over_55_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, Household Data Annual Averages Table 11b (Employed persons by detailed occupation and age), https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11b.htm", "pct_over_55_research_pass_count": 5, "pct_over_55_confidence": "med", "median_worker_age_year": "2025", "retirement_note": "According to research by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), approximately 41 percent of the current U.S. construction workforce is projected to retire by 2031.", "retirement_note_source": "National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), 2025, https://www.nccer.org/newsroom/how-apprenticeships-empower-adult-learners-and-bridge-the-construction-workforce-gap", "median_worker_age_source_access": "url", "pct_over_55_source_access": "url", "retirement_note_source_access": "url" }, "training_pipeline": { "apprenticeship_enrollment": 3945, "apprenticeship_enrollment_source": "U.S. Department of Labor RAPIDS Data / Institute for Women's Policy Research", "apprenticeship_enrollment_research_pass_count": 5, "apprenticeship_enrollment_confidence": "med", "annual_completions": 436, "annual_completions_source": "U.S. Department of Labor RAPIDS Data / Institute for Women's Policy Research", "annual_completions_research_pass_count": 2, "annual_completions_confidence": "adjudicated", "apprenticeship_enrollment_year": "2023", "pipeline_gap_note": "The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 28,100 average annual job openings for Painters, Construction and Maintenance from 2024 to 2034, whereas USDOL Registered Apprenticeships produce only 436 completions per year, demonstrating a severe pipeline gap where over 98% of new industry entrants are supplied outside formal registered apprenticeship channels.", "pipeline_gap_note_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Painters, Construction and Maintenance (2025), https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/painters-construction-and-maintenance.htm", "apprenticeship_enrollment_source_access": "citation-text-only", "annual_completions_source_access": "citation-text-only", "pipeline_gap_note_source_access": "url" }, "immigration_reliance": { "pct_foreign_born": 53, "pct_foreign_born_source": "National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2024 Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS)", "pct_foreign_born_research_pass_count": 5, "pct_foreign_born_confidence": "high", "pct_foreign_born_year": "2024", "visa_dependence_note": "The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) does not collect legal immigration status or specific visa types. In practice, painting contractors can utilize the Department of Labor H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa Program for seasonal or peak-load staffing. However, industry research indicates that temporary guest worker visa programs are strictly capped (66,000 standard annual cap) and limited to temporary needs, meaning the high foreign-born share in painting and trade crafts relies predominantly on lawful permanent residents, naturalized citizens, and undocumented workers.", "visa_dependence_note_source": "U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Program, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-2b", "pct_foreign_born_source_access": "citation-text-only", "visa_dependence_note_source_access": "url" }, "unionization": { "union_membership_pct": 8.9, "union_membership_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Current Population Survey (CPS) / Unionstats.com (https://www.bls.gov/cps/ and https://www.unionstats.com)", "union_membership_pct_research_pass_count": 6, "union_membership_pct_confidence": "med", "union_membership_year": "2023", "prevailing_wage_note": "Under the federal Davis-Bacon Act and state prevailing wage laws, all federal and federally assisted construction, alteration, or repair contracts over $2,000, specifically including painting and decorating, must pay local prevailing wages and fringe benefits, which are routinely tied to International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) collective bargaining agreements.", "prevailing_wage_note_source": "U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division - Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, 2024", "union_membership_pct_source_access": "url", "prevailing_wage_note_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "licensing": { "states_requiring_license": 27, "states_requiring_license_source": "Institute for Justice, License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing (3rd Edition), https://ij.org/report/license-to-work-3/ltw3-occupations/painting-contractor-residential", "states_requiring_license_research_pass_count": 5, "states_requiring_license_confidence": "adjudicated", "states_requiring_license_year": "2026", "bonding_note": "Surety bond requirements for licensed painting contractors typically range from $4,250 to $25,000 depending on the state (e.g., California CSLB mandates a $25,000 contractor bond, Arizona ROC requires $4,250, and Arkansas requires $10,000). States also routinely require proof of general liability insurance (commonly between $300,000 and $500,000 per occurrence) and workers' compensation coverage.", "bonding_note_source": "California Contractors State License Board (2023, https://www.cslb.ca.gov) and Next Insurance Painting Contractor Licensing Guide (2026, https://www.nextinsurance.com)", "reciprocity_note": "Painting contractor license reciprocity is not automatic or nationwide. While 15 to 16 states accept the NASCLA Accredited Examination to satisfy trade examination requirements for commercial building categories, specialty trade reciprocity relies on bilateral state agreements (e.g., California CSLB maintains trade exam reciprocity with Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and Utah).", "reciprocity_note_source": "California Contractors State License Board (2025, https://www.cslb.ca.gov) and National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (2025, https://www.nascla.org)", "states_requiring_license_source_access": "url", "bonding_note_source_access": "url", "reciprocity_note_source_access": "url" }, "market_size": { "market_size_usd": 49000000000, "market_size_usd_source": "IBISWorld - Painters in the US Industry Report (2026), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/painters-industry", "market_size_usd_research_pass_count": 5, "market_size_usd_confidence": "low", "cagr_pct": 2.2, "cagr_pct_source": "IBISWorld - Painters in the US Industry Report (2026), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/painters-industry", "cagr_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "cagr_pct_confidence": "low", "market_size_usd_year": "2026", "cagr_forecast_window": "2021-2026", "cagr_forecast_window_source": "IBISWorld - Painters in the US Industry Report (2026), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/painters-industry", "market_size_usd_source_access": "url", "cagr_pct_source_access": "url", "cagr_forecast_window_source_access": "url" }, "firm_counts": { "num_establishments": 37963, "num_establishments_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/econ/susb/2022-susb-annual.html", "num_establishments_research_pass_count": 6, "num_establishments_confidence": "high-primary", "num_firms": 37830, "num_firms_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), 2022, https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/econ/susb/2022-susb-annual.html", "num_firms_research_pass_count": 6, "num_firms_confidence": "high-primary", "avg_employees_per_firm": 5.23, "avg_employees_per_firm_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), 2022, https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/econ/susb/2022-susb-annual.html", "avg_employees_per_firm_research_pass_count": 6, "avg_employees_per_firm_confidence": "high-primary", "num_establishments_year": "2022", "num_establishments_source_access": "url", "num_firms_source_access": "url", "avg_employees_per_firm_source_access": "url" }, "firm_size_dist": { "pct_firms_under_1m": 88.8, "pct_firms_under_1m_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2017 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB) Annual Data Tables by Enterprise Receipt Size (https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/susb/tables/2017/us_6digitnaics_rcptsize_2017.xlsx)", "pct_firms_under_1m_research_pass_count": 1, "pct_firms_under_1m_confidence": "low", "pct_firms_1m_5m": 9.8, "pct_firms_1m_5m_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2017 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB) Annual Data Tables by Enterprise Receipt Size (https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/susb/tables/2017/us_6digitnaics_rcptsize_2017.xlsx)", "pct_firms_1m_5m_research_pass_count": 1, "pct_firms_1m_5m_confidence": "low", "pct_firms_5m_20m": 1.2, "pct_firms_5m_20m_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2017 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB) Annual Data Tables by Enterprise Receipt Size (https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/susb/tables/2017/us_6digitnaics_rcptsize_2017.xlsx)", "pct_firms_5m_20m_research_pass_count": 1, "pct_firms_5m_20m_confidence": "low", "pct_firms_over_20m": 0.2, "pct_firms_over_20m_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2017 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB) Annual Data Tables by Enterprise Receipt Size (https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/susb/tables/2017/us_6digitnaics_rcptsize_2017.xlsx)", "pct_firms_over_20m_research_pass_count": 1, "pct_firms_over_20m_confidence": "low", "pct_nonemployer": 79, "pct_nonemployer_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Nonemployer Statistics, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/nonemployer-statistics.html", "pct_nonemployer_research_pass_count": 3, "pct_nonemployer_confidence": "high", "size_dist_year": "2017", "pct_firms_under_1m_source_access": "url", "pct_firms_1m_5m_source_access": "url", "pct_firms_5m_20m_source_access": "url", "pct_firms_over_20m_source_access": "url", "pct_nonemployer_source_access": "url" }, "fragmentation": { "top4_firm_share_pct": 6.9, "top4_firm_share_pct_source": "U.S. Small Business Administration, 'Small Business Size Standards: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting; Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction; Utilities; Construction', Proposed Rule, 85 FR 62239 (October 2, 2020), Table 4 'Size Standards Supported by Each Factor for Each Industry (Receipts)' at 85 FR 62248, column (6) headed 'Four-firm ratio (%)', row NAICS 238320 Painting and Wall Covering Contractors. Derived by SBA from the U.S. Census Bureau special tabulation of the 2012 Economic Census. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/02/2020-21589/small-business-size-standards-agriculture-forestry-fishing-and-hunting-mining-quarrying-and-oil", "top4_firm_share_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "top4_firm_share_pct_confidence": "high-primary", "mom_and_pop_share_note": "Firms with fewer than 20 employees account for 95.6% of employer businesses in NAICS 238320, and operators with under $1M in annual revenue comprise 89% of all industry firms.", "mom_and_pop_share_note_source": "CT Acquisitions, 'Industry Fragmentation League Table 2026', analyzing U.S. Census Bureau Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB) 2022 data (2026), https://www.ctacquisitions.com/sourcing/industry-fragmentation-league-table-2026", "concentration_year": "2022", "top4_firm_share_pct_source_access": "url", "mom_and_pop_share_note_source_access": "url" }, "franchise_pen": { "franchise_penetration_pct": 28.5, "franchise_penetration_pct_derived": true, "franchise_penetration_pct_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 1 cited research input: IBISWorld / U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns (via CT Acquisitions, 'The Painting Acquisition Market: What Buyers Need to Know')", "franchise_penetration_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "franchise_penetration_pct_confidence": "med", "franchise_penetration_year": "2025", "franchise_penetration_pct_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "formation_rate": { "annual_new_firm_formation": 13846, "annual_new_firm_formation_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS) - https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/bds.html", "annual_new_firm_formation_research_pass_count": 4, "annual_new_firm_formation_confidence": "low", "annual_closure_rate_pct": 12, "annual_closure_rate_pct_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS) - https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/bds.html", "annual_closure_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 4, "annual_closure_rate_pct_confidence": "high-primary", "survival_5yr_pct": 49.4, "survival_5yr_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business Employment Dynamics (BED), NAICS 2383 Building Finishing Contractors, https://www.bls.gov/bdm/bdmage.htm", "survival_5yr_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "survival_5yr_pct_confidence": "high-primary", "annual_new_firm_formation_year": "2023", "annual_new_firm_formation_source_access": "url", "annual_closure_rate_pct_source_access": "url", "survival_5yr_pct_source_access": "url" }, "margins": { "gross_margin_pct": 40, "gross_margin_pct_source": "Painting Contractors Association (PCA) - Maximize Profitability in Your Contracting Business (2024):", "gross_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "gross_margin_pct_confidence": "med", "operating_margin_pct": 7.1, "operating_margin_pct_source": "CFMA Construction Financial Benchmarker, 2024, https://cfma.org", "operating_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "operating_margin_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "margin_year": "2024", "operating_margin_pct_shared_across": 14, "operating_margin_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 14 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "gross_margin_pct_source_access": "citation-text-only", "operating_margin_pct_source_access": "url" }, "cost_structure": { "labor_pct_of_revenue": 18, "labor_pct_of_revenue_source": "IBISWorld Industry Report 23832: Painters in the US (2024), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/painters-industry", "labor_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 3, "labor_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "med", "materials_pct_of_revenue": 15, "materials_pct_of_revenue_source": "U.S. Census Bureau 2022 Economic Census (NAICS 238320 - Painting and Wall Covering Contractors), https://www.census.gov", "materials_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 3, "materials_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "adjudicated", "sga_overhead_pct": 11.8, "sga_overhead_pct_source": "CFMA 2025 Construction Financial Benchmarker (Specialty Trade Contractors) - https://cfma.org", "sga_overhead_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "sga_overhead_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "cost_structure_year": "2024", "sga_overhead_pct_shared_across": 5, "sga_overhead_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 5 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "labor_pct_of_revenue_shared_across": 4, "labor_pct_of_revenue_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 4 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "labor_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "materials_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "sga_overhead_pct_source_access": "url" }, "productivity": { "revenue_per_employee_usd": 129078, "revenue_per_employee_usd_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Economic Census (NAICS 238320 - Painting and Wall Covering Contractors), https://www.census.gov", "revenue_per_employee_usd_research_pass_count": 5, "revenue_per_employee_usd_confidence": "med", "gross_profit_per_labor_hour_usd": 79.49, "gross_profit_per_labor_hour_usd_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Economic Census, Table EC2223BASIC, 2022, https://data.census.gov", "gross_profit_per_labor_hour_usd_research_pass_count": 1, "gross_profit_per_labor_hour_usd_confidence": "low", "billable_utilization_pct": 65, "billable_utilization_pct_source": "Painting Contractors Association (PCA), Industry Benchmarks Report, 2023, https://www.pcapainted.org", "billable_utilization_pct_research_pass_count": 2, "billable_utilization_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "productivity_year": "2022", "billable_utilization_pct_shared_across": 7, "billable_utilization_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 7 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "revenue_per_employee_usd_source_access": "url", "gross_profit_per_labor_hour_usd_source_access": "url", "billable_utilization_pct_source_access": "url" }, "seasonality_econ": { "peak_period_note": "Revenue and demand for painting and wall finishing contracting traditionally peak during the second and third quarters (Q2 and Q3), corresponding to the spring and summer months. This period coincides with peak activity in residential home improvement, exterior maintenance, and commercial and residential construction.", "peak_period_note_source": "The Sherwin-Williams Company 2024 Form 10-K (Item 1: Business - Seasonality), 2025, https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/89800/000008980025000008/shw-20241231.htm", "cyclicality_note": "The industry is highly sensitive to macroeconomic cycles, including trends in housing starts, residential remodeling/repaint activity, commercial construction, and interest rates. Additionally, demand is vulnerable to weather conditions, where unusually cold or rainy periods reduce exterior painting activity, and broader economic downturns can alter typical seasonal spending patterns.", "cyclicality_note_source": "The Sherwin-Williams Company 2024 Form 10-K (Item 1: Business - Seasonality & Item 1A: Risk Factors), 2025, https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/89800/000008980025000008/shw-20241231.htm", "peak_period_note_source_access": "url", "cyclicality_note_source_access": "url" }, "cash_cycle_detail": { "dso_days": 56.9, "dso_days_source": "Forbes (Sageworks Industry Data), 2017, (cross-checked against CFMA 2025 Construction Financial Benchmarker reporting 55.2 AR days for Specialty Trade Contractors, https://cfma.org/)", "dso_days_research_pass_count": 3, "dso_days_confidence": "low", "dpo_days": 32.9, "dpo_days_source": "APi Group Corporation 2024 Form 10-K (SEC EDGAR, 2024, https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch)", "dpo_days_research_pass_count": 3, "dpo_days_confidence": "med", "cash_conversion_cycle_days": 31.3, "cash_conversion_cycle_days_source": "Forbes (Sageworks Industry Data), 2017, (computed as DSO minus DPO: 56.9 - 25.6)", "cash_conversion_cycle_days_research_pass_count": 3, "cash_conversion_cycle_days_confidence": "adjudicated", "cash_cycle_year": "2024", "dso_days_source_access": "url", "dpo_days_source_access": "url", "cash_conversion_cycle_days_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "retainage_liens": { "payment_dispute_pct": 25, "payment_dispute_pct_source": "Rabbet, Construction Payments Report (2024), https://info.rabbet.com/construction-payments-report", "payment_dispute_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "payment_dispute_pct_confidence": "low", "retainage_year": "2024", "payment_dispute_pct_source_access": "url" }, "bad_debt": { "bad_debt_write_off_pct": 1.8, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_source": "IBISWorld, 2023, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/painting-wall-covering-contractors-industry", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_research_pass_count": 2, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_confidence": "high", "bad_debt_year": "2023", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_source_access": "url" }, "ai_task_breakdown": { "pct_cognitive_backoffice_work": 25, "pct_cognitive_backoffice_work_source": "O*NET Work Activity Task Content Analysis (Journal of Applied Psychology / Singapore Management University, 2010), https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/2564", "pct_cognitive_backoffice_work_research_pass_count": 5, "pct_cognitive_backoffice_work_confidence": "adjudicated", "task_breakdown_note": "According to O*NET OnLine work-activity data for Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141.00), work time is heavily dominated by physical on-site labor, including preparing surfaces (sanding, scraping, patching), applying paint/finishes with brushes, rollers, or sprayers, erecting scaffolding, and mixing compounds. Cognitive, coordination, and administrative back-office tasks make up the remaining share of work time, consisting of reading work orders, reviewing blueprints and specifications, calculating surface areas, estimating material requirements and project costs, ordering supplies, and communicating with customers or site supervisors. McKinsey & Company (2024) research highlights that while up to 39% of nonphysical AEC industry workflows (estimating, bid analysis, invoicing) are automatable by AI, core physical jobsite labor remains highly resilient to automation due to spatial unpredictability.", "task_breakdown_note_source": "O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor, '47-2141.00 - Painters, Construction and Maintenance' (2026), https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2141.00; McKinsey & Company, 'How AI is Reshaping the Future of the AEC Industry' (2024), https://www.mckinsey.com", "ai_resistant_work": "Physical on-site tasks requiring human dexterity, tactile sensitivity, and real-time spatial adaptability remain heavily resistant to AI and robotics. Key hard-to-automate tasks include fine edge cutting along ceilings, baseboards, and door frames, intricate surface preparation (scraping peeling paint, patching plaster cracks, caulking trim, and detailed sanding), spot surface repair, substrate evaluation, color-matching weathered surfaces, and maneuvering in tight, occupied, or irregular residential spaces filled with furniture and obstacles.", "ai_resistant_work_source": "Tech Briefs, 2025, https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/52219-drywall-finishing-robots-accelerate-construction-schedules | Architect Magazine, 2025, https://www.architectmagazine.com | Painting Contractors Association, 2025, https://www.pcapainted.org", "ai_resistant_work_confidence": "low", "automatable_work": "Back-office, sales, and pre-construction coordination tasks are highly automatable using AI. Key automatable areas include: (1) automated blueprint takeoffs using AI vision software to instantly calculate wall/ceiling square footage, trim lengths, and door/window deductions; (2) photo-based estimating systems that estimate material needs and labor hours from job-site images; (3) 24/7 client intake, AI phone/chat agents, and self-service appointment scheduling connected directly to contractor calendars; and (4) automated proposal generation and follow-up communication campaigns.", "automatable_work_source": "Tech Briefs, 2025, https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/52219-drywall-finishing-robots-accelerate-construction-schedules | Architect Magazine, 2025, https://www.architectmagazine.com | Painting Contractors Association, 2025, https://www.pcapainted.org", "automatable_work_confidence": "low", "pct_cognitive_backoffice_work_source_access": "url", "task_breakdown_note_source_access": "url", "ai_resistant_work_source_access": "url", "automatable_work_source_access": "url" }, "automation_physical": { "sources": [ "Tech Briefs (2025) - Drywall Finishing Robots Accelerate Construction Schedules: https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/53238-drywall-finishing-robots-accelerate-construction-schedules", "Engineering News-Record (ENR) (2024) - Repetition Drives Construction Robotics Adoption: https://www.enr.com/articles/59124-repetition-drives-construction-robotics-adoption", "Engineering News-Record (ENR) (2022) - Canvas Drywall Finishing Robot Takes the Strain Out of Trades: https://www.enr.com/articles/53412-canvas-drywall-finishing-robot-takes-the-strain-out-of-trades", "McKinsey & Company (2025) - Humanoid robots in the construction industry: A future vision: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/capital-projects-and-infrastructure/our-insights/humanoid-robots-in-the-construction-industry-a-future-vision", "Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) (2024) - Robotic Painting Startup PaintJet Raises $10 Million in Funding: https://www.ampp.org/news/articles/2024/01/robotic-painting-startup-paintjet-raises-10-million-in-funding", "Construction Briefing (2025) - Testing McKinsey's assumptions on construction humanoids: https://www.constructionbriefing.com/news/testing-mckinsey-s-assumptions-on-construction-humanoids/8048685.article", "Construction Dive (2021) - Startup Canvas uses robots for jobsite drywall finishing:", "Bluebeam (2025) - From Four Years to Four Months: Drywall Robotics in Construction: https://www.bluebeam.com", "Brookings Institution (2019) - Automation and Artificial Intelligence: How machines are affecting people and places:" ] }, "fsm_software": { "fsm_adoption_pct": 48, "fsm_adoption_pct_derived": true, "fsm_adoption_pct_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 2 cited research inputs: L.E.K. Consulting, 2023 | Dodge Construction Network / Procore (2022), 'Top Business Issues for Specialty Contractors Report' (vendor-published industry report; software-adoption evidence, not independent benchmark research)", "fsm_adoption_pct_research_pass_count": 2, "fsm_adoption_pct_confidence": "med", "dominant_fsm_software": "Jobber", "dominant_fsm_software_source": "Service Business Academy, 2026, https://servicebusinessacademy.org", "fsm_adoption_year": "2023", "fsm_adoption_pct_source_access": "citation-text-only", "dominant_fsm_software_source_access": "url" }, "accounting_tech": { "common_accounting_software": "US painting and wall finishing contractors predominantly utilize QuickBooks (Online and Desktop) for small-to-midsize operations, alongside specialized construction accounting and ERP systems such as Sage (Sage 100 Contractor and Sage 300 CRE), Viewpoint (Vista and Spectrum), Foundation Software, and ComputerEase. Industry benchmark surveys show Sage (21%), Viewpoint (17%), and QuickBooks (7%) leading overall contractor market adoption, with QuickBooks serving as the primary accounting engine for specialty trade contractors doing under $3M in annual revenue.", "common_accounting_software_source": "JBKnowledge Annual Construction Technology Report (2020/2021), https://jbknowledge.com/report ; ForConstructionPros / IronMarkets (2020), https://www.forconstructionpros.com/construction-technology/article/21111666/most-popular-construction-accounting-erp-software", "common_accounting_software_source_access": "url" }, "ai_adoption": { "ai_adoption_rate_pct": 38, "ai_adoption_rate_pct_source": "Houzz, 2025 U.S. Houzz State of AI in Construction and Design Report, 2025, https://www.houzz.com", "ai_adoption_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 2, "ai_adoption_rate_pct_confidence": "med", "ai_adoption_year": "2025", "use_cases": "Automated preconstruction blueprint takeoffs and wall surface area measurement; photo-to-estimate calculation; automated customer follow-ups and CRM lead messaging; walkthrough meeting transcription; and AI-generated proposal writing and marketing content.", "use_cases_source": "American Painting Contractor, 2025, https://www.paintmag.com", "adoption_examples": "Documented AI and automation adoption examples in the trade include: (1) Canvas, which utilizes Universal Robots cobot arms for semi-autonomous drywall finishing, reducing Level 4/5 spraying and sanding schedules from 5-7 days down to 2 days while capturing 99.9% of dust; (2) PaintJet, which deploys lift-mounted modular robots equipped with computer vision to scan and spray-paint large commercial and industrial building facades up to 25% faster; and (3) Togal.AI (a Painting Contractors Association partner), which uses AI computer vision software to automatically extract painting scope, finish schedules, and surface area quantities from construction blueprints.", "adoption_examples_source": "Tech Briefs, 2025, https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/52219-drywall-finishing-robots-accelerate-construction-schedules | Architect Magazine, 2025, https://www.architectmagazine.com | Painting Contractors Association, 2025, https://www.pcapainted.org", "adoption_examples_confidence": "low", "ai_adoption_rate_pct_source_access": "url", "use_cases_source_access": "url", "adoption_examples_source_access": "url" }, "leadgen_platforms": { "marketplace_penetration_pct": 1.5, "marketplace_penetration_pct_source": "Angi Inc. Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript, 2026, https://www.fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/05/06/angi-angi-q1-2026-earnings-call-transcript", "marketplace_penetration_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "marketplace_penetration_pct_confidence": "med", "platform_take_rate_pct": 10, "platform_take_rate_pct_source": "Angi Inc. Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript, 2026, https://www.fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/05/06/angi-angi-q1-2026-earnings-call-transcript", "platform_take_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "platform_take_rate_pct_confidence": "high", "platforms_note": "For painting contractors, lead generation marketplace costs typically range from $15 to $85 per lead on Angi/HomeAdvisor and $15 to $80 per lead on Thumbtack, with shared leads distributed to 3 to 5 contractors per request.", "platforms_note_source": "Paintviz, 2026, https://paintviz.com/blog/painting-contractor-lead-costs", "marketplace_penetration_pct_shared_across": 11, "marketplace_penetration_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 11 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "platform_take_rate_pct_shared_across": 13, "platform_take_rate_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 13 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "marketplace_penetration_pct_source_access": "url", "platform_take_rate_pct_source_access": "url", "platforms_note_source_access": "url" }, "acquisition_mix": { "pct_referral": 59, "pct_referral_source": "2023 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, Houzz, 2023, https://www.houzz.com", "pct_referral_research_pass_count": 4, "pct_referral_confidence": "med", "pct_digital": 38, "pct_digital_source": "2023 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, Houzz, 2023, https://www.houzz.com", "pct_digital_research_pass_count": 3, "pct_digital_confidence": "med", "pct_marketplace": 23, "pct_marketplace_derived": true, "pct_marketplace_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 2 cited research inputs: rudys.ai (Home Services Marketing Report), 2025, https://rudys.ai/contractor-website-statistics | Home Services Marketing Report, 2025, https://rudys.ai", "pct_marketplace_research_pass_count": 2, "pct_marketplace_confidence": "low", "pct_repeat": 30, "pct_repeat_source": "2023 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, Houzz, 2023, https://www.houzz.com", "pct_repeat_research_pass_count": 4, "pct_repeat_confidence": "low", "acquisition_year": "2025", "pct_referral_source_access": "url", "pct_digital_source_access": "url", "pct_marketplace_source_access": "url", "pct_repeat_source_access": "url" }, "insurance_warranty": { "home_warranty_penetration_pct": 5.5, "home_warranty_penetration_pct_derived": true, "home_warranty_penetration_pct_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 2 cited research inputs: Frontdoor, Inc. Form 10-K (2024, https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1725430/000172543025000008/ftdr-20241231.htm); cross-checked with ConsumerAffairs Home Warranty Industry Statistics (2024) | ConsumerAffairs, 2024", "home_warranty_penetration_pct_research_pass_count": 6, "home_warranty_penetration_pct_confidence": "med", "intermediation_note": "Standard home warranties explicitly exclude standalone cosmetic painting, surface re-decoration, and wall finishing, covering wall repair and repainting only secondarily under water damage or builder structural claims (such as 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty). When work flows through home warranty or insurance intermediation, the warranty provider or carrier directly controls the customer relationship by intaking service requests, collecting trade service call fees, setting pre-approved contractor rates, and routing jobs through a preferred contractor network.", "intermediation_note_source": "American Home Shield (Frontdoor, Inc.) Home Warranty Coverage & Exclusions Guide (2025), https://www.ahs.com/ and Frontdoor, Inc., Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (published February 2026), https://www.sec.gov", "home_warranty_penetration_pct_source_access": "url", "intermediation_note_source_access": "url" }, "recurring_mix": { "recurring_revenue_pct": 25, "recurring_revenue_pct_source": "CT Acquisitions, 2026", "recurring_revenue_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "recurring_revenue_pct_confidence": "med", "recurring_note": "Unlike equipment-focused specialty trades (e.g., HVAC or plumbing) that rely on consumer maintenance plans, painting and wall finishing is primarily a project-based trade. Recurring revenue in this sector is driven almost exclusively by B2B/commercial contracts, including multi-year HOA exterior repainting programs, property management unit turnover agreements, and commercial facility maintenance programs.", "recurring_note_source": "Painting Contractors Association (PCA), 2025, https://pcapainted.org / CT Acquisitions, 2026", "recurring_revenue_pct_source_access": "citation-text-only", "recurring_note_source_access": "url" }, "contract_terms": { "typical_contract_length_months": 12, "typical_contract_length_months_source": "FirstService Corporation Annual Information Form for the Year Ended December 31, 2024, 2025, https://www.firstservice.com (discloses that recurring commercial and residential service contracts across its property services division, which includes CertaPro Painters, typically range in duration from 1 to 3 years / 12 to 36 months)", "typical_contract_length_months_research_pass_count": 3, "typical_contract_length_months_confidence": "high", "renewal_rate_pct": 70, "renewal_rate_pct_source": "Dealstream Painting Business Valuation & Operations Guide (2025), https://dealstream.com; cross-checked with Pulse RevOps Commercial Trade Metrics (2026), https://pulserevops.com (citing median commercial contract auto-renewal and retention rates of 65%-75%).", "renewal_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "renewal_rate_pct_confidence": "med", "stickiness_note": "Contracts have high customer tenure and stickiness driven by recurring property service needs and brand trust, but contract lock-in is low as agreements are typically cancellable by either party with 30 to 90 days' notice.", "stickiness_note_source": "FirstService Corporation Annual Information Form for the Year Ended December 31, 2024, 2025, https://www.firstservice.com", "typical_contract_length_months_shared_across": 8, "typical_contract_length_months_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 8 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "typical_contract_length_months_source_access": "url", "renewal_rate_pct_source_access": "url", "stickiness_note_source_access": "url" }, "cross_sell": { "upsell_attach_pct": 28, "upsell_attach_pct_derived": true, "upsell_attach_pct_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 2 cited research inputs: Sheets.market - Painting Contractor Operational Benchmarks & Upsell Playbook, 2026, https://sheets.market | Painting Contractors Association (PCA) Benchmarks / FacadeColorizer (2026)", "upsell_attach_pct_research_pass_count": 2, "upsell_attach_pct_confidence": "low", "cross_sell_note": "In the US Painting & Wall Finishing trade, adjacent-service expansion norms focus on offering complementary surface prep, repair, and finishing work, most commonly cabinet refinishing, drywall repair, deck staining, power washing, and light carpentry, to increase revenue per project and capture greater share of wallet from existing residential and commercial clients.", "cross_sell_note_source": "FranChoice / Five Star Painting Franchise Expansion Guide, 2025", "upsell_attach_pct_source_access": "url", "cross_sell_note_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "capital_intensity": { "startup_cost_usd": 245750, "startup_cost_usd_source": "CertaPro Painters Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD Item 7), 2024", "startup_cost_usd_research_pass_count": 3, "startup_cost_usd_confidence": "med", "capex_pct_of_revenue": 3, "capex_pct_of_revenue_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 Capital Spending Report (Annual Capital Expenditures Survey data for NAICS 238320 Painting and Wall Covering Contractors), 2019, https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2019/econ/2019-csr.html", "capex_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 2, "capex_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "adjudicated", "equipment_note": "Capital assets primarily consist of a commercial work van or truck, airless paint sprayers, extension ladders, scaffolding, drop cloths, surface preparation tools, and safety gear. Most operations operate on a home-based or mobile model with low overhead, avoiding high real estate and facility expenditure.", "equipment_note_source": "CertaPro Painters Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD Item 7), 2024", "startup_cost_usd_source_access": "citation-text-only", "capex_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "equipment_note_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "regulatory_burden": { "permit_burden_note": "Painting and wall finishing contractors face strict federal oversight under the EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule (40 CFR Part 745, Subpart E). Any firm or sole proprietorship disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities must hold EPA firm certification and assign trained, certified renovators to the job. Compliance requires pre-renovation notice documentation, mandatory lead spot-testing, work-area containment using polyethylene sheeting, prohibition of high-dust dry sanding/scraping techniques, HEPA-vacuum cleaning verification, and record retention for at least 3 years. Additionally, large industrial coating operations face air permitting under Clean Air Act Title V if volatile organic compound (VOC) or hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions exceed major source thresholds.", "permit_burden_note_source": "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2026, https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program", "compliance_cost_note": "Direct compliance costs for painting contractors include a mandatory $300 EPA firm certification fee every five years, plus fees for initial 8-hour renovator training and refresher courses. Operating costs increase due to specialized job-site containment supplies, EPA-approved lead test kits, HEPA cleaning equipment, and administrative recordkeeping. Furthermore, under federal architectural coating regulations (40 CFR § 59.403), coating manufacturers and applicators utilizing alternative compliance mechanisms face a statutory exceedance fee rate of $0.0028 per gram ($1.27 per pound or $2,500 per ton) for emissions exceeding standard category VOC limits.", "compliance_cost_note_source": "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) / Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 2024, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-59/subpart-D/section-59.403", "regulatory_tailwind_note": "State energy efficiency mandates and municipal climate resilience codes are significant demand drivers for specialized liquid coating applications. Standards such as California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6), Florida Building Code C402.3, Georgia Energy Code, and ASHRAE 90.1 require cool roof coatings with certified solar reflectance and thermal emittance values on low-sloped commercial and residential structures to lower building cooling loads. Concurrently, regional air quality enforcement from bodies like the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD Rule 1113) drives continuous commercial retrofits using advanced low-VOC and zero-VOC high-performance coatings.", "regulatory_tailwind_note_source": "California Energy Commission / Energy Efficiency Solutions, 2025", "permit_burden_note_source_access": "url", "compliance_cost_note_source_access": "url", "regulatory_tailwind_note_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "data_assets": { "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct": 23.8, "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct_source": "JBKnowledge 2021 Construction Technology Report, 2021, https://jbknowledge.com/report", "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct_confidence": "med", "data_assets_note": "Painting and wall finishing contractors accumulate structured job, equipment, and environmental data, including: 1) Sprayer Telemetry: Fluid pressure (PSI), material volume sprayed (gallons/liters), pump runtime hours, motor cycle counts, spray tip wear, and GPS asset location collected via IoT-connected airless sprayers (e.g., Graco BlueLink/SmartControl); 2) Pre-construction & Estimating Data: 3D spatial laser scans, surface area square footage, texture profiles, and historical job costing/material consumption rates generated by smart takeoff tools (e.g., PaintScout, PlanSwift, Polycam); and 3) Environmental & Quality Data: Ambient temperature, relative humidity, dew point, surface moisture, and dry film thickness (DFT) logs required for coating cure verification and warranty compliance.", "data_assets_note_source": "American Painting Contractor (PaintMag), 2024", "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct_source_access": "url", "data_assets_note_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "consolidation": { "consolidation_activity": "The US painting and wall finishing trade is experiencing active private equity roll-up and consolidation intensity across both franchise systems and commercial/industrial coatings platforms [CT Acquisitions, 2026, https://www.ctacquisitions.com; Greenwich Capital Group, 2025, https://www.greenwichgp.com]. Representing an estimated $49 billion industry in the US, the trade is heavily fragmented, with approximately 75% of contractors employing four or fewer workers [CT Acquisitions, 2026, https://www.ctacquisitions.com]. PE sponsors and strategic accumulators actively execute roll-up playbooks to capitalize on multiple arbitrage, operational scale, back-office synergies, and cross-selling across residential and commercial property maintenance portfolios [CT Acquisitions, 2026, https://www.ctacquisitions.com; Capstone Partners, 2025, https://www.capstonepartners.com].", "consolidation_activity_source": "CT Acquisitions Painting Services M&A Guide (2026) [https://www.ctacquisitions.com]; Greenwich Capital Group Home & Commercial Services M&A Update (2025) [https://www.greenwichgp.com]; Capstone Partners Building Products & Construction Services M&A Report (2025) [https://www.capstonepartners.com].", "notable_platforms": "Notable public platforms and private equity-backed acquirers in the painting and wall finishing trade include: (1) FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSV), a public platform operating FirstService Brands, which owns CertaPro Painters, the largest residential and commercial painting franchise platform in North America, and routinely completes franchisee buybacks and bolt-on acquisitions [FirstService Corporation SEC Form 6-K Filing, 2026, https://www.sec.gov]; (2) Neighborly (backed by KKR), a multi-brand home services platform that owns Five Star Painting, operating 230+ franchised territories across North America [Entrepreneur / Neighborly FDD Report, 2022, https://www.entrepreneur.com]; (3) R.L. James Exteriors (backed by Hidden Harbor Capital Partners), a commercial painting and exterior restoration platform that acquired Paramount Painting & Services, LLC in February 2026 [Hidden Harbor Capital Partners Press Release, 2026, https://www.hh-cp.com]; (4) Premium Service Brands (backed by Susquehanna Private Capital), a multi-brand franchise platform operating 360° Painting [Business Wire / Susquehanna Private Capital Press Release, 2021, https://www.businesswire.com]; and (5) Pilot Painting (backed by Platt Park Capital Partners and Source Capital), a commercial painting and reconstruction platform in the Southwest [Source Capital Press Release, 2024, https://www.source-cap.com].", "notable_platforms_source": "FirstService Corporation SEC Filing (2026) [https://www.sec.gov]; Hidden Harbor Capital Partners Press Release (2026) [https://www.hh-cp.com]; Susquehanna Private Capital Press Release / Business Wire (2021) [https://www.businesswire.com]; Source Capital Press Release (2024) [https://www.source-cap.com]; Entrepreneur Magazine (2022) [https://www.entrepreneur.com].", "sources": [ "FirstService Corporation SEC Filing (2026) - https://www.sec.gov", "Hidden Harbor Capital Partners Press Release (2026) - https://www.hh-cp.com", "CT Acquisitions Painting Services M&A Guide (2026) - https://www.ctacquisitions.com", "Greenwich Capital Group Home & Commercial Services M&A Report (2025) - https://www.greenwichgp.com", "Capstone Partners Building Products M&A Report (2025) - https://www.capstonepartners.com", "Source Capital Press Release (2024) - https://www.source-cap.com", "Entrepreneur Magazine / Neighborly Microfranchise Platform Analysis (2022) - https://www.entrepreneur.com", "Susquehanna Private Capital / Business Wire Press Release (2021) - https://www.businesswire.com" ], "consolidation_activity_source_access": "url", "notable_platforms_source_access": "url" }, "multiples": { "typical_ebitda_multiple_low": 3, "typical_ebitda_multiple_low_source": "CT Acquisitions, 2026 (https://ctacquisitions.com/painting-business-valuation/)", "typical_ebitda_multiple_low_research_pass_count": 3, "typical_ebitda_multiple_low_confidence": "med", "typical_ebitda_multiple_high": 11, "typical_ebitda_multiple_high_source": "First Page Sage, EBITDA & Valuation Multiples for Construction Companies - 2025 (2024)", "typical_ebitda_multiple_high_research_pass_count": 5, "typical_ebitda_multiple_high_confidence": "adjudicated", "multiple_by_size_note": "Sub-$1M EBITDA painting companies typically trade between 2.0x and 4.0x EBITDA; $1M to $3M EBITDA platforms sell for 4.0x to 6.0x EBITDA; and platform-quality painting companies with $3M+ EBITDA with strong commercial or HOA recurring revenue command 5.0x to 7.0x EBITDA.", "multiple_by_size_note_source": "CT Acquisitions, 2026 (https://ctacquisitions.com/painting-business-valuation/)", "multiple_year": "2026", "typical_ebitda_multiple_low_shared_across": 4, "typical_ebitda_multiple_low_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 4 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "typical_ebitda_multiple_low_source_access": "url", "typical_ebitda_multiple_high_source_access": "citation-text-only", "multiple_by_size_note_source_access": "url" }, "exit_environment": { "buyer_demand": "Buyer demand for US painting and wall finishing businesses is active across four distinct buyer tiers: franchise systems (e.g., CertaPro, Five Star, WOW 1 DAY), direct private equity platform aggregators (e.g., Cherry Coatings, R.L. James, Painters USA, TMI Coatings), multi-trade home services holding platforms (e.g., Neighborly, Authority Brands, Apex Service Partners), and SBA 7(a)-backed individual buyers for sub-$1M EBITDA businesses. What buyers value most includes low owner dependence, clean financial documentation, commercial job backlogs with repeat clients, and a strong brand reputation/review profile ('digital moat').", "buyer_demand_source": "CT Acquisitions (2026, https://ctacquisitions.com); Craftsman Painter (2026, https://craftsmanpainter.com)", "exit_trend": "The exit market is heating up as private equity consolidation and strategic roll-ups accelerate across painting contractors, following the consolidation path established by HVAC and plumbing trades. Because the industry remains highly fragmented, 75% of painting contractors employ 4 or fewer workers, institutional buyers are actively buying up middle-market operators, expanding franchise/chain revenue share from 22% in 2019 to 28.5% in 2025. High-quality trade businesses with stable cash flow maintain valuation multiples ranging from 2.7x cash flow to 4x EBITDA.", "exit_trend_source": "CT Acquisitions (2026, https://ctacquisitions.com); BizBuySell Insight Report (2026, https://www.bizbuysell.com); IBISWorld (2025, https://www.ibisworld.com)", "sources": [ "https://ctacquisitions.com", "https://craftsmanpainter.com", "https://www.bizbuysell.com", "https://www.ibisworld.com" ], "buyer_demand_source_access": "url", "exit_trend_source_access": "url" }, "demand_drivers": { "installed_base_units": 146740964, "installed_base_units_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, '2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates (Table B25002)', 2024, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs ; U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), '2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) Building Characteristics', 2022, https://www.eia.gov/consumption/commercial", "installed_base_units_research_pass_count": 5, "installed_base_units_confidence": "high", "replacement_vs_new_note": "Demand for painting and wall finishing is heavily driven by replacement, repainting, and maintenance/renovation rather than new construction. While rising interest rates and economic uncertainty led to volatility and cooling in new residential and nonresidential construction, private spending on existing home improvements and property maintenance proved far more resilient, accounting for the primary share of total trade revenue.", "replacement_vs_new_note_source": "IBISWorld, Painters in the US Industry Analysis, 2025, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports", "demand_drivers_note": "Primary demand drivers for the US painting trade include home improvement and remodeling expenditure, existing home sales velocity and property turnover, total residential and commercial construction spending, interest rate dynamics affecting new construction starts, and multi-year maintenance cycles for commercial properties and HOAs.", "demand_drivers_note_source": "IBISWorld, Painters in the US Industry Analysis, 2025, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports", "installed_base_units_source_access": "url", "replacement_vs_new_note_source_access": "url", "demand_drivers_note_source_access": "url" }, "macro_correlation": { "housing_correlation_note": "Demand for US painting and wall finishing is closely correlated with residential construction activity, including housing starts, completions, and residential repair and remodeling (R&R). New single-family and multi-family housing starts (recorded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,427,000 units in June 2026) create a direct lag indicator for initial paint application roughly 3 to 4 months post-groundbreaking. Additionally, the overall residential housing stock and homeowner renovation spend account for over 80% of total domestic architectural paint demand, serving as a primary volume driver.", "housing_correlation_note_source": "U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Monthly New Residential Construction - June 2026 (2026), https://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/pdf/newresconst.pdf", "commercial_correlation_note": "Commercial painting and wall finishing demand correlates with private and public nonresidential construction spending (recorded at $738.7 billion SAAR in May 2026). Growth across commercial building sectors (office, retail, education, healthcare, and warehouse facilities) drives initial architectural coatings demand during final project completion and interior fit-outs. Commercial repaint and facility maintenance cycles also track commercial property utilization and institutional capital improvement budgets.", "commercial_correlation_note_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Monthly Value of Construction Put in Place - May 2026 (2026), https://www.census.gov/construction/c30/c30index.html", "climate_sensitivity_note": "Exterior painting and wall finishing applications are highly sensitive to weather and atmospheric conditions. Standard waterborne/latex architectural paint requires ambient and substrate surface temperatures between 50°F and 90°F, relative humidity between 40% and 70%, and surface temperatures at least 5°F above the dew point to allow proper latex binder coalescence and curing. Temperatures above 90°F or direct intense sunlight cause premature surface drying leading to lap marks and poor adhesion, while moisture or freezing conditions during the curing window cause blistering, leaching, and film failure. Furthermore, Department of Energy initiatives promote specialized cool reflective roof/wall coatings to reduce surface heat absorption and lower building HVAC cooling loads.", "climate_sensitivity_note_source": "U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) & Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Energy Saver: Cool Roofs and Reflective Coatings (2026)", "housing_correlation_note_source_access": "url", "commercial_correlation_note_source_access": "url", "climate_sensitivity_note_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "search_interest": { "yoy_search_change_pct": 53, "yoy_search_change_pct_source": "Houzz 2026 Emerging Summer Trends Report (Houzz, 2026, https://www.houzz.com)", "yoy_search_change_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "yoy_search_change_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "search_trend_note": "Consumer search interest for US painting and wall finishing services exhibits strong upward momentum, driven by homeowners prioritizing lower-cost interior and exterior aesthetic updates over new home purchases. According to LocaliQ's home services search benchmark analysis, click-through rates (CTR) in home service search advertising increased by 13.95% year-over-year, while the Paint & Painting subcategory commanded the highest average cost-per-click ($13.74) across all home service categories due to high buyer intent and competition. Furthermore, Google Trends data reported by Zillow showed a 149% YoY surge in search interest for specific wall finishing trends such as 'color drenching'.", "search_trend_note_source": "LocaliQ, 2025 Search Ads Benchmarks for Home Services (2026), https://www.localiq.com/blog/home-services-search-advertising-benchmarks/ ; Zillow / Google Trends, Emerging Home Design Trends Report (2025), https://www.zillow.com", "yoy_search_change_pct_source_access": "url", "search_trend_note_source_access": "url" }, "cust_acquisition": { "typical_cac_usd": 138.38, "typical_cac_usd_source": "LocaliQ, 2025 Home Services Search Ad Benchmarks, 2025, https://localiq.com/blog/home-services-search-advertising-benchmarks", "typical_cac_usd_research_pass_count": 5, "typical_cac_usd_confidence": "low", "avg_review_volume": 39, "avg_review_volume_source": "BrightLocal, Local Consumer Review Survey, 2024, https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey", "avg_review_volume_research_pass_count": 5, "avg_review_volume_confidence": "med", "complaint_categories": "Substandard workmanship and poor finish quality (e.g., paint splatters, failure to repair or prep surfaces), unresponsiveness and lack of communication, failure to complete contracted scope after receiving deposits, and billing or contract disputes.", "complaint_categories_source": "Better Business Bureau, Painting Contractors Business Complaints Summary, 2025, https://www.bbb.org", "avg_review_volume_shared_across": 6, "avg_review_volume_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 6 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "typical_cac_usd_source_access": "url", "avg_review_volume_source_access": "url", "complaint_categories_source_access": "url" } }, "subtrade": {}, "segments": { "bands": [ { "band": "0-1M", "band_label": "under $1M annual revenue (owner-operator / very small shop)", "metrics": { "gross_margin_pct": { "value": 32.5, "source": "IBISWorld 2026 https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/painting-wall-covering-contractors-industry", "confidence": "high", "basis": "Midpoint of 25%-40% gross margin range for residential painting contractors under $1M revenue", "source_access": "url" }, "collection_rate_pct": { "value": 85.1, "source": "Level CFO analysis of 464 contractors, https://levelcfo.com/benchmarks/contractor", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Median cash collected as a percentage of amounts billed, n=464 companies", "source_access": "url" }, "dso_days": { "value": 15, "source": "IBISWorld 2026 https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/painting-wall-covering-contractors-industry", "confidence": "high", "basis": "Average Days Sales Outstanding for residential painting contractors in the sub-$1M revenue tier", "source_access": "url" }, "recurring_rev_pct": { "value": 5, "source": "CT Acquisitions & Painting Contractors Association 2026 https://ctacquisitions.com/painting-business-valuation", "confidence": "high", "basis": "Contracted recurring and maintenance agreement revenue share for sub-$1M owner-operator painting shops", "source_access": "url" } } }, { "band": "1-5M", "band_label": "$1M to $5M annual revenue (small established contractor)", "metrics": { "gross_margin_pct": { "value": 17.5, "source": "CFMA 2024 https://cfma.org/articles/cfma-s-2-24-construction-financial-benchmarker-executive-summary", "confidence": "high", "basis": "Average gross profit margin range (15%-20%) for small construction contractors in the under $5M annual revenue tier", "source_access": "url" }, "dso_days": { "value": 56.6, "source": "CFMA 2024 https://cfma.org/articles/cfma-s-2-24-construction-financial-benchmarker-executive-summary", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Industry-wide average days in accounts receivable (DSO) across construction and specialty trade respondents", "source_access": "url" } } }, { "band": "5-20M", "band_label": "$5M to $20M annual revenue (mid-market, multi-crew)", "metrics": { "gross_margin_pct": { "value": 22.4, "source": "CFMA 2025 Construction Financial Benchmarker (https://www.cfma.org)", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Gross profit margin for Specialty Trade contractors (FY 2024)", "source_access": "url" }, "dso_days": { "value": 56.6, "source": "CFMA 2024 Construction Financial Benchmarker (https://www.cfma.org)", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Average days sales outstanding (accounts receivable aging) across construction contractors", "source_access": "url" } } }, { "band": "20M+", "band_label": "over $20M annual revenue (large / regional / PE-backed)", "metrics": { "gross_margin_pct": { "value": 21.8, "source": "CFMA 2024", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Composite gross profit margin for Best in Class construction and specialty trade contractors", "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "dso_days": { "value": 56.6, "source": "CFMA 2024", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Industry-wide average days in accounts receivable (DSO) across responding contractors", "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "recurring_rev_pct": { "value": 30, "source": "Painting Contractors Association 2026", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Benchmark share of recurring HOA and commercial property management contract revenue for scaled painting platforms", "source_access": "citation-text-only" } } } ] }, "geo": { "states": [ { "name": "Alabama", "where": "AL", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 20.49, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -10.68, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm", "license_regime": "In Alabama, state contractor licensing depends on project type and monetary value. Commercial or industrial painting projects valued at $50,000 or more require a General Contractor license with the 'Painting and Wall Covering' specialty classification (Finishes category) issued by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (ALBGC). Residential painting projects exceeding $10,000 performed as part of home structure work require a license from the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB). Projects below these thresholds do not require a state contractor license but are subject to local city or county business licensing.", "license_source": "Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (ALBGC) & Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB), 2024, https://genconbd.alabama.gov/ and https://hblb.alabama.gov", "bonding_requirement": "The General Contractors Board (ALBGC) requires proof of general liability insurance and a CPA-prepared financial statement demonstrating a minimum net worth and working capital of $10,000 (surety bonds can be posted to bridge net worth gaps for higher bid limits). The Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB) requires proof of general liability insurance ($100,000 minimum coverage) and a credit report; a $10,000 license/permit bond is required specifically for the Roofers tier.", "bonding_source": "Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (ALBGC) & Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB), 2024, https://genconbd.alabama.gov/ and https://hblb.alabama.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "Alabama has 1,800 employed construction and maintenance painters (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 0.62, representing a lower employment density relative to the national average (0.878 workers per 1,000 jobs statewide).", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 20.49 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Alaska", "where": "AK", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 32.82, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 43.07, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ak.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required. The Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (DCBPL) regulates contractors statewide. Painting is classified as a Specialty Contractor endorsement (up to three specialties per license). Other tiers include General Contractor, General Contractor with Residential Endorsement, and General Contractor Handyman (limited to projects under $10,000).", "license_source": "Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (DCBPL), Construction Contractors Program, 2024, https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/ConstructionContractors.aspx", "bonding_requirement": "Specialty contractors (including painting contractors) must maintain a $10,000 surety bond or cash deposit ($25,000 for general contractors; $20,000 for residential contractors; $5,000 for handyman contractors). Proof of public liability and property damage insurance is required with minimum limits of $20,000 property damage, $50,000 injury/death to one person, and $100,000 injury/death to multiple persons, plus statutory workers' compensation coverage if employing workers.", "bonding_source": "Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (DCBPL), Construction Contractors Program, 2024, https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/ConstructionContractors.aspx", "market_size_or_density_note": "Alaska has an estimated total employment of 360 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 0.82, representing a contractor/worker density roughly 18% lower than the U.S. national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ak.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 32.82 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Arizona", "where": "AZ", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.58, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -1.57, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Arizona (published April 2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_az.htm", "license_regime": "A state-level contractor license is required in Arizona for any painting project exceeding $1,000 in labor and materials or requiring a building permit. Licensing is administered statewide by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). License classifications include Specialty Residential Painting and Wall Covering (R-34), Specialty Commercial Painting and Wall Covering (C-34), and Specialty Dual Painting and Wall Covering (CR-34). Applicants must designate a Qualifying Party with 4 years of practical trade experience (at least 2 within the last 10 years) and pass both the PSI trade exam and Arizona Statutes and Rules exam.", "license_source": "Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) / Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32 Chapter 10 (2024), https://roc.az.gov", "bonding_requirement": "All active ROC licensees must hold a continuous surety bond or cash deposit under A.R.S. § 32-1152 based on classification and gross annual volume: $4,250 to $15,000 for residential (R-34), $2,500 to $50,000 for commercial (C-34), and combined totals ($5,000 to $100,000+) for dual (CR-34). Residential contractors must also pay an assessment into the Residential Contractors Recovery Fund or post a $200,000 surety bond. Workers' compensation insurance is mandatory for contractors with 1 or more employees under A.R.S. § 23-961.", "bonding_source": "Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) Bond Information & A.R.S. § 32-1152 (2024), https://roc.az.gov/bond-information", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, Arizona had 6,130 employed workers in the Painters, Construction and Maintenance occupation (SOC 47-2141), representing an occupational density of 1.959 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.38 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Arizona (published April 2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_az.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 22.58 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Arkansas", "where": "AR", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 18.34, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -20.05, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_ar.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in Arkansas through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB). Commercial painting projects of $50,000 or more require a Commercial Contractor License (Restricted tier up to $750,000, or Unrestricted tier for any project size). Residential painting projects valued at $2,000 or more (labor and materials) require a Home Improvement Specialty License or Residential Remodeler License (Limited tier under $50,000, or Unlimited tier). Work under these thresholds does not require a state license.", "license_source": "Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB), Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, 2024, https://aclb.arkansas.gov", "bonding_requirement": "Commercial contractors must post a $10,000 surety bond filed with the board (Ark. Code Ann. § 17-25-404). Residential and Home Improvement contractors must maintain General Liability Insurance (minimum $100,000 policy limit), and Workers' Compensation insurance is required if the contractor has 1 or more employees.", "bonding_source": "Arkansas Code Annotated § 17-25-404 and Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB), 2024, https://aclb.arkansas.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "In May 2023, BLS reported 780 workers employed in Arkansas as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with a location quotient of 0.43 (representing 0.614 painting jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the state, well below the U.S. average concentration).", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_ar.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 18.34 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "California", "where": "CA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 27.69, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 20.71, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "State-level license required for any painting and decorating project where combined labor and material costs equal or exceed $500. Regulated at the state level by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB); local cities/counties do not issue trade licenses (only standard business permits). Trade classification: Class C Specialty Contractor - C-33 Painting and Decorating Contractor license.", "license_source": "California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), 2023, https://www.cslb.ca.gov", "bonding_requirement": "$25,000 contractor license surety bond required for all active licensees (California Senate Bill 607 / B&P Code § 7071.6). LLC entities must carry an additional $100,000 LLC employee/worker bond and minimum $1,000,000 general liability insurance. Workers' compensation insurance is required for all licensees with employees.", "bonding_source": "California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), 2023", "market_size_or_density_note": "California has 18,014 active C-33 Painting and Decorating Contractor licenses statewide, with total occupational employment of 34,080 painters (SOC 47-2141).", "market_source": "California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.cslb.ca.gov", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 27.69 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Colorado", "where": "CO", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.96, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 0.09, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (Colorado), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_co.htm and May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "No state-level painting contractor license is required in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations regulates electricians and plumbers at the state level under C.R.S. Title 12, but specialty trades like painting & wall finishing are regulated exclusively at the local municipal or county level (e.g., Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs). In addition, firms performing work on pre-1978 target housing must comply with federal EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) certification.", "license_source": "Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations, 2024, https://dpo.colorado.gov", "bonding_requirement": "There are no state-level surety bond or general liability insurance minimums required for painters in Colorado, as DORA does not license the painting trade. Surety bond and liability insurance requirements are mandated locally by individual municipal or county building departments where work is performed. State law (C.R.S. Title 8) requires workers' compensation insurance for any business employing one or more workers.", "bonding_source": "Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations / Colorado Revised Statutes Title 8, 2024, https://dpo.colorado.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, Colorado had 3,440 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in May 2023, representing an occupational density of 1.214 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a location quotient of 0.85 compared to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (Colorado), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_co.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 22.96 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Connecticut", "where": "CT", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.06, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 4.88, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (Connecticut) & National Estimates, SOC 47-2141, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ct.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "In Connecticut, state-level registration as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is required for contractors performing residential painting projects exceeding $200 on 1-4 family residential properties. Purely commercial painting or subcontracting under a registered contractor does not require HIC registration, though major structural construction projects require a Major Contractor license.", "license_source": "Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), Home Improvement Contractor Registration, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "Home Improvement Contractors registered in Connecticut must maintain a minimum of $20,000 in general liability insurance and carry a $15,000 surety bond (or contribute to the state Home Improvement Guaranty Fund).", "bonding_source": "Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) & Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S. § 20-417a et seq.), 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), Connecticut employed an estimated 480 workers in SOC 47-2141 (Painters, Construction and Maintenance), with an occupational density of 0.847 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.60 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Connecticut, SOC 47-2141, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ct.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.06 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Delaware", "where": "DE", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.89, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -0.22, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Delaware, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_de.htm and May 2023 National OEWS, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "Delaware does not require a state-level trade license for painters (unlike electricians, plumbers, or HVACR technicians). However, all contractors operating in Delaware must obtain a state contractor business license/registration from the Delaware Division of Revenue under 30 Del. C. § 2502 and comply with the Home Improvement Contractor Registration Act for residential work. Additional permits or licenses may be required at the county or municipal level.", "license_source": "Delaware Division of Revenue, 2024, https://revenue.delaware.gov", "bonding_requirement": "Registered home improvement contractors (including painters) must maintain at least $100,000 in general liability insurance and statutory workers' compensation coverage if employing workers. Non-resident contractors performing Delaware contracts exceeding $20,000 must post a surety bond, cash bond, or irrevocable letter of credit (6% of total contract value) with the Delaware Division of Revenue.", "bonding_source": "Delaware Division of Revenue, 2024, https://revenue.delaware.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to the BLS May 2023 OEWS report, Delaware had an estimated 510 employed painters, construction and maintenance workers, representing an employment density of 1.085 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.76 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Delaware, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_de.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 22.89 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Florida", "where": "FL", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 18.93, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -17.48, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Florida & National (SOC 47-2141), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_fl.htm", "license_regime": "Florida does not require a standalone state-level contractor license specifically for painting; painting is not a state-licensed trade regulated by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Additionally, under Florida House Bill 735 (enacted 2021), local governments are preempted from creating local occupational licenses for trades not regulated at the state level.", "license_source": "Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Construction Industry Licensing Board, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "Because Florida does not issue or mandate a state specialty contractor license for painting, there are no state-level surety bond or liability insurance minimums required specifically for painters. For contractors licensed by the DBPR CILB (such as General Contractors or registered specialty contractors), DBPR mandates General Liability insurance minimums of $100,000 bodily injury / $25,000 property damage ($300,000 / $50,000 for General/Building Contractors) and a $10,000-$20,000 financial stability bond if the applicant's credit score is below 660.", "bonding_source": "Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) & Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4-15.006, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 data, Florida employs 19,930 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), carrying a location quotient of 1.46, which indicates a painter occupational density 46% higher than the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Florida, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_fl.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 18.93 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Georgia", "where": "GA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 19.24, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -16.13, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Georgia, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_ga.htm", "license_regime": "No state-level trade license is required specifically for painting and wall finishing contractors in Georgia under O.C.G.A. § 43-41-17(f). Licensing operates primarily at the local (city/county) level for local business licenses or occupational tax certificates. However, if painting is performed as part of a general construction or residential remodeling project exceeding $2,500 in total labor and materials, a state contractor license issued by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors is required (license tiers include Residential Basic, Residential Light Commercial, General Contractor Limited Tier, and General Contractor Unlimited).", "license_source": "Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors / Georgia Code O.C.G.A. § 43-41, 2022, https://ga.gov", "bonding_requirement": "For general/residential contractor licenses issued by the Board: Residential Basic contractors require a minimum of $300,000 per occurrence in General Liability insurance and proof of financial responsibility (minimum net worth of $25,000 or a $25,000 surety bond, line of credit, or bank reference). Residential Light Commercial and General Contractor categories require $500,000 per occurrence in General Liability insurance (General Contractor requires $150,000 net worth; Limited Tier requires $25,000 net worth or $25,000 surety bond). Workers' compensation insurance is required for businesses with 3 or more employees.", "bonding_source": "Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, Financial and Insurance Requirements, 2022, https://ga.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to the BLS May 2023 OEWS, Georgia employed 3,260 workers in the Painters, Construction and Maintenance trade (SOC 47-2141), representing an employment density of 0.706 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a location quotient of 0.48 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Georgia, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_ga.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 19.24 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Hawaii", "where": "HI", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 31.41, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 36.92, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_hi.htm", "license_regime": "In Hawaii, contractor licensing for painting is regulated strictly at the state level by the Contractors License Board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). A state license is required for any painting project exceeding $1,500 in total project cost (labor and materials). The primary license classification is the Specialty C-33 Painting and Decorating Contractor license, which encompasses sub-classification tiers including C-33a (Wall coverings contractor), C-33b (Taping contractor), and C-33c (Surface treatment contractor). Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 4 years of supervisory trade experience within the past 10 years and pass a two-part PSI exam covering Business and Law and the C-33 trade.", "license_source": "Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Contractors License Board, 2024, https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor", "bonding_requirement": "Licensed painting contractors in Hawaii are required to maintain general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, plus $50,000 per occurrence for property damage, along with mandatory workers' compensation insurance if employing staff. Additionally, the Contractors License Board mandates a minimum surety bond of $5,000, which may be adjusted upward up to $300,000 based on the applicant's financial evaluation and scope of work.", "bonding_source": "Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Contractors License Board, 2024, https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to the 2022 U.S. Economic Census, Hawaii had 155 employer establishments under NAICS 238320 (Painting and Wall Covering Contractors) employing 1,318 workers. Based on BLS OEWS May 2023 estimates, Hawaii employs 1,770 painters (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 2.01, indicating an occupational density twice the U.S. national baseline.", "market_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Economic Census, Table EC2223BASIC, https://data.census.gov/ and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_hi.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 31.41 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Idaho", "where": "ID", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 21.9, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -4.53, "median_wage_source": "Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_id.htm", "license_regime": "Idaho does not require a state-level trade license or examination for painting contractors. However, any contractor performing work exceeding $2,000 in labor and materials must register with the Idaho Contractors Board within the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). No trade-specific licensing tiers exist for painting contractors at the state level.", "license_source": "Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Idaho Contractors Board, 2026, https://dopl.idaho.gov/con", "bonding_requirement": "State contractor registration requires a minimum of $300,000 single limit general liability insurance policy and proof of workers' compensation insurance (or an exemption statement). A statewide surety bond is not required for standard contractor registration, although public works projects ($50,000+) or out-of-state contractors may require separate bonding.", "bonding_source": "Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Idaho Contractors Board, 2026, https://dopl.idaho.gov/con", "market_size_or_density_note": "Idaho had 2,120 workers employed as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) as of May 2023, with a location quotient of 1.81, indicating a higher occupational density than the national average.", "market_source": "Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_id.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 21.9 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Illinois", "where": "IL", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.32, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 27.81, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_il.htm", "license_regime": "Illinois does not require a state-level trade license for painting and wall finishing contractors (BLS SOC 47-2141). Contractor licensing, permits, and registrations are administered locally at the city or county level (e.g., City of Chicago). However, residential contractors performing home repairs or remodeling exceeding $1,000 must comply with consumer protection and insurance standards under the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act.", "license_source": "Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), 2024, https://idfpr.illinois.gov", "bonding_requirement": "No statewide surety bond is required for painting contractors in Illinois. Under the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513/25), residential contractors must carry public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $50,000 per occurrence for property damage (unless maintaining a verified net worth of at least $1,000,000). Municipalities may impose separate local bonding or higher insurance requirements.", "bonding_source": "Illinois General Assembly, 815 ILCS 513/ Home Repair and Remodeling Act, 2024, https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=081505130K25", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS estimates, Illinois employed 7,880 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) with an employment density of 1.311 per 1,000 jobs.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_il.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.32 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Indiana", "where": "IN", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 23.05, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 0.48, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Indiana, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_in.htm; and May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "Indiana does not require a state-level contractor license for painting and wall finishing contractors. Trade licensing at the state level is restricted to plumbers through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. Licensing, contractor listing, and permitting for painting contractors are regulated at the municipal or county level (e.g., Marion County / City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services). All businesses operating in Indiana must register with the Indiana Secretary of State.", "license_source": "Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA), 2024, https://www.in.gov/pla/ ; City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, 2024, https://www.indy.gov/activity/contractor-licenses", "bonding_requirement": "There are no statewide surety bond or general liability insurance minimums set by the state for painting contractors. Requirements are established by individual municipalities; for example, the City of Indianapolis / Marion County requires listed contractors to carry a surety bond of $10,000 to $25,000 (depending on license classification) and maintain general liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 for residential contractors and $1,000,000 for general building contractors.", "bonding_source": "City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, Contractor License Requirements, 2024, https://www.indy.gov/activity/contractor-licenses", "market_size_or_density_note": "Indiana has an estimated employment of 3,260 workers in the Painters, Construction and Maintenance trade (SOC 47-2141), representing an employment density of 1.032 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.73.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Indiana, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_in.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 23.05 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Iowa", "where": "IA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.85, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -0.39, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ia.htm", "license_regime": "Iowa does not issue a trade-specific state license or require a trade exam for painters. However, under Iowa Code Chapter 91C, any construction contractor (including painters) earning $2,000 or more per calendar year in Iowa must register with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). Cities and counties may impose additional local business licensing or permit requirements.", "license_source": "Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), 2024", "bonding_requirement": "In-state contractors registering with DIAL have no state surety bond requirement, but out-of-state contractors must file a $25,000 surety bond under Iowa Code § 91C.5. Registered contractors must provide proof of workers' compensation insurance (if they have employees) and carry public liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000.", "bonding_source": "Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 estimates, Iowa had 1,280 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with an employment density (location quotient) of 0.58 compared to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ia.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 22.85 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Kansas", "where": "KS", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 21.68, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -5.49, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Kansas (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ks.htm) and May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm)", "license_regime": "No statewide contractor license is required or issued for painting and wall finishing contractors in Kansas. Contractor licensing is regulated locally at the city and county level (e.g., Johnson County, Sedgwick County). Corporations, LLCs, and formal business entities must register with the state.", "license_source": "Kansas Secretary of State, 2024, https://sos.ks.gov", "bonding_requirement": "There are no state-level surety bond or liability insurance minimums for painting contractors in Kansas. Insurance and bonding requirements are established at the local municipal or county level (e.g., Sedgwick County requires a minimum of $300,000 in general liability insurance).", "bonding_source": "Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department, 2025, https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/mabcd", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, Kansas employed 1,530 workers in the Painters, Construction and Maintenance occupation (SOC 47-2141), representing a location quotient of 0.76 and a concentration of 1.086 painter jobs per 1,000 total statewide jobs.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Kansas, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ks.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 21.68 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Kentucky", "where": "KY", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 20.52, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -10.55, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Kentucky, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ky.htm", "license_regime": "No state-level license is required for painting and wall finishing contractors in Kentucky. State-level trade licensing through the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction is restricted to electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors, while painting contractors are regulated solely at the city or county level.", "license_source": "Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, 2024, https://dhbc.ky.gov", "bonding_requirement": "No state-level surety bond or liability insurance minimum is required by Kentucky state law to practice painting or wall finishing; insurance and bonding requirements are dictated at the local municipality or county level.", "bonding_source": "Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, 2024, https://dhbc.ky.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "In May 2023, Kentucky had 1,400 employed painters (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 0.50, indicating an occupational density half the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Kentucky, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ky.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 20.52 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Louisiana", "where": "LA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 20.48, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -10.72, "median_wage_source": "Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Louisiana, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm", "license_regime": "In Louisiana, contractor licensing for painting and wall finishing is managed at the state level by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). State licensure or registration is required based on project monetary thresholds: Commercial License for commercial painting projects of $50,000 or more; Residential Construction License for new residential projects of $50,000 or more; and Home Improvement Registration for existing residential home repairs/improvements valued between $7,500 and $50,000. Projects below these dollar thresholds do not require a state contractor license.", "license_source": "Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) Licensing Law and Rules, 2024, https://lslbc.gov", "bonding_requirement": "Louisiana does not mandate a statewide surety bond for all contractor applicants. Instead, applicants must demonstrate a minimum net worth of $50,000 for Commercial/Residential licenses or $25,000 for Home Improvement registration. If an applicant cannot meet the net worth threshold, a $10,000 surety bond (or letter of credit) may be provided to satisfy financial responsibility. In addition, Residential and Home Improvement applicants must hold a minimum of $100,000 in General Liability insurance and submit proof of Workers' Compensation insurance.", "bonding_source": "Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) Financial Statement & Insurance Requirements, 2025, https://lslbc.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to the BLS May 2023 OEWS estimates, Louisiana had 4,150 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), representing a density of 2.239 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.57 compared to national employment concentration.", "market_source": "Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Louisiana, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 20.48 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Maine", "where": "ME", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.1, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 5.06, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Maine, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_me.htm", "license_regime": "Maine does not require a state-level license for painting and wall finishing contractors. Trade licensing at the state level is restricted to specific trades like electricians and plumbers under the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR). Business licensing and permits for painting work are managed at the local municipal level. However, under Maine Revised Statutes Title 10, Chapter 219-A (§ 1487), home construction and renovation projects exceeding $3,000 in total value must have a written contract.", "license_source": "Maine Office of the Attorney General, 2024, https://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/housing/home_construction.shtml", "bonding_requirement": "There are no state-level surety bond or general liability insurance requirements to operate as a painting contractor in Maine. Workers' compensation insurance is required by the state for businesses with one or more employees under Title 39-A, and individual municipalities may impose local bonding or insurance requirements.", "bonding_source": "Maine Office of the Attorney General, 2024, https://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/housing/home_construction.shtml", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 data, Maine had 1,710 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), representing an occupational density of 2.755 jobs per 1,000 statewide and a location quotient of 1.94, which is nearly double the national average concentration.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Maine, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_me.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.1 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Maryland", "where": "MD", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 21.87, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -4.66, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Maryland, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_md.htm", "license_regime": "In Maryland, residential painting contractors performing projects valued at $500 or more must hold a state-level Home Improvement Contractor license issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), a division of the Maryland Department of Labor. Subcontractors working exclusively for an MHIC-licensed contractor are exempt (subcontractor licensing was eliminated in 2016). Maryland does not employ tiered contractor license classes based on project monetary thresholds or experience levels, though Salespersons require a separate MHIC license tier.", "license_source": "Maryland Home Improvement Commission, Maryland Department of Labor, 2024, https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic", "bonding_requirement": "Effective June 1, 2024, MHIC-licensed contractors must maintain at least $500,000 in general liability insurance (MD Code, Bus. Reg. § 8-302.1). Licensees must demonstrate financial solvency ($20,000 net worth); if financial solvency standards are not met, the state requires a surety bond ranging from $20,000 to $100,000.", "bonding_source": "Maryland Home Improvement Commission, Maryland Department of Labor, 2024, https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/mhic", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to May 2023 BLS OEWS data, Maryland had an estimated 3,240 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance workers (SOC 47-2141), representing an occupational density of 1.212 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a location quotient of 0.85 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Maryland, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_md.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 21.87 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Massachusetts", "where": "MA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.36, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 6.19, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), OEWS May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm", "license_regime": "Massachusetts does not mandate a state trade license specifically for painters. However, contractors performing residential painting or repairs on existing owner-occupied 1-to-4 unit properties for projects exceeding $500 must hold a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). Projects involving structural modifications require a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) issued by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), and lead paint work on buildings constructed before 1978 requires Lead-Safe Renovation / Deleading certification through the Department of Labor Standards (DLS).", "license_source": "Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), 2024", "bonding_requirement": "Massachusetts does not impose a state surety bond or general liability insurance minimum to obtain an HIC registration for in-state contractors (out-of-state contractors must provide a surety bond equal to 6.25% of contract value). HIC registrants must pay a mandatory one-time contribution to the Home Improvement Contractor Guaranty Fund ($100 for 0-3 employees, $200 for 4-10, $300 for 11-30, and $500 for over 30 employees). Employers with one or more employees must carry Workers' Compensation insurance per M.G.L. c. 152.", "bonding_source": "Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 data, Massachusetts had 3,890 employed workers in SOC 47-2141 (Painters, Construction and Maintenance), reflecting a concentration density of 1.068 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a location quotient of 0.75 relative to national occupational density.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), OEWS May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.36 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Michigan", "where": "MI", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.53, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -1.79, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Michigan, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm", "license_regime": "Michigan requires a state-level license for residential painting projects valued at $600 or more (combined labor and materials). The trade is regulated by LARA under two primary tiers: the Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) Contractor license (specifically under the 'Painting and Decorating' classification) and the full Residential Builder license. Commercial-only painting is not licensed at the state level.", "license_source": "Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes, 2024, https://www.michigan.gov/lara", "bonding_requirement": "State law requires LARA-licensed residential builders and M&A contractors to maintain a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence in General Liability insurance (MCL 339.2412). There is no statutory state-level surety bond requirement for painting contractors, though bonds may be mandated locally or on public works projects. Workers' compensation coverage is required for businesses with 3 or more employees (or 1 full-time employee working 35+ hours/week).", "bonding_source": "Michigan Occupational Code, MCL 339.2412 / Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), 2024, https://www.michigan.gov/lara", "market_size_or_density_note": "Michigan employs an estimated 4,690 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), corresponding to a contractor density of 1.08 jobs per 1,000 state jobs and a location quotient of 0.76 compared to national averages.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Michigan, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 22.53 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Minnesota", "where": "MN", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 28.03, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 22.19, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Minnesota, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mn.htm", "license_regime": "At the state level, contractors who exclusively perform painting services are not required to hold a specialized state painting license from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). However, contractors contracting directly with residential homeowners to perform work involving more than one specialty skill trade or major residential building/remodeling must obtain a state Residential Building Contractor or Residential Remodeler license. Local municipalities (such as Minneapolis) may impose local business licensing or registration requirements.", "license_source": "Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Residential Building Contractor and Remodeler Licensing Guide, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "For state-licensed residential contractors and remodelers, DLI mandates general liability insurance coverage with minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate, and $25,000 property damage. Active Workers' Compensation insurance is required for all businesses with employees.", "bonding_source": "Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Contractor Insurance and License Requirements, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "Minnesota employed an estimated 3,290 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in May 2023, representing a location quotient of 0.80 compared to the national average employment density.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Minnesota, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mn.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 28.03 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Mississippi", "where": "MS", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 18.41, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -19.75, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ms.htm", "license_regime": "In Mississippi, contractor licensing is regulated at the state level by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). A state Commercial Contractor License with a painting specialty is required for commercial projects valued at $50,000 or more. For residential work, a Residential Remodeling license is required for painting/remodeling projects over $10,000, and a Residential Builder license is required for new residential construction over $50,000. Subcontractors working directly under a licensed prime contractor are generally exempt unless bidding directly to the owner. Local municipalities may also require local business registration or permits.", "license_source": "Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC), 2025, https://www.msboc.us", "bonding_requirement": "Commercial license holders must carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate; residential license holders must maintain active general liability insurance with MSBOC listed as a certificate holder. Workers' compensation coverage is mandatory for contractors with 5 or more employees. Commercial general contractors on projects over $50,000 must maintain a $20,000 surety bond, and public construction contracts exceeding $25,000 require 100% performance and payment bonds pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 31-5-51.", "bonding_source": "Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) / Mississippi Code Annotated § 31-5-51, 2025, https://www.msboc.us", "market_size_or_density_note": "BLS OEWS reports 1,010 employed construction and maintenance painters in Mississippi (May 2023). IBISWorld estimates approximately 625 industry establishments and 972 workers in the Painters industry in Mississippi.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ms.htm / IBISWorld, Painters in Mississippi Report, 2026, https://www.ibisworld.com", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 18.41 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Missouri", "where": "MO", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 28.27, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 23.23, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Missouri, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mo.htm and May 2023 National OEWS Estimates, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "No state-level contractor license is required for painters or painting contractors in Missouri. Statewide occupational licensing under the Missouri Division of Professional Registration (Department of Commerce and Insurance) is restricted to specific trades such as electrical contractors (RSMo 324.900). Painting contractors are regulated at the local municipal and county levels (e.g., city business licenses and local contractor registrations in Kansas City and St. Louis). Business entities operating in Missouri must register with the Missouri Secretary of State.", "license_source": "Missouri Division of Professional Registration, 2024, https://pr.mo.gov", "bonding_requirement": "No statewide surety bond or general liability insurance minimums are mandated for painting contractors at the state level. Surety bond and insurance requirements are established by local municipal or county licensing authorities (for example, Kansas City requires $1,000,000 in general liability insurance for licensed contractors, and St. Charles County mandates a $10,000 surety bond).", "bonding_source": "Missouri Division of Professional Registration, 2024, https://pr.mo.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 data, Missouri employs 4,280 workers in SOC 47-2141 (Painters, Construction and Maintenance), with an occupational density of 1.488 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.05.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Missouri, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mo.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 28.27 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Montana", "where": "MT", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.27, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -2.92, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mt.htm", "license_regime": "Montana does not require a trade-specific state license for painting and wall finishing contractors. However, under Title 39, Chapter 9 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), construction businesses with employees (including corporations and manager-managed LLCs) must register with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Construction Contractor Registration Unit. Sole proprietors/independent contractors without employees must obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) or register as a contractor. Registration is based on workers' compensation compliance rather than trade competency, with no trade exam or experience tiers at the state level.", "license_source": "Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Employment Relations Division, Construction Contractor Registration Unit, 2026, https://erd.dli.mt.gov/work-comp-regulations/montana-contractor/construction-contractor-registration", "bonding_requirement": "Montana state law does not require a general surety bond or general liability insurance for state contractor registration or independent contractor exemption certificates. However, employers with one or more employees must maintain Montana workers' compensation insurance. Local municipalities or public works projects may mandate separate local surety bonds or general liability insurance.", "bonding_source": "Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Montana Code Annotated Title 39 Chapter 9 / Title 37 Chapter 45, 2025, https://erd.dli.mt.gov/work-comp-regulations/montana-contractor/construction-contractor-registration", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 data, Montana employed approximately 1,110 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 1.55, indicating a 55% higher concentration of painting trade employment relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mt.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 22.27 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Nebraska", "where": "NE", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 18.49, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -19.4, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Nebraska, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ne.htm", "license_regime": "No state-level trade license is required for painting contractors in Nebraska. However, under the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act, any contractor or subcontractor performing construction work and earning over $5,000 annually must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Competency licensing and contractor classification tiers are governed at the local municipal or county level (such as Douglas County / City of Omaha).", "license_source": "Nebraska Department of Labor, 2025 Contractor Registration Act", "bonding_requirement": "Statewide contractor registration requires proof of Workers' Compensation insurance for employers with one or more employees; there is no statewide surety bond or general liability insurance minimum required by the state labor department for basic painter registration. Surety bonds and liability insurance minimums are established locally by cities and counties (e.g., City of Omaha requires a $10,000 bond and $300,000 to $1,000,000 general liability insurance depending on contractor class).", "bonding_source": "Nebraska Department of Labor, 2025 Contractor Registration Requirements", "market_size_or_density_note": "Nebraska has an estimated 1,730 workers employed as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), representing a job density of 1.732 per 1,000 total jobs and a location quotient of 1.22 compared to national averages.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Nebraska, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ne.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 18.49 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Nevada", "where": "NV", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 23.18, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 1.05, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_nv.htm", "license_regime": "A state-level license issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) is required for painting contractors (Classification C-4 Painting and Decorating, or C-4A Painting subclassification) for any job valued at $1,000 or more, or requiring a building permit. Licenses are issued with specific monetary limits (tiers) determined per contractor based on financial evaluation, ranging from under $10,000 to unlimited.", "license_source": "Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB), 2024, http://www.nvcontractorsboard.com", "bonding_requirement": "The Nevada State Contractors Board requires a continuous license surety bond or cash deposit ranging from $1,000 to $500,000, determined individually based on requested monetary limit, experience, and financial responsibility. Proof of workers' compensation insurance (or an approved exemption) is also mandatory.", "bonding_source": "Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) / Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 624, 2024, http://www.nvcontractorsboard.com", "market_size_or_density_note": "In Nevada, there were 3,920 workers employed in the Painters, Construction and Maintenance occupation (SOC 47-2141), representing an employment density of 2.644 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a location quotient of 1.86.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_nv.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 23.18 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "New Hampshire", "where": "NH", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.58, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -1.57, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - New Hampshire & May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nh.htm", "license_regime": "New Hampshire does not require a state-level contractor or trade license for general Painting & Wall Finishing (SOC 47-2141). State licensing is not required for general construction contractors or painters; regulation or business permitting is managed at the municipal/local level.", "license_source": "New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), 2024, https://www.oplc.nh.gov", "bonding_requirement": "There are no state-level surety bond or general liability insurance minimums required for painting contractors in New Hampshire because no state trade license is required. However, state law mandates that any business with one or more employees must carry Workers' Compensation insurance.", "bonding_source": "New Hampshire Department of Labor, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to May 2023 BLS OEWS estimates, New Hampshire had an estimated employment of 810 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with a location quotient of 0.85 and 1.204 jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the state.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - New Hampshire, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nh.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 22.58 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "New Jersey", "where": "NJ", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 27.62, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 20.4, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nj.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "In New Jersey, state-level registration/licensing with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs is required for home improvement contractors (including residential painting and wall finishing contractors) under the Contractors' Business Registration Act and the Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractor Licensing Act. Commercial-only painting work is governed at the municipal/local level. Tiers include Home Improvement Contractor Business (HICB) and Home Elevation Contractor Business (HECB).", "license_source": "New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, 2024, https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov", "bonding_requirement": "State regulations require proof of Commercial General Liability insurance with a minimum limit of $500,000 per occurrence (for HICBs) and workers' compensation insurance (unless legally exempt). Under P.L. 2023, c. 237 (N.J.S.A. 56:8-142), contractors must also maintain additional financial security in the form of a compliance surety bond (or irrevocable letter of credit) in tiered amounts based on project or annual contract totals: $10,000 bond (single contract under $10,000 or annual volume under $150,000), $25,000 bond (single contract $10,000-$120,000 or annual volume $150,000-$750,000), or $50,000 bond (single contract over $120,000 or annual volume over $750,000).", "bonding_source": "New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs / N.J.S.A. 56:8-142 (P.L. 2023, c. 237), 2024, https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns (CBP) data cited in NJDOT market studies, New Jersey had 1,030 Painting and Wall Covering Contractor establishments (NAICS 238320) in 2022. Additionally, BLS OEWS May 2023 reports statewide employment of 4,220 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141).", "market_source": "U.S. Census Bureau / New Jersey Department of Transportation DBE Analysis, 2024, https://www.nj.gov and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nj.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 27.62 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "New Mexico", "where": "NM", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 20.74, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -9.59, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "In New Mexico, painting contractors are regulated at the state level by the Construction Industries Division (CID) of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) under the Construction Industries Licensing Act (NMSA 1978, § 60-13-12). Painting falls under specialty classifications (such as GB-2 residential subclassification or commercial specialty classifications). Contractor work valued under $7,200 annually is exempt from state licensing requirements.", "license_source": "New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD), Construction Industries Division (CID), NMSA 1978 § 60-13-12, 2024, https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries", "bonding_requirement": "Licensed contractors in New Mexico are mandated by NMSA 1978 § 60-13-49 to post and maintain a $10,000 contractor license code surety bond filed with the Construction Industries Division (CID) to cover building code violations.", "bonding_source": "New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD), Construction Industries Division (CID) / NMSA 1978 § 60-13-49, 2024, https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, New Mexico employed 1,230 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with an employment density of 1.457 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.02.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nm.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 20.74 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "New York", "where": "NY", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 25.79, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 12.42, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (New York), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ny.htm", "license_regime": "New York State does not issue or require a statewide contractor license for painters or specialty wall finishing contractors. Licensing and business registration are regulated at the local municipality and county level (e.g., New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Home Improvement Contractor license for residential painting in NYC, alongside county licensing in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties).", "license_source": "New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services, 2024, https://dos.ny.gov", "bonding_requirement": "There are no statewide surety bond or insurance minimums imposed by a state contractor board in New York due to local governance. Local jurisdictions set specific requirements; for example, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection mandates home improvement contractors to post a $20,000 surety bond or contribute $200 to the NYC Home Improvement Trust Fund, in addition to carrying general liability insurance.", "bonding_source": "New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to the BLS May 2023 OEWS, New York State employed 14,820 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 1.11, indicating an employment density 11% higher than the US national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (New York), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ny.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 25.79 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "North Carolina", "where": "NC", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 18.38, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -19.88, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) - May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (North Carolina), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nc.htm", "license_regime": "North Carolina does not require or issue a dedicated state-level specialty license for painting contractors for projects under $40,000 (local business licenses and federal EPA Lead RRP rule apply). However, under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 87-1, painting work that is part of a construction/renovation contract valued at $40,000 or more requires a General Contractor license issued by the state. The license limitations/tiers are Limited (projects up to $750,000), Intermediate (projects up to $1,500,000), and Unlimited (no project limit).", "license_source": "North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC), 2024, https://nclbgc.org/classifications-and-limitations", "bonding_requirement": "For projects requiring a state General Contractor license ($40,000+), applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility via minimum working capital/net worth or post a surety bond based on license tier: Limited ($17,000 working capital / $80,000 net worth or $175,000 bond), Intermediate ($75,000 working capital or $500,000 bond), and Unlimited ($150,000 working capital or $1,000,000 bond). Workers' compensation insurance is required by NC law for employers with 3 or more employees.", "bonding_source": "North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) / 21 NCAC 12A .0204, 2024, https://nclbgc.org", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to IBISWorld industry data, North Carolina has approximately 7,346 Painting & Wall Covering Contractor establishment locations and 8,185 employees in the state.", "market_source": "IBISWorld, Painters in North Carolina Market Research Report, 2026, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 18.38 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "North Dakota", "where": "ND", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 21.76, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -5.14, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nd.htm", "license_regime": "A state-level contractor license issued by the North Dakota Secretary of State under NDCC Chapter 43-07 is required for any construction, alteration, or painting project exceeding $4,000 in total value. License tiers are based on maximum single project values: Class A (unlimited value), Class B (up to $500,000), Class C (up to $300,000), and Class D (up to $100,000). No separate trade-specific exam is required for painters at the state level.", "license_source": "North Dakota Secretary of State, 2024, https://sos.nd.gov/business/contractors", "bonding_requirement": "North Dakota does not mandate a surety bond at the state level for contractor licensing. However, contractors must provide a certificate of general liability insurance naming the North Dakota Secretary of State as certificate holder, and mandatory workers' compensation coverage through Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) if they have employees. Local municipalities (e.g., Grand Forks) may require separate local surety bonds.", "bonding_source": "North Dakota Secretary of State / NDCC § 43-07, 2024, https://sos.nd.gov/business/contractors", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS estimates, North Dakota had 440 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in May 2023, representing an occupational density of 1.066 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.75.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nd.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 21.76 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Ohio", "where": "OH", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.35, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 6.15, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_oh.htm", "license_regime": "No state-level license is required for painting contractors in Ohio. The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) under the Ohio Department of Commerce licenses five specific specialty trades only (Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Hydronics, and Refrigeration) under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4740. Painting contractors are regulated and registered at the local city and county level.", "license_source": "Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), Ohio Department of Commerce, 2024, https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/about-us/ocilb", "bonding_requirement": "No state-level surety bond or general liability insurance is mandated by the state contractor board for painters, as no statewide painting license exists. Bond and insurance minimums are set locally by individual municipal jurisdictions (e.g., $25,000 local bonds in cities like Columbus and Cleveland).", "bonding_source": "Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), Ohio Department of Commerce, 2024, https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/about-us/ocilb", "market_size_or_density_note": "In May 2023, Ohio had 6,350 total workers employed as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), representing an occupational density of 1.160 painters per 1,000 jobs statewide.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_oh.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.35 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Oklahoma", "where": "OK", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 20.5, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -10.64, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ok.htm", "license_regime": "Oklahoma does not require a state-level contractor license for painting and wall finishing (SOC 47-2141). The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) licenses electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, and home inspection trades, but does not license painters or general contractors. Painting contractors must comply with local city/county contractor registrations and permits (e.g., Oklahoma City or Tulsa) and federal EPA Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) regulations for pre-1978 housing.", "license_source": "Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB), 2024, https://oklahoma.gov/cib.html", "bonding_requirement": "There are no state-level surety bond or general liability insurance requirements for painting contractors in Oklahoma due to the lack of a statewide painting license. However, local municipalities often mandate general liability insurance (such as $50,000 in Oklahoma City) for city registration, and Oklahoma law mandates workers' compensation insurance for employers with one or more employees.", "bonding_source": "Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB), 2024, https://oklahoma.gov/cib.html", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, Oklahoma had 1,890 total employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance workers (SOC 47-2141). The trade represents 1.133 per 1,000 jobs in the state, yielding a location quotient of 0.80 relative to national density.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ok.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 20.5 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Oregon", "where": "OR", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 23.12, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 0.78, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 (published April 2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_or.htm", "license_regime": "In Oregon, state-level licensing is required for anyone performing construction or painting work for compensation under ORS Chapter 701. Licensing is administered statewide by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Endorsement tiers are categorized into residential (General Contractor, Specialty Contractor, Limited Contractor, Developer) and commercial (General Contractor Level 1 and 2, Specialty Contractor Level 1 and 2, Developer).", "license_source": "Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), 2024, https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/pages/index.aspx", "bonding_requirement": "Oregon requires CCB-licensed contractors to hold both a surety bond and general liability insurance based on their endorsement tier. Surety bond minimums range from $15,000 to $25,000 for residential endorsements ($20,000 for Residential Specialty, $15,000 for Residential Limited) and $25,000 to $80,000 for commercial endorsements ($25,000 for Commercial Specialty Level 2, $55,000 for Commercial Specialty Level 1). General liability insurance minimums range from $100,000 per occurrence (Residential Limited) to $300,000 per occurrence (Residential Specialty), $500,000 per occurrence (Residential General / Commercial Specialty Level 2), up to $2,000,000 aggregate (Commercial General Level 1).", "bonding_source": "Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), Endorsements, Bonds & Insurance Requirements, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "Oregon has 4,560 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with an occupational density of 2.348 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a location quotient of 1.65 (65% higher concentration than national average).", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 (published April 2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_or.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 23.12 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Pennsylvania", "where": "PA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 23.55, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 2.66, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes420000.htm", "license_regime": "Pennsylvania does not issue a specific statewide trade license for painters or general contractors. However, under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA, 73 P.S. § 517.1 et seq.), any contractor performing $5,000 or more in residential home improvement work per calendar year must register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection. Registration is administrative with no trade exam, experience tiers, or state-level master/journeyman designations, though local municipalities (e.g., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) may impose local licensing or permit rules.", "license_source": "Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Home Improvement Contractor Registration (HICPA), 2026, https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/resources/home-improvement-contractor-registration", "bonding_requirement": "Statewide HIC registration does not require a general surety bond for standard applicants. However, registrants must maintain proof of commercial general liability insurance with minimum coverage limits of $50,000 for personal injury and $50,000 for property damage. Surety bonds ($10,000-$50,000) may be mandated individually for contractors with prior adverse judgments or for specific municipal work.", "bonding_source": "Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General / HICPA (73 P.S. § 517.3), 2026, https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/resources/home-improvement-contractor-registration", "market_size_or_density_note": "Pennsylvania has an estimated employment of 6,200 workers in SOC 47-2141 (Painters, Construction and Maintenance), with an employment density of 1.042 jobs per 1,000 statewide jobs and a location quotient of 0.73.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes420000.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 23.55 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Rhode Island", "where": "RI", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 23.11, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 0.74, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ri.htm", "license_regime": "State-level contractor registration is required for commercial and residential painting contractors in Rhode Island. Administered by the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) under R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-65, contractors must obtain General Contractor Registration. First-time residential contractors must complete a state-approved 5-hour pre-registration course (exempt for exclusively commercial operations). No separate trade-specific painting license exam exists.", "license_source": "Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB), 2026", "bonding_requirement": "Rhode Island requires registered contractors to provide a Certificate of General Liability Insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000 naming RICRLB as certificate holder. Employers must also maintain statutory Workers' Compensation insurance. There is no standard general surety bond requirement for basic contractor registration.", "bonding_source": "Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB), 2026", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, Rhode Island had an estimated 1,010 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance workers (SOC 47-2141), representing 2.071 jobs per 1,000 state jobs and a location quotient of 1.46 (indicating 46% higher worker concentration than the national average).", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ri.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 23.11 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "South Carolina", "where": "SC", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 19.84, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -13.51, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sc.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing/registration is required in South Carolina depending on project value and property type. For residential painting and wall covering work exceeding $500, contractors must register as a Residential Specialty Contractor with the SC Residential Builders Commission (requires 1 year of experience within the past 5 years; no trade exam required). For commercial painting projects exceeding $10,000, licensing is required through the SC Contractor's Licensing Board under General Contracting with a Painting subclassification, which features 5 license group tiers based on financial limits.", "license_source": "South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) - Residential Builders Commission and Contractor's Licensing Board, 2024, https://llr.sc.gov", "bonding_requirement": "Registered residential specialty contractors performing projects costing $5,000 or more must obtain and maintain a $5,000 surety bond. Commercial general contractors (painting subclassification) may post continuous surety bonds in lieu of meeting working capital/net worth requirements, scaled by license group tier ($20,000 for Group 1 up to $500,000 for Group 5).", "bonding_source": "South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) & S.C. Code Ann. § 40-59-220 and § 40-11-260, 2024, https://llr.sc.gov/res", "market_size_or_density_note": "South Carolina had 1,880 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) as of May 2023, with an employment location quotient of 0.59 relative to the national concentration.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sc.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 19.84 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "South Dakota", "where": "SD", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.11, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -3.62, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sd.htm", "license_regime": "South Dakota does not require or issue a state-level license for painting contractors (state construction licensing is restricted to electrical and plumbing trades). Painting contractors must register their business entity with the South Dakota Secretary of State and obtain a Contractor's Excise Tax license from the South Dakota Department of Revenue under SDCL § 10-46A. Municipal contractor registrations and local permits may apply at the city level (e.g., Sioux Falls or Rapid City).", "license_source": "South Dakota Department of Revenue / South Dakota Secretary of State, 2024, https://dor.sd.gov/businesses/taxes/contractors-excise-tax", "bonding_requirement": "South Dakota mandates no statewide surety bond or general liability insurance minimums for painting contractors as there is no state contractor licensing board for painters. Bonding and liability coverage requirements are determined at the local municipal level or set by project contract specifications.", "bonding_source": "South Dakota Department of Revenue / South Dakota Secretary of State, 2024, https://dor.sd.gov/businesses/taxes/contractors-excise-tax", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to May 2023 BLS OEWS data, South Dakota employed approximately 650 Painters, Construction and Maintenance workers (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 1.03 and 1.462 painters per 1,000 jobs. South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation long-term projections estimate employment growing from 1,050 in 2022 to 1,156 in 2032 with 96 average annual openings.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS / South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (LMIC), 2023/2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sd.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 22.11 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Tennessee", "where": "TN", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 18.79, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -18.09, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 (released April 2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tn.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "In Tennessee, state-level licensing depends on contract value and county. For residential painting/remodeling projects valued between $3,000 and $24,999 in designated counties (e.g., Davidson, Knox, Shelby), a Home Improvement Contractor (HIL) License is required. For painting projects valued at $25,000 or more (prime or sub), a full Contractor's License with a commercial, residential, or specialty classification is required statewide. Projects under $3,000 are regulated at the local municipal level.", "license_source": "Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors, 2024, https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html", "bonding_requirement": "Home Improvement Contractor licenses ($3,000-$24,999 project range) require a $10,000 surety bond. General liability insurance is required for all state license holders, starting at $100,000 minimum for monetary limits up to $500,000 (scaling up to $1,000,000 for monetary limits over $1,500,000). Workers' compensation insurance is also required by law unless exempt.", "bonding_source": "Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors Rules & Regulations (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0680-06-.02 & T.C.A. § 62-6-506), 2024, https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html", "market_size_or_density_note": "Tennessee employs approximately 3,270 workers in SOC 47-2141 (Painters, Construction and Maintenance), with an employment density of 1.016 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.71 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 (released April 2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tn.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 18.79 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Texas", "where": "TX", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 21.21, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -7.54, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tx.htm", "license_regime": "Texas does not require or issue a state-level contractor license for painting and wall finishing. Licensing, business registration, and permitting are managed at the local municipal/city level (e.g., Dallas, Houston, Austin). Federal EPA Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification is required statewide when working on pre-1978 buildings.", "license_source": "Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), 2024, https://www.tdlr.texas.gov", "bonding_requirement": "There are no state-mandated surety bond or liability insurance minimums for painters in Texas because the trade is not licensed at the state level. Insurance and bonding requirements may be established locally by municipalities or commercial project owners.", "bonding_source": "Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), 2024, https://www.tdlr.texas.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "Texas employs 16,110 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with an employment density location quotient of 0.84 compared to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tx.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 21.21 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Utah", "where": "UT", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 19.62, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -14.47, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Utah (SOC 47-2141), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ut.htm", "license_regime": "In Utah, state-level contractor licensing is administered by the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) under the Utah Department of Commerce for construction and specialty trade work valued at $3,000 or more (Utah Code § 58-55). Painting contractors are licensed as specialty contractors under classification S300 (General Painting and Decorating) or S330 (Painting and Coating). Requirements include completing a 25-hour pre-license education course and passing the Utah Business and Law Examination.", "license_source": "Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Contractor Licensing, 2024, https://dopl.utah.gov/contractor", "bonding_requirement": "DOPL mandates general liability insurance coverage with minimum limits of $100,000 per incident and $300,000 aggregate for specialty contractors (or $1,000,000/$2,000,000 standard). A contractor license surety bond (minimum $15,000 for specialty contractors) is required if the applicant does not meet DOPL financial responsibility standards (Utah Code § 58-55-201 and Utah Admin. Code R156-55a-602).", "bonding_source": "Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Utah Administrative Code R156-55a & Utah Code § 58-55-201, 2024, https://dopl.utah.gov/contractor", "market_size_or_density_note": "Utah had an estimated total employment of 3,750 workers in the Painters, Construction and Maintenance trade (SOC 47-2141), representing a job density of 2.236 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.57.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Utah, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ut.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 19.62 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Vermont", "where": "VT", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 23.96, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 4.45, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Vermont (SOC 47-2141), https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_vt.htm", "license_regime": "Vermont does not issue a specific state trade license for painters. However, under Act 160 (3 V.S.A. § 122), contractors performing residential construction or painting projects valued at $10,000 or more (inclusive of labor and materials) must register with the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). Registration tiers consist of Individual Registration (for self-employed contractors without employees) and Business Registration (for contractors with employees). In addition, contractors disturbing painted surfaces on pre-1978 structures require a Lead-Safe RRPM license from the Vermont Department of Health.", "license_source": "Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), Residential Contractors, 2023, https://sos.vermont.gov/residential-contractors", "bonding_requirement": "Vermont does not require a state-level surety bond for residential contractor registration. However, contractors registering with OPR are required to maintain minimum general liability insurance coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.", "bonding_source": "Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) / 3 V.S.A. § 122, 2023, https://sos.vermont.gov/residential-contractors", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to May 2023 BLS OEWS data, Vermont has an estimated 600 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), representing an occupational density of 2.009 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.41 relative to the national baseline.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Vermont, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_vt.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 23.96 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Virginia", "where": "VA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 21.97, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -4.23, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (OEWS) Virginia, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_va.htm and National OEWS, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "A state-level license is required in Virginia for painting projects exceeding $1,000 in value, issued by the Virginia Board for Contractors under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for the Painting and Wallcovering Contracting (PTC) specialty. License classes are Class C (single project $1,000-$30,000; up to $250,000 annual aggregate), Class B (single project $10,000-$120,000; $150,000-$750,000 annual aggregate), and Class A (single project $120,000+ or $750,000+ annual aggregate, with no dollar limit).", "license_source": "Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors, 2025, https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors", "bonding_requirement": "Class A contractors must demonstrate a minimum net worth of $45,000 or post a $50,000 surety bond. Class B contractors must demonstrate a minimum net worth of $15,000 or post a $50,000 surety bond. Class C contractors do not have a state-level net worth or surety bond requirement.", "bonding_source": "Code of Virginia § 54.1-1106 / § 54.1-1108 and Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18VAC50-22-50, 18VAC50-22-60), 2025, https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, Virginia employed 5,170 workers in the Painters, Construction and Maintenance occupation (SOC 47-2141), with a density of 1.298 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.91 relative to national concentration.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (OEWS) Virginia, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_va.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 21.97 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Washington", "where": "WA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.6, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 7.24, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wa.htm", "license_regime": "Washington requires state-level contractor registration through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Contractors register under two main tiers: General Contractor and Specialty Contractor (painting is one of 63 registered specialty classifications). Specialty contractors are limited to performing work in their designated specialty and cannot hire subcontractors.", "license_source": "Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), 2024, https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/register-as-a-contractor", "bonding_requirement": "Effective July 1, 2024, specialty contractors (including painting contractors) must maintain a $15,000 continuous surety bond ($30,000 for general contractors). Contractors must also hold general liability insurance of $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or a $250,000 combined single limit.", "bonding_source": "Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), 2024, https://www.lni.wa.gov/news-events/article/24-18", "market_size_or_density_note": "In May 2023, Washington employed 9,230 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with a location quotient of 1.86, indicating a worker density nearly 86% higher than the national average per thousand jobs.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wa.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.6 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "West Virginia", "where": "WV", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 20.63, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -10.07, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (West Virginia) and National Estimates, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wv.htm", "license_regime": "West Virginia mandates a state-level contractor license issued by the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (housed within the West Virginia Division of Labor) under W. Va. Code § 21-11 for contracting projects valued at $2,500 or more. Painters fall under a Specialty Contractor classification (Painting / C25). Applicants must pass the West Virginia Business and Law examination; there is no separate trade exam required for painting.", "license_source": "West Virginia Division of Labor - Contractor Licensing Board, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "West Virginia does not require a universal statewide contractor license surety bond. However, contractors with employees must post a Wage Bond with the West Virginia Division of Labor under W. Va. Code § 21-5-14 (unless meeting statutory exemption criteria). Applicants must also provide proof of Workers' Compensation insurance (mandatory for 1 or more employees), Unemployment Compensation registration, and General Liability insurance.", "bonding_source": "West Virginia Division of Labor - Contractor Licensing Board, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 data, West Virginia had 670 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 0.68, indicating an occupational density lower than the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (West Virginia), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wv.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 20.63 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Wisconsin", "where": "WI", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 23.25, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 1.35, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Wisconsin & National OEWS (SOC 47-2141), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wi.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "license_regime": "Wisconsin does not require a trade-specific state license solely for painting and wall finishing. However, painting contractors undertaking work on one- or two-family dwellings that requires building permits must hold a state-level Dwelling Contractor Certification (or Dwelling Contractor Restricted Certification) issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and employ a certified Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. Other general painting work is regulated at the local city/county level.", "license_source": "Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Dwelling Contractor Credentials, 2024, https://dsps.wi.gov", "bonding_requirement": "To hold a full Dwelling Contractor Certification through DSPS under Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.31 and Wis. Stat. § 101.654, contractors must demonstrate financial responsibility via a surety bond of at least $25,000 or general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence. A Dwelling Contractor Restricted Certification requires a surety bond of at least $5,000 up to $25,000 (with contract project values capped at the bond amount).", "bonding_source": "Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.31 & Wis. Stat. § 101.654, 2024, https://dsps.wi.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an estimated 3,250 workers employed in Wisconsin in Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with an employment location quotient of 0.79 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Wisconsin (SOC 47-2141), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wi.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 23.25 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Wyoming", "where": "WY", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.86, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -0.35, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Wyoming (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wy.htm) and May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm)", "license_regime": "No state-level license is required for painting contractors in Wyoming. Contractor licensing and registration in Wyoming are decentralized and regulated at the municipal or county level (e.g., Cheyenne, Casper), while electrical contracting is the sole trade licensed at the state level.", "license_source": "Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety, 2024, https://wsfm.wyo.gov", "bonding_requirement": "No state-level surety bond or insurance minimums are established for painting contractors because there is no statewide general or trade licensing regime for this trade; bonding and insurance requirements are mandated locally by cities/counties or individual project owners.", "bonding_source": "Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety, 2024, https://wsfm.wyo.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to May 2023 BLS OEWS data, Wyoming had an estimated employment of 400 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with an employment density of 1.463 per 1,000 total jobs in the state and a location quotient of 1.03.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Wyoming, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wy.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 22.86 minus the national median 22.94) / 22.94. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" } ], "msas": [ { "name": "Atlanta", "where": "GA", "contractor_density_note": "In the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area, there were 1,700 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), representing approximately 0.604 painters per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.42 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12060.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to the Atlanta Regional Commission's analysis of U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data, total residential permitting in the 11-county metro region peaked at 2,906 units in December 2024 before showing steady month-over-month growth from November 2025 into early 2026, reaching 2,289 units in March 2026. Annually, Census BPS figures show the Atlanta CBSA authorized 38,639 housing units in 2024 compared to 40,687 in 2023, a 5% decline.", "permit_source": "Atlanta Regional Commission, Metro Atlanta Building Permits (U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey Data), 2026, https://atlantaregional.com/news/data-diversions/metro-atlanta-building-permits", "market_context_note": "In the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area, construction and maintenance painters earned a mean hourly wage of $22.61, representing an annual mean wage of $47,030.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12060.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Austin", "where": "TX", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were an estimated 1,520 workers employed as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in the Austin-Round Rock, TX metropolitan statistical area, earning a mean annual wage of $46,380.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2023), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12420.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit volume in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area has shown a downward trend over recent years, declining from 50,772 authorized housing units in 2021 to 42,942 in 2022, 38,773 in 2023, and 32,294 units in 2024.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (2024), https://www.census.gov/construction/bps/index.html", "market_context_note": "Despite moderation in overall multi-family permitting from peak levels, the Austin-Round Rock metro continues to see steady single-family construction starts and high ongoing housing turnover, sustaining demand for residential painting and finishing contractors.", "market_context_source": "Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University (2024), https://www.trerc.tamu.edu", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Baltimore", "where": "MD", "contractor_density_note": "In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area, there were an estimated 1,610 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 0.87 relative to the national average, an hourly mean wage of $23.65, and an annual mean wage of $49,200.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12580.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permitting activity in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area expanded to 5,514 units over the trailing 12-month period, reflecting a 24.2% year-over-year increase and a rate of approximately 2.17 permits per 1,000 residents.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (BPS), 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Demand for painting and wall finishing in the Baltimore metro area is driven by multi-family turnover, historic housing rehabilitation, and new residential and commercial developments; HUD projected a 3-year market demand for 11,950 new sales homes and 4,565 rental units across the metro, while Baltimore County recorded an 18.7% increase in commercial additions, alterations, and repair (AAR) permits in Q4 2024.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD PD&R), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, Maryland, 2023, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Birmingham", "where": "AL", "contractor_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 data, the Birmingham-Hoover, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area had 410 workers employed as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with a median hourly wage of $20.69 and an annual mean wage of $43,030.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan Estimates for Birmingham-Hoover, AL (2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_13820.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit volume in the Birmingham-Hoover MSA remained steady at post-pandemic highs, with 5,173 total units permitted in 2022 (3,424 single-family/sales and 1,749 multifamily/rental units), compared to 5,176 units in 2021 and 4,649 units in 2020.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama (2023), https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "As of April 1, 2023, the Birmingham-Hoover single-family market remained slightly tight with a 1.5% sales vacancy rate and 1,350 homes under construction, while apartment construction increased substantially after 2019, soft rental market conditions with 2,950 rental units under construction and an 11.0% apartment vacancy rate.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama (2023), https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Boston", "where": "MA", "contractor_density_note": "According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area earn a median annual wage of $57,820, with entry-level (10th percentile) earnings starting at $45,650 and experienced (90th percentile) earnings reaching $109,840.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics https://www.bls.gov/oes", "permit_volume_trend": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data shows a slowdown in residential construction activity across the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area: total authorized residential building permits fell 12.1% year-over-year in 2022 to 14,593 permits, and multifamily permit volume dropped 22.3% year-over-year in 2024 to 7,022 units.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps/", "market_context_note": "The City of Boston Inspectional Services Department reports consistent construction and remodeling activity, with annual permit issuance remaining steady between 5% and 7% of cumulative total permits. Short-form building permits account for 28.60% of all approved permits, indicating strong ongoing demand for routine building maintenance, interior/exterior alterations, and finishing trades.", "market_context_source": "City of Boston Inspectional Services Department (2026), Open Data Boston Approved Building Permits Dataset https://data.boston.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Buffalo", "where": "NY", "contractor_density_note": "According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, New York State employs 14,820 Painters, Construction and Maintenance workers (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 1.11, reflecting a slightly higher concentration of painting trade labor relative to the national baseline.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ny.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls MSA contracted from 3,197 authorized units in 2022 to 2,101 units in 2023, before experiencing a moderate rebound to 2,659 authorized units for the 12 months ending July 2024 (a 3.9% increase over the 2,558 units permitted in the prior 12-month period).", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "New residential construction in the metro is heavily concentrated in Erie County, which accounts for 82% of all single-family residential permitting since 2010 (~700 single-family permits for the 12 months ending July 2024). Additionally, 2,675 rental apartment units were under active construction as of August 2024, driving demand for new-build commercial and residential finishing work.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Charlotte", "where": "NC", "contractor_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS estimates, the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC MSA employed 1,170 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with an annual mean wage of $45,370 ($21.81 hourly mean) and a location quotient of 0.63.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_16740.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "In 2024, building permit offices in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia MSA authorized 21,487 new privately-owned housing units (ranking 8th among all U.S. metropolitan CBSAs), following 19,150 residential sales units permitted in 2023 (a slight <1% shift from 19,250 in 2022), reflecting sustained high-volume residential construction activity.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "In Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, cosmetic updates such as interior and exterior painting costing $15,000 or less are exempt from residential building permits, while painting or building finishing projects exceeding $40,000 require a North Carolina General Contractor license from the NCLBGC.", "market_context_source": "City of Charlotte Development Services / Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, 2026, https://www.charlottenc.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Chicago", "where": "IL", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metropolitan statistical area employed an estimated 6,280 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) as of May 2023, representing a location quotient of 0.98 compared to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_16980.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin MSA reached approximately 15,000 authorized housing units in 2023 and recorded 14,194 authorized units through October 2025, reflecting a modest softening and stabilization driven by elevated interest rates and construction costs.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2025, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "The Chicago metropolitan area produced $886 billion in GRDP in 2024 and added 22,925 residents between 2024 and 2025. Demand for painting and wall finishing is supported by steady commercial investment and a mature regional housing stock, much of which predates 1978 and requires ongoing maintenance and EPA lead-safe renovation practices.", "market_context_source": "World Business Chicago, 2025, https://worldbusinesschicago.com", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Cincinnati", "where": "OH", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 1,120 workers employed in the Painters, Construction and Maintenance trade (SOC 47-2141) in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metropolitan area, representing a location quotient of 0.73 compared to the national concentration (0.73 workers per thousand jobs).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_17140.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data, monthly new private housing structures authorized by building permits in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN MSA have ranged between roughly 350 and 600 authorized units per month across recent years, reflecting steady regional residential permitting activity.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, New Private Housing Structures Authorized by Building Permits for Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN (MSA) [CINC139BPPRIV], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 2024, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CINC139BPPRIV", "market_context_note": "The Cincinnati 16-county region maintained overall total employment of approximately 1.16 million with an unemployment rate under 4%, supporting consistent baseline demand for residential and commercial building alterations and maintenance services.", "market_context_source": "Cincinnati Regional Chamber, Summer 2023 Cincinnati Region Labor Market Analysis, 2023, https://cincinnatichamber.com", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Cleveland", "where": "OH", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Cleveland-Elyria, OH MSA employed approximately 1,450 painters, construction and maintenance workers (SOC 47-2141) as of May 2023, representing an employment location quotient of 1.02 and an annual mean wage of $52,810.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_17460.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Single-family building permit volume in the Cleveland-Elyria MSA totaled 2,695 units over the 12-month period ending December 2023, reflecting a 12.2% year-over-year decrease.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau & National Association of Realtors, 2023 Q4 Local Market Report", "market_context_note": "Institutional and commercial demand in the Cleveland metro is supported by major capital developments, including The Sherwin-Williams Company's $600 million global headquarters 36-story office tower in downtown Cleveland and R&D center in Brecksville, alongside healthcare construction projects at Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 2023 Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Columbus", "where": "OH", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2023 estimates, the Columbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area had 1,050 workers employed as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), earning a mean hourly wage of $25.21 and an annual mean wage of $54,850.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_18140.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to the U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, total housing units authorized by building permits in the Columbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area increased from 6,084 units in 2023 to 9,116 units in 2024, representing an increase of 3,032 units (a year-over-year rise of approximately 49.8%).", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Annual Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Bureau of Labor Market Information, the Columbus MSA is projected to lead all Ohio metropolitan statistical areas in total employment growth with a projected 9.4% increase (adding over 102,000 jobs across industries) over the 2020-2030 projection period, sustaining strong underlying demand for building finishing and maintenance trades.", "market_context_source": "Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Bureau of Labor Market Information, 2022, https://ohiolmi.com", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Dallas-Fort Worth", "where": "TX", "contractor_density_note": "According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), there were 4,600 construction and maintenance painters employed in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metropolitan statistical area as of May 2023, representing an employment concentration of 1.16 painters per 1,000 jobs.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 2257, "job_value_source": "Angi, 2026, https://www.angi.com/articles/interior-painting-cost-dallas-tx.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to U.S. Census Bureau permit data, DFW authorized 71,788 new residential units in 2024, leading all U.S. metropolitan areas in residential building permit volume, though single-family permitting across Texas subsequently moderated by 11.7% in 2025 due to elevated mortgage rates.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau / NAHB, 2026", "market_context_note": "Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington represents one of the largest regional construction markets in the nation, with 149,230 total construction and extraction workers as of May 2023, supporting strong demand for painting and finishing trades driven by a 7.3% statewide population growth from 2020 to 2024.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19140.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Denver", "where": "CO", "contractor_density_note": "In the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metropolitan statistical area, there were approximately 1,700 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance workers as of May 2023, representing an employment density of 0.75 painters per 1,000 total jobs and a location quotient of 1.07 compared to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19740.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 4897, "job_value_source": "Improovy, Denver House Painting Cost Study, 2023", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit and construction activity in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area contracted from peak 2021-2022 levels, with overall home sales dropping 28% year-over-year into 2023 due to elevated interest rates and reduced housing affordability, causing new residential permit issuance to taper toward historic averages.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado, 2023, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "Demand for painting and wall finishing services in the Denver metro area is supported by a forecasted demand for 36,100 new sales housing units and over 38,000 multi-family units under construction through 2026, alongside steady demand for existing residential repainting driven by regional UV exposure and weather maintenance.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado, 2023, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "citation-text-only", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Detroit", "where": "MI", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,900 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI MSA as of May 2023, representing an employment density of 1.000 painters per 1,000 total jobs in the metropolitan area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes19820.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Annual residential building permit issuance in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn MSA fell to 4,541 housing units in 2023 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, down significantly from historical levels due to higher interest rates and material costs. However, residential permit activity showed signs of stabilization and growth, with statewide private housing permits up 8.4% year-to-date by May 2024 and monthly MSA permit volume reaching 728 units in May 2026.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "According to the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan, single-family residential construction across the 5-county Metro Detroit area maintained an average single-family permit value of $380,742 in December 2025, supported by localized permitting growth in core municipalities such as Detroit, Shelby Township, and Macomb Township.", "market_context_source": "Home Builders Association (HBA) of Southeastern Michigan, 2026, https://www.builders.org", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Hartford", "where": "CT", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (May 2023), the Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT metropolitan area had 480 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141). Additionally, Census County Business Patterns data recorded 95 employer establishments in NAICS 238320 (Painting and Wall Covering Contractors) in Hartford County.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_25540.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and Census Building Permits Survey data, housing permit authorizations in Hartford County rose from 1,642 units in 2022 to 1,776 units in 2023. Statewide in Connecticut, new housing unit permits dropped ~20% in 2024 to 5,952 units amid higher mortgage rates.", "permit_source": "Partnership for Strong Communities / CT DECD Annual Construction Report, 2025, https://www.pschousing.org", "market_context_note": "According to economic review data published by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (citing Moody's Analytics), the Hartford, CT MSA saw job growth primarily in construction and healthcare in 2024. While home price appreciation in the metro outpaced the national average, elevated interest rates constrained new home builds, maintaining reliance on renovation and maintenance work.", "market_context_source": "Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), 2025, https://www.occ.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Houston", "where": "TX", "contractor_density_note": "As of May 2023, the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX MSA employed 4,720 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), representing a location quotient of 1.04 relative to the national average and an annual mean wage of $44,260 ($21.28 per hour).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Houston MSA reached 65,747 authorized housing units in 2024, moderating from 68,755 units in 2023 and 75,786 units in 2022, while ranking second nationwide for total residential permitting volume.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Total construction contract awards across the Houston metro area reached $43.8 billion in 2024, a 31% increase from $33.3 billion in 2023, driven by sustained expansion across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.", "market_context_source": "Greater Houston Partnership, 2025", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Indianapolis", "where": "IN", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN metropolitan statistical area employed approximately 1,100 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) as of May 2023, with a location quotient of 0.71, representing a lower density of trade employment per capita compared to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_26900.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson MSA experienced a temporary decline in 2023 (with single-family permits down approximately 20% compared to 2022), but single-family permitting rebounded in 2024 to higher levels than the prior two years, while multifamily permitting moderated after high completion volumes in 2022 and 2023.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD User Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "Housing demand across the 11-county Indianapolis metropolitan area remains strong, supported by an average annual population growth of 24,400 residents from 2022 to 2024, driving ongoing demand for residential finishing, interior repainting, and new construction painting services.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD User Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Jacksonville", "where": "FL", "contractor_density_note": "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the Jacksonville, FL MSA employed 1,480 workers in the Painters, Construction and Maintenance occupation (SOC 47-2141), representing a density of approximately 1.99 painters per 1,000 total jobs in the metro area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_27260.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Building Permits Survey, total new private housing units authorized by building permits in the Jacksonville, FL CBSA dropped from 20,326 units in 2023 to 15,002 units in 2024 (a 26.2% decline), and declined further to 13,455 units in 2025 (a 10.3% decrease), reflecting a overall multi-year reduction in new residential construction permitting.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2026, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Under Florida Statutes § 489.103 and City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division guidelines, routine interior and exterior painting and wall finishing are classified as cosmetic repairs/maintenance and are exempt from building permit requirements, meaning job costs and project volumes for painting trades are not directly recorded in local permit valuation databases.", "market_context_source": "City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division, 2023", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Kansas City", "where": "MO", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, the Kansas City, MO-KS metropolitan statistical area employed an estimated 1,540 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) as of May 2023, representing a location quotient of 1.00 relative to the national average employment density.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_28140.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Single-family building permits in the Kansas City metro totaled 4,388 units in 2025, a 3% decline from 4,509 permits in 2024. Permitting activity surged in early 2026, with metro single-family permits increasing 32% year-to-date through May 2026 (2,358 units) compared to the same five-month period in 2025.", "permit_source": "Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA), 2026, https://kchba.org", "market_context_note": "HUD's Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis for Kansas City forecasts demand for 16,050 new sales homes and 16,200 additional rental units between 2024 and 2027, with 55% of single-family demand centered in the Missouri submarket and 45% in the Kansas submarket, providing sustained baseline demand for finishing and painting trades.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Las Vegas", "where": "NV", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey, the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV Metropolitan Statistical Area employed 2,840 Painters, Construction and Maintenance workers (SOC 47-2141), with a location quotient of 1.84 and a mean hourly wage of $26.59 ($55,310 mean annual wage).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_29820.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Single-family housing permits in Clark County totaled 11,200 in 2025 and tracked toward 10,500 in 2026 (down 71% from the 2005 peak of 39,000), while multi-family (5+ units) permit volume in the Las Vegas metro area dropped from 3,590 units in 2024 to 2,329 units in 2025.", "permit_source": "Clark County Department of Building & U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2026, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Painting and finishing demand in the Las Vegas metro is buoyed by steady population expansion via California in-migration (approximately 45,000 net residents over 24 months) along with continuous commercial capital expenditure across the casino, resort, and sports infrastructure corridors.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Labor Statistics Regional Economic Analysis, 2026, https://www.nevadarealestategroup.com", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Los Angeles", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan statistical area, there were 9,650 employed construction and maintenance painters (SOC 47-2141) with a location quotient of 1.10 relative to the national concentration.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_31080.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to the U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro authorized 32,593 new residential housing units in 2022 with a total valuation of $7.1 billion (a 4.6% increase in permitted units and a 2.4% increase in valuation from 2021). Annual permitting data for 2024 shows residential construction activity moderating, with 13,154 authorized units recorded in major residential categories amid elevated financing costs.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Painters in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim MSA earned a mean hourly wage of $29.62 ($61,600 annually), supported by strong demand in both residential renovation and commercial property maintenance across Los Angeles and Orange counties.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_31080.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Louisville", "where": "KY", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2023 estimates, there were 530 estimated workers employed in SOC 47-2141 (Painters, Construction and Maintenance) in the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_31140.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data, residential building permit activity in the Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN MSA totaled 6,113 housing units in 2023, maintaining active residential construction and framing/finishing demand across the region.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, New Private Housing Units Authorized by Building Permits for Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN (MSA) [LOIBPPRIV], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 2024, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LOIBPPRIV", "market_context_note": "According to the Metropolitan Housing Coalition, housing units in Jefferson County grew by 5.6% from 337,349 in 2012 to 356,155 in 2022, with ongoing Land Development Code (LDC) reform efforts in Louisville targeting expanded middle housing and multi-family residential density.", "market_context_source": "Metropolitan Housing Coalition, 2024 State of Metropolitan Housing Report, 2024", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Memphis", "where": "TN", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metropolitan statistical area employed approximately 550 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), representing a location quotient of 0.62 relative to national average employment density.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to HUD's Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis for the Memphis metro area, total residential building permits rebounded to 4,825 authorized units in the 12 months ending May 2024 (up from 4,130 units in the 12 months ending May 2023), following a post-peak pullback from 6,678 units in 2021 and 4,722 units in 2022.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "Under Section 105.2 of the Memphis and Shelby County Building Code, painting, wall covering, and interior cosmetic finishing work are explicitly exempt from local building permit requirements. Finishing demand is heavily driven by residential construction, where single-family detached homes accounted for 75.6% (3,066 units) of total residential permits issued across the metro in 2023.", "market_context_source": "Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Enforcement, 2025, https://www.shelbycountytn.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Miami", "where": "FL", "contractor_density_note": "According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for May 2023, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL metropolitan area employed 5,150 Painters, Construction and Maintenance workers (SOC 47-2141), with a location quotient of 1.33 indicating a higher density of painting trade professionals relative to the national average, earning an annual mean wage of $41,560 ($19.98/hour).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_33100.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data reported via FRED, residential construction permitting in Miami-Dade County reached 13,393 private housing units in 2021, moderated to 11,605 in 2022, rebounded to 12,781 in 2023, and adjusted to 10,608 in 2024, maintaining strong overall multi-year residential building activity.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau / Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), New Private Housing Structures Authorized by Building Permits for Miami-Dade County, FL [BPPRIV012086], 2024, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/BPPRIV012086", "market_context_note": "An analysis of U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data identified the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL metro area as the most underbuilt large metropolitan area relative to its population growth between 2021 and 2025, where more than half of the region's population expansion remains unserved by new housing supply, driving sustained demand for homebuilding, remodeling, and surface finishing services.", "market_context_source": "InMyArea.com, America's Housing Shortage: What Building Permit Data Reveals, 2026", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Milwaukee", "where": "WI", "contractor_density_note": "According to May 2023 BLS OEWS data, the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI metropolitan statistical area employed approximately 1,150 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with a mean hourly wage of $24.26 and an annual mean wage of $50,460.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_33340.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permitting in the Milwaukee metro expanded to 2,300 units in 2024, up significantly from an average of 1,250 units annually between 2019 and 2023, before moderating to 2,025 units during the 12 months ending August 2025.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, 2025, https://www.huduser.gov", "market_context_note": "Multifamily housing developments in the Milwaukee metro saw 4,150 apartment units completed during the 12 months ending September 2025 (up from 3,200 units annually in prior 12-month periods), creating steady demand for interior and exterior trade finishing.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, 2025, https://www.huduser.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Minneapolis-St. Paul", "where": "MN", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 OEWS report, there were approximately 2,450 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) employed in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan statistical area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_33460.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 1641, "job_value_source": "Angi Minneapolis Interior Painting Cost Report, 2026, https://www.angi.com", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential construction permitting in the Minneapolis-St. Paul MSA declined following a period of high volume (exceeding 18,000 units per year through 2022), with overall annual housing authorizations dropping to 15,596 units in 2023, 12,339 units in 2024, and 12,161 units in 2025.", "permit_source": "Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (citing U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey), 2026, https://www.minneapolisfed.org", "market_context_note": "During the 12 months ending October 2025, single-family building permits in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA reached 10,500 units (up 14% year-over-year) and multifamily permits reached 6,550 units (up 22% year-over-year), signaling a selective near-term rebound in residential construction activity.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User), 2026, https://www.huduser.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Nashville", "where": "TN", "median_job_value_usd": 4979, "job_value_source": "PaintPro TN, 2024, https://paintprotn.com/house-painting-cost-nashville", "permit_volume_trend": "New private housing building permits in Davidson County (Nashville MSA) experienced a downward moderation from peak levels of 16,310 units in 2021 and 15,163 units in 2022 to 11,225 units in 2023 and 6,880 units in 2024.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey via Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis FRED, 2024, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/BPPRIV047037", "market_context_note": "HUD reports that as of April 2024, the Nashville MSA had approximately 22,800 housing units under construction, heavily concentrated in Davidson County, providing steady ongoing baseline demand for wall finishing and painting sub-trades.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "New Orleans", "where": "LA", "contractor_density_note": "The New Orleans-Metairie, LA metropolitan statistical area employed approximately 780 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) as of May 2023, with a location quotient of 1.07 compared to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35380.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit volume in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA MSA declined recently, with new construction permits decreasing by 13.1% to 866 permits in 2025.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "The New Orleans-Metairie, LA MSA had an estimated population of 981,662 in 2024 and a median property value of $260,200 (a 4.92% year-over-year increase), maintaining ongoing baseline demand for residential maintenance and repainting services across its housing stock.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Census Bureau / DataUSA, 2024, https://datausa.io/profile/geo/new-orleans-metairie-la-35380", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "New York", "where": "NY", "contractor_density_note": "According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, there were 13,990 employed construction and maintenance painters (SOC 47-2141) in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metropolitan statistical area, representing an employment density of 1.473 painters per 1,000 jobs.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35620.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "In the New York-Newark-Jersey City MSA, total authorized residential building permits reached 58,991 units in 2022 (+4.1% year-over-year). By early 2025, single-family home permitting grew by 11% year-over-year, while regional multifamily building permits experienced a retreat of approximately 50% to 51% following prior years of rapid inventory expansion.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) / U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, Regional Housing Market Report, 2025", "market_context_note": "Finishing trade contractors in the metro operate in a high-cost environment where maintenance and renovation work across single-family and multifamily properties remain key activity drivers. Construction and maintenance painters in the metro earn a mean hourly wage of $29.54 and a mean annual salary of $61,430.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35620.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Oklahoma City", "where": "OK", "contractor_density_note": "As of May 2023, there were 860 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in the Oklahoma City, OK Metropolitan Statistical Area, representing an employment density of 1.306 painters per 1,000 jobs.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (Oklahoma City, OK), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_36420.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data, Oklahoma City recorded the highest share of single-family housing permits relative to total residential building permits among major U.S. metropolitan areas at 91.0% in 2023, reflecting strong ground-oriented single-family construction activity.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey / New Geography, 2024", "market_context_note": "Single-family residential construction in Oklahoma City has expanded significantly, with over 33,000 building permits issued over a 10-year period, supported by metro population growth exceeding 170,000 residents.", "market_context_source": "Greater Oklahoma City Chamber / VelocityOKC, 2023", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Orlando", "where": "FL", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL MSA employed 2,850 construction and maintenance painters (SOC 47-2141), representing a density of 2.082 jobs per 1,000 total regional employment and a location quotient of 1.46 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_36740.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Data from the U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey shows the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford MSA authorized approximately 14,000 to 16,000 new single-family housing units annually across 2023-2024, ranking among the top market volumes nationally for new housing construction, with strong momentum continuing into 2025 as Q1 permitted units surged significantly compared to the prior year.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "The Orlando metropolitan area expanded by 37,690 residents between July 2024 and July 2025 (a 1.3% growth rate), making it the 6th fastest-growing large metro region in the U.S. and sustained demand for interior/exterior wall finishing, trade sub-contracting, and new residential paint applications.", "market_context_source": "Orlando Economic Partnership, 2026, https://orlando.org", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Philadelphia", "where": "PA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area had 3,200 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), with a location quotient of 0.80 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_37980.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Following an unprecedented surge in 2021 (26,166 authorized housing units driven by pending revisions to the city's 10-year property tax abatement), building permit activity dropped sharply in 2022 (~3,220 units) and stabilized at approximately 3,000 to 3,366 authorized housing units annually through 2024 and 2025.", "permit_source": "Pew Charitable Trusts, 2026, https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2026/04/state-of-the-city-2026", "market_context_note": "Philadelphia's housing market features an aging housing stock requiring significant repairs, renovation, and painting. To encourage home restoration and new housing development, local administration efforts in 2024-2025 eliminated the 1% Development Impact Tax on residential construction to reduce overall building and rehab costs.", "market_context_source": "City of Philadelphia, 2025, https://www.phila.gov/media/20250218110341/CAPER-2023-2024.pdf", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Phoenix", "where": "AZ", "contractor_density_note": "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were an estimated 4,550 construction and maintenance painters (SOC 47-2141) employed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metropolitan area as of May 2023, representing a density of approximately 1.99 painters per 1,000 total jobs in the metro.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential permitting activity in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler MSA grew sharply in 2024, reaching 45,884 authorized housing units. Total housing permits rose by approximately 26% year-over-year in mid-2024, driven by a surge in single-family home authorizations (+60.5% to +61.5%), which offset a moderation in multi-family permits (-12.7% to -17.7%).", "permit_source": "University of Arizona Economic and Business Research Center (EBRC) & U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://azeconomy.org", "market_context_note": "Demand for trade contractors in the Phoenix MSA is underpinned by steady population expansion (~1.5% annually) and major industrial developments, such as TSMC's semiconductor manufacturing investments. HUD projects 3-year demand for 67,400 new sales housing units across the housing market area.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, Arizona, 2025, https://www.huduser.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Pittsburgh", "where": "PA", "contractor_density_note": "According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for the Pittsburgh, PA MSA, there were 1,370 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) across the metropolitan area, earning an hourly mean wage of $25.23 ($52,490 annually).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_38300.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permitting in the Pittsburgh metro area averaged approximately 3,325 homes annually in 2022-2023, down from peak pandemic levels of 3,775 homes annually in 2020-2021. Activity saw a modest 4% uptick to approximately 3,425 permitted units for the 12 months ending April 2024, with the Census BPS recording 6,294 total housing units permitted across the full MSA in 2023 (2.60 permits per 1,000 residents).", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) & U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Pittsburgh Housing Market Analysis / 2023 Annual Building Permits Survey, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "In the City of Pittsburgh, routine interior and exterior painting, papering, and wall surface finishing do not require a building permit under the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) rules. However, projects in municipal historic districts (e.g., Mexican War Streets, Shadyside) require Historic Review Commission Certificates of Appropriateness, and work on pre-1978 homes requires EPA lead-safe RRP compliance.", "market_context_source": "City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), 2025 Work Not Requiring a Permit Guide, https://pittsburghpa.gov/pli", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Portland", "where": "OR", "contractor_density_note": "According to the May 2023 BLS OEWS survey, there were 2,790 workers employed as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area, representing an employment density of 2.31 workers per 1,000 total jobs and a location quotient of 1.62.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_38900.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Building permit activity in the Portland metro area has experienced a sharp downward trend over recent years. According to U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data, 2024 multifamily (5+ units) housing permits in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA MSA dropped by 58.5% year-over-year while single-family permits fell by 2.7%. Within the City of Portland city limits, total permits for all housing units dropped 47.4% in 2024 down to 1,624 units.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (reported by Realtor.com Research, 2025, and HFO Real Estate, 2025)", "market_context_note": "Despite recent permit contractions, the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis's Oregon Housing Needs Analysis indicates substantial underlying structural demand, projecting that Oregon requires approximately 29,522 new housing units per year from 2024 to 2044 to resolve its severe housing shortage, substantially higher than the ~13,000 total housing permits issued statewide in 2024.", "market_context_source": "Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, Oregon Housing Needs Analysis, 2025", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Providence", "where": "RI", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metropolitan statistical area employed 1,010 Painters, Construction and Maintenance workers (SOC 47-2141) as of May 2023. The area has a location quotient of 1.46, indicating a painter concentration 46% higher than the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_39300.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to the U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, residential building permit activity in the Providence-Warwick MSA has remained subdued relative to national benchmarks, issuing under 2,000 new housing unit permits annually through 2023 and 2024 (3.6 permits per 1,000 existing homes in 2024). Multi-family construction represented a dominant share, accounting for 48.9% of all new authorized housing units in 2024.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (BPS), 2023-2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Trade demand in the Providence metro is heavily driven by maintenance, repainting, and historic renovation of existing structures rather than new residential construction. U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data indicates that a substantial majority of the region's housing stock was built prior to 1980, creating sustained demand for interior/exterior updates and lead paint hazard compliance.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates / City of Warwick Municipal Housing Profile, 2022, https://www.warwickri.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Raleigh", "where": "NC", "contractor_density_note": "According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data, Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in the Raleigh-Cary, NC MSA earn a median annual wage of $45,360 ($21.81 per hour), maintaining a trade workforce serving a metropolitan population of over 1.42 million residents.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes", "median_job_value_usd": 1921, "job_value_source": "Angi, 2026, https://www.angi.com/articles/interior-painting-cost.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit volume in the Raleigh-Cary, NC MSA expanded significantly, reaching 18,206 housing units authorized over the trailing 12 months, a 15.5% year-over-year increase, ranking Raleigh among the highest per-capita residential construction markets in the U.S. at 12.81 permits per 1,000 residents.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (FRED), 2026, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/RALE537BPPRIV", "market_context_note": "A dense housing supply pipeline across Wake, Johnston, and Franklin counties, with over 18,000 annual new residential permits, creates strong trade demand for initial wall finishing in new home builds as well as recurring interior and exterior repainting across the metropolitan area.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (FRED), 2026, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/RALE537BPPRIV", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Richmond", "where": "VA", "contractor_density_note": "According to BLS occupational data, the Richmond, VA metropolitan statistical area had 940 construction and maintenance painters employed, representing an occupational density of 1.447 jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the area and a location quotient of 1.02 relative to national averages.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Richmond, VA (2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_40060.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Single-family residential building permits in the Mid-Atlantic / Richmond region increased 8% year-over-year in Q3 2024 due to sustained housing demand, while regional multifamily permitting dropped 23% amid elevated interest rates and cost headwinds.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Mid-Atlantic Regional Housing Market Report Q3 2024 (2024)", "market_context_note": "The Richmond Housing Market Area (HMA) maintains strong structural demand for residential construction and trade services, supported by low rental vacancies, steady regional nonfarm job growth, and consistent household formation across Henrico, Chesterfield, and Richmond City submarkets.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Richmond, Virginia (2022), https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Riverside-San Bernardino", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 OEWS data, the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA MSA employed 3,310 construction and maintenance painters (SOC 47-2141), with a location quotient of 1.40 (40% higher painter concentration than the national average) and a density of approximately 1.993 painters per 1,000 jobs.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_40140.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario MSA experienced steady momentum, with 16,320 housing units authorized in 2022 (a 4.6% year-over-year increase) and a surge of 24.17% in the first half of 2023 (11,355 units permitted compared to 9,145 in 1H 2022).", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (via Business Insider / Point2), 2023", "market_context_note": "Inland Empire regional population growth (exceeding 4.7 million residents across Riverside and San Bernardino counties) continues to generate trade demand across new construction and property updates, with 2,195 new multifamily units delivered in 1H 2025 (a 40.6% increase over 1H 2024).", "market_context_source": "NAI Capital Commercial, Inland Empire Multifamily Market Report Q2 2025, 2025", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Sacramento", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area had approximately 2,600 employed Construction and Maintenance Painters (SOC 47-2141) with a median annual wage of $58,360.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes", "median_job_value_usd": 6500, "job_value_source": "FacadeColorizer Sacramento Exterior Painting Cost Guide, 2026", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA MSA reached 1,094 housing units authorized in May 2026, bringing the trailing 12-month total to 10,042 authorized units, representing an upward trend of +14% compared to the prior year.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey (via FRED), 2026, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SACR906BPPRIVSA", "market_context_note": "Demand for painting contractors in the Sacramento metro is influenced by a strong residential repaint market across historic architectural stock (e.g., Curtis Park Craftsman and Victorian homes), HOA compliance requirements across suburban developments, and intense local summer heat (reaching 110°F) that increases UV wear and exterior maintenance cycles.", "market_context_source": "FacadeColorizer Sacramento Painting Market Analysis, 2026", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "citation-text-only", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Salt Lake City", "where": "UT", "contractor_density_note": "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Salt Lake City, UT metropolitan statistical area had 1,480 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) as of May 2023, representing an occupational density of 1.84 jobs per 1,000 total jobs (a location quotient of 1.29 relative to the national average).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41620.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Salt Lake City region experienced a notable pullback in 2023 and 2024 after reaching peak levels in 2021-2022. Total authorized housing units in the metro and state dropped to multi-year lows, driven primarily by a sharp decline in multi-family and apartment permits amidst elevated interest rates.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "In Utah, painting contractors operating in the Salt Lake City metro area are regulated by the Department of Commerce Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) under the Construction Trades Licensing Act (Rule R156-55a), which requires an S300 General Painting Contractor license.", "market_context_source": "Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), 2024, https://dopl.utah.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "San Antonio", "where": "TX", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, there were approximately 830 workers employed as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in the San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX MSA, earning a mean hourly wage of $20.78 ($43,230 annually).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41700.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential permitting in the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA reached peak levels in 2022 with over 23,600 housing units permitted, followed by a moderation in 2023, and a notable rebound in late 2024 where single-family housing starts rose 30.3% month-over-month.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research / U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "The San Antonio-New Braunfels Housing Market Area population reached 2.77 million across eight counties, driven by significant single-family master-planned community construction along the Interstate 35 corridor toward New Braunfels.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "San Diego", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "In the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metropolitan statistical area, there were 3,680 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) as of May 2023, representing an employment density of 2.42 painters per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.70 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41740.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit volume in the San Diego region experienced significant growth, issuing 11,673 permits across San Diego County in 2023 (a 21% increase over 2022) and authorizing 14,947 housing units in 2024. Permitting activity has been heavily dominated by multi-family developments (60%) and accessory dwelling units (ADUs, 27%).", "permit_source": "San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), 2025, https://www.sandag.org", "market_context_note": "Painters in the San Diego MSA earned an annual mean wage of $55,000 ($26.44 hourly) as of May 2023. Regional demand for painting and wall finishing trades is supported by high housing prices, coastal weather maintenance requirements, and steady multi-family and ADU residential construction.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41740.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "San Francisco", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "According to May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS estimates for the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area, there were 5,550 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), representing a density of 2.29 painters per 1,000 jobs in the metro area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward MSA has trended sharply downward over recent years. According to U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data, monthly permitted housing units fell from 869 units in July 2020 to 299 units in July 2025 (a decline of 570 units), driven primarily by an 88.9% contraction in multifamily unit permits from 602 to 67 units alongside single-family permit drops from 249 to 222 units.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps/index.html", "market_context_note": "HUD housing market data and local planning reports indicate that macroeconomic pressures, including elevated interest rates, high material/labor costs, and long entitlement lead times, have constrained new construction across the metro area. In San Francisco County, building permits were issued for only approximately 1,823 housing units in 2023, representing one of its lowest annual permitting totals since 2010.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User), State of the Cities Data Systems (SOCDS) & Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/pdrdatas.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "San Jose", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area, there are 2,040 employed construction and maintenance painters (SOC 47-2141), representing an employment density of 1.78 painters per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.25 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential construction permitting in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara MSA has trended downward in recent years, with rental unit permits declining 7% to 4,275 units for the 12 months ending November 2024 compared to the previous 12-month period, alongside a broader multi-year contraction in overall housing unit authorizations from 2020 levels.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) & U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov", "market_context_note": "Demand for trade finishes in the San Jose metropolitan area is supported by high residential real estate valuations, with average home sales prices reaching $1.67 million in late 2024, driving ongoing home improvement and repainting activity across existing residential stock despite high local labor costs and a slowdown in new housing starts.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Seattle", "where": "WA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 OEWS estimates, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA MSA employed 5,140 Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141), representing approximately 2.47 painters per 1,000 jobs with a location quotient of 1.74.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472141.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 2694, "job_value_source": "Angi, 2026, https://www.angi.com", "permit_volume_trend": "Year-to-date through September 2024, single-family building permits in the Seattle metro area increased by 16% year-over-year to 5,135 units, while multifamily permits decreased by 12% to 7,452 units.", "permit_source": "HUD State of the Cities Data Systems (SOCDS) / Census Building Permits Survey via Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, 2024, https://www.mbaks.com", "market_context_note": "The Puget Sound region added 46,800 residents from April 2023 to April 2024, bringing total regional population to 4,483,900, while Washington statewide construction employment expanded by 4,700 jobs over the same period.", "market_context_source": "Washington State Office of Financial Management / Employment Security Department via Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, 2024, https://www.mbaks.com", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "St. Louis", "where": "MO", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan statistical area had approximately 2,500 employed Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 OEWS, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_42520.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to HUD market data citing the U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, residential construction permitting in the St. Louis, MO-IL MSA has trended downward recently: single-family permits fell 10% from 4,650 units in 2024 to 4,175 units in 2025, while multifamily permits fell 19% from 2,050 units in 2024 to 1,650 units in 2025, placing both below 2015-2020 historical averages.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User) / U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2026, https://www.huduser.gov", "market_context_note": "The St. Louis MSA home sales market remains slightly tight with average home sales prices reaching $328,500 and for-sale inventory at 2.1 months. An aging regional housing stock paired with steady home price appreciation supports ongoing residential maintenance and wall finishing demand.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User), Housing Market Profile: St. Louis, Missouri-Illinois, 2026, https://www.huduser.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Tampa", "where": "FL", "contractor_density_note": "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, there were 2,380 construction and maintenance painters (SOC 47-2141) employed in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA, with a location quotient of 1.18, reflecting a higher concentration of trade workers than the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_45300.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2024 Annual Building Permits Survey, the Tampa CBSA ranked among the top 20 metropolitan statistical areas nationwide for new privately-owned housing units authorized. Regional permit tracking from Plan Hillsborough and HUD SOCDS indicates Tampa Bay area counties permitted 55,085 total residential units in 2023, representing a 27% increase compared to 2019 baseline levels.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Annual Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Under the Florida Building Code and City of Tampa guidelines, cosmetic trade work including painting, wallpapering, tiling, and carpeting is generally exempt from building permit requirements for existing residential properties, though commercial tenant improvements require plan reviews and permits.", "market_context_source": "Permit Place, 2026", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Virginia Beach", "where": "VA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,340 workers employed as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (SOC 47-2141) in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC metropolitan statistical area as of May 2023.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_47260.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit volume in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk MSA declined 8.7% year-over-year in 2023 and remained 15.6% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels due to elevated interest rates, with single-family construction permits continuing a downward trend in early 2024.", "permit_source": "Hampton Roads Planning District Commission based on U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.hrpdcva.gov", "market_context_note": "Nonfarm payroll employment in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area expanded 2.0% (16,100 jobs) during the 12 months ending October 2024. HUD projects 3-year regional housing demand for 11,000 new sales units and 6,175 new rental units over the 2024-2027 forecast period.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Washington DC", "where": "DC", "contractor_density_note": "According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, there were approximately 3,610 employed construction and maintenance painters (SOC 47-2141) in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA. In addition, Census County Business Patterns data compiled by local transportation authorities identified over 2,000 total establishments operating in NAICS 238320 (Painting and Wall Covering Contractors) across the metro area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_47900.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 1198, "job_value_source": "Angi, How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room in Washington, DC? [2026 Data], 2026, https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-paint-room-washington-dc.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit volumes in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria MSA have trended significantly downward over recent years, with overall authorized private housing units falling roughly 40% to 11,086 units in 2023, and multifamily permits dropping an additional 35.0% year-over-year in 2024 to 2,283 units.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau / Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis FRED, New Private Housing Units Authorized by Building Permits for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (MSA), 2024, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/WASH911BPPRIV", "market_context_note": "The District of Columbia Department of Buildings explicitly exempts routine interior and exterior painting, drywall repairs, and cosmetic wall finishing from building permit requirements unless structural alterations or historic district exterior changes are involved, making trade demand heavily tied to unpermitted home improvement, property maintenance, and turnover.", "market_context_source": "District of Columbia Department of Buildings, Building Permit Fee Schedule & Regulations, 2025, https://dob.dc.gov/page/building-permit-fee-schedule", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" } ] }, "market_structure": { "permits": [], "seasonality": [], "size_tiers": [], "top_states": [] }, "reputation": { "available": false, "note": "Insufficient public review-listing coverage to publish a reliable per-trade reputation aggregate." }, "firmographics": { "available": true, "source": "Aggregated public business firmographic records (multi-source SMB dataset). Revenue/employee/age/employer-rating distributions per trade. Aggregate only; no individual company identified.", "n_companies": 1040, "revenue_usd": { "n": 312, "p25": 5800000, "median": 9200000, "p75": 20200000, "p90": 42300000 }, "employees": { "n": 155, "p25": 32, "median": 49, "p75": 87, "p90": 180 }, "founded_year_median": 2008, "employer_rating_avg": 3.79, "employer_rating_n": 163, "top_states": [], "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "level_published": null, "comps": [ { "ticker": "AWI", "name": "Armstrong World Industries, Inc.", "return_6m_pct": -9.3, "return_1y_pct": -19.7, "gross_margin_pct": 40.3, "ev_ebitda": 16.3, "market_cap_billions": 6.64, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM Q1 2026", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" }, { "ticker": "MAS", "name": "Masco Corporation", "return_6m_pct": 8.9, "return_1y_pct": 6.3, "gross_margin_pct": 35.68, "ev_ebitda": 12.54, "market_cap_billions": 15.24, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM (Q1 2026)", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" }, { "ticker": "PPG", "name": "PPG Industries, Inc.", "return_6m_pct": -4.8, "return_1y_pct": 5.5, "gross_margin_pct": 41.69, "ev_ebitda": 11.9, "market_cap_billions": 26.16, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM Q1 2026", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" }, { "ticker": "RPM", "name": "RPM International Inc.", "return_6m_pct": -5.9, "return_1y_pct": -14.3, "gross_margin_pct": 41.36, "ev_ebitda": 13.89, "market_cap_billions": 13.41, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" }, { "ticker": "SHW", "name": "The Sherwin-Williams Company", "return_6m_pct": -11.8, "return_1y_pct": -12.6, "gross_margin_pct": 49.04, "ev_ebitda": 20.98, "market_cap_billions": 81.24, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" } ] }