Home / City Job Salaries / Painter in San Rafael

Painter Salary in San Rafael, CA

How much does a painter make in San Rafael? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for San Rafael's cost of living.

Median Salary
$125,250
per year in San Rafael
Entry Level
$65,034
Starting salary
Senior Level
$173,423
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
155
55% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how painter salaries break down across different pay periods in San Rafael.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$65,034$125,250$173,423
Monthly$5,420$10,438$14,452
Biweekly$2,501$4,817$6,670
Weekly$1,251$2,409$3,335
Hourly$31$60$83

San Rafael vs National Average

How San Rafael's painter salaries compare to national figures.

San Rafael Salary
$125,250
COL Index: 155
National Average
$63,130
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$62,120
Higher in San Rafael

Cost of Living in San Rafael

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$82,234
per year
Population
61,450
residents
Rent % of Income
32.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 155 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Rafael have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Painter

Overview

Paint structures and surfaces for protection and aesthetics.

Education

High school diploma; apprenticeship preferred

Key Skills

Painting TechniquesSurface PreparationSafetyColor Matching

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +10% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Painter Salary

See Painter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$58,450
-53%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,040
-54%
Chicago, IL
$63,140
-50%
Houston, TX
$44,980
-64%
Phoenix, AZ
$47,630
-62%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a painter salary in San Rafael.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in San Rafael.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in San Rafael.

Painter Salary in San Rafael, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a painter in San Rafael, CA is $125,250 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 155. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Rafael's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level painter professionals in San Rafael can expect to earn around $65,034 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level painters earning approximately $173,423 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Rafael's cost of living index of 155 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Rafael are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $63,130, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a painter's salary in San Rafael typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 21.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Painters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 10% over the next decade. In San Rafael, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.