Painter Hourly Rate Calculator
See what painters charge per hour in Australia and estimate a small job. Enter the hours, painting is often quoted per job (or per m²) rather than hourly, but for small work the hourly rate is a useful guide.
Your painter hourly rate details
Above the typical range — usually premium options or a more complex job.
Painters usually price per job or per square metre rather than by the hour, because the hours depend on prep and surface condition. The hourly rate is most useful for small touch-up jobs.
💰 Ways to save
- For anything larger than a small job, get a fixed per-job quote, not an hourly rate, so prep and materials are locked in.
- Do your own simple prep (clearing rooms, light filling) to cut the painter's hours.
- Supplying your own quality paint can save the markup, but confirm the painter will warrant the job if you do.
How we estimate this
Painters in Australia typically charge around $45 to $70 per hour in 2026, or roughly $250 to $400 per day, though most quote per job or per square metre rather than hourly. A small interior job is often $300 to $800 depending on prep.
Pricing reviewed: November 2026.
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Pricing reviewed November 2026. Indicative Australian costs, not a quote.
Understanding painter hourly rates in Australia
Painters in Australia typically charge around $45 to $70 per hour in 2026, or roughly $250 to $400 per day, though most quote per job or per square metre rather than hourly. A small interior job is often $300 to $800 depending on prep.
The hourly rate matters less than the total, because the hours depend on preparation and surface condition. For anything beyond a touch-up, a fixed per-job quote that includes prep and materials is the number to compare.
Frequently asked questions
How much do painters charge per hour in Australia?
Roughly $45 to $70 per hour in 2026, or about $250 to $400 a day, though most painters quote per job or per square metre rather than hourly. Detailed and exterior work costs more.
Should I pay a painter by the hour or by the job?
For anything beyond a small touch-up, get a fixed per-job quote, it locks in prep and materials and protects you if the job takes longer. Hourly suits only small, simple work.
Are you a painter / painting business?
Everyone on this page is working out what painter hourly rate costs because they are ready to hire. Put your business right beneath the calculator, in your state, so you are who they find. From $50/mo.