House Painter Prices (2026 Cost Guide)

House painters charge an average hourly rate of $62.95 on ServiceSeeking.com.au, based on the latest pricing data. The lowest hourly rate quoted is $25.00, typically reflecting very small jobs, basic prep work, or short call-outs.

Some painters quote a daily rate, averaging $498.36 per day, or $62.29 per hour based on an 8-hour day. The lowest daily rates start from $250.00 per day.

Across all job sizes, the average total cost of a painting job is around $2,750. Smaller paint jobs may cost significantly less, while full interior or exterior projects can attract higher quotes depending on size, access, and surface condition.

Because painting work can vary widely in scope, the most accurate way to understand house painter prices in 2026 is to look at how painters quote, rather than focusing only on individual task costs.

How Painting Jobs Are Quoted in 2026

From all painter quotes submitted on ServiceSeeking.com.au:

• 39% of quotes are charged per hour
• 23% are quoted per day
• 18% are quoted per square metre
• 14% are quoted as a total job price

There’s no single pricing method. Hourly and daily rates are common for smaller or evolving jobs, while square metre and fixed-price quotes are more often used when the scope is clearly defined.

Hourly Painter Rates

• Minimum hourly rate: $25.00
• Average hourly rate: $62.95

Hourly pricing is typically used for smaller jobs, touch-ups, or projects where prep work and time requirements are difficult to estimate upfront.

Hourly rates can vary depending on:

• Surface preparation required
• Job complexity
• Experience level of the painter

Higher hourly rates often reflect specialised skills, more detailed work, or higher-quality finishes.

Daily Painter Rates

Some painters quote per day, particularly for medium-sized projects that require consistent, uninterrupted work.

• Minimum daily rate: $250.00
• Average daily rate: $498.36
• Average hourly equivalent (8-hour day): $62.29

Daily rates can suit projects such as repainting multiple rooms or completing a section of an exterior within a set timeframe.

Painter Pricing Per Square Metre

Around 18% of painter quotes are priced per square metre.

• Minimum rate: $6.00 per m²
• Average rate: $45.13 per m²

This pricing model is often used for:

• Interior walls
• Exterior façades
• Large, clearly defined areas

Total Job Pricing in 2026

Approximately 14% of painting quotes are provided as a fixed total job cost rather than hourly or daily rates.

Across ServiceSeeking, the average total painting job costs around $2,750.

Total job pricing is most commonly used when:

• The scope of work is clearly defined
• Multiple rooms or surfaces are included
• The painter can accurately estimate labour and materials

For example, instead of charging hourly, a painter may quote $2,800 to repaint a three-bedroom home interior, covering all agreed areas regardless of how long the job takes.

This pricing approach offers upfront cost certainty, making it popular for larger, one-off painting projects.

Factors Affecting House Painter Prices

Even with clear averages, painter costs can differ due to:

• Surface condition: Repairs, sanding, or peeling paint increase prep time
• Labour: Number of painters required
• Materials: Paint quality and coatings used
• Access: High ceilings, stairs, or multi-storey homes
• Job size: Larger areas naturally require more time and materials

These factors help explain why two similar homes may receive different quotes. Because painters use a mix of hourly, daily, square metre, and fixed pricing, the best way to understand current costs is to clearly describe the areas to be painted and to confirm the preparation and materials included.

Posting your job on ServiceSeeking.com.au allows painters to quote based on your specific requirements. With painters pricing jobs in different ways, comparing quotes remains the most effective way to understand house painter prices in 2026.