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.
From all painter quotes submitted on ServiceSeeking.com.au:
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 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:
Higher hourly rates often reflect specialised skills, more detailed work, or higher-quality finishes.
Some painters quote per day, particularly for medium-sized projects that require consistent, uninterrupted work.
Daily rates can suit projects such as repainting multiple rooms or completing a section of an exterior within a set timeframe.
Around 18% of painter quotes are priced per square metre.
This pricing model is often used for:
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:
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.
Even with clear averages, painter costs can differ due to:
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.