Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons earn $40,840 at the median — $19.64 an hour. The range runs from $32K at the entry level to $45K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $37,509 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 79.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $41K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons (10th percentile) start around $32K. Mid-career wages sit at $41K.Top earners bring in $45K or more - a $13K spread from bottom to top.
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $52K | +36% | 80 |
| New Jersey | $47K | +22% | N/A |
| Iowa | $46K | +22% | N/A |
| California | $46K | +20% | 1,920 |
| Utah | $41K | +7% | 150 |
| Maryland | $40K | +4% | 230 |
| Hawaii | $40K | +4% | 50 |
| Louisiana | $39K | +3% | 320 |
| Oregon | $39K | +3% | 420 |
| Idaho | $39K | +3% | 190 |
| Washington | $38K | -0% | 300 |
| New Mexico | $37K | -2% | 40 |
| Nevada | $37K | -2% | 180 |
| Arizona | $37K | -2% | 230 |
| Indiana | $37K | -4% | 70 |
Track helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $40,840 a year - that works out to about $19.64 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $32,060, and experienced helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons can clear $44,880. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $41K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,790/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 80.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons salary is worth about $37,509 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.