Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a painting, coating, and decorating workers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $54,500/year ($26.2/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $74K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $50,055 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 63.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $55K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About painting, coating, and decorating workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level painting, coating, and decorating workers (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $55K.Top earners bring in $74K or more - a $37K spread from bottom to top.
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $68K | +67% | 510 |
| Washington | $61K | +50% | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $52K | +28% | 250 |
| Illinois | $51K | +25% | 50 |
| New Jersey | $51K | +24% | 200 |
| Georgia | $49K | +20% | 150 |
| Kentucky | $48K | +17% | 90 |
| Virginia | $46K | +13% | 260 |
| Maryland | $46K | +12% | 80 |
| New Hampshire | $45K | +11% | N/A |
| Iowa | $45K | +11% | 170 |
| Nebraska | $45K | +11% | 60 |
| Kansas | $45K | +11% | 100 |
| Missouri | $45K | +10% | 200 |
| North Carolina | $45K | +10% | 200 |
Track painting, coating, and decorating workers salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
How much do painting, coating, and decorating workers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $54,500 a year - that works out to about $26.2 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,260, and experienced painting, coating, and decorating workers can clear $73,630. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $55K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,636/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 61.8% 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 painting, coating, and decorating workers 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 painting, coating, and decorating workers salary is worth about $50,055 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do painting, coating, and decorating workers 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.