Cost Guide
Painter Costs in Australia
Understand typical painting costs, key price drivers, and after-hours pricing before you request quotes.
Know what you should be paying
Describe your job and get an instant estimate — then compare quotes from local painters.
Hourly rate
$80/hr
Call-out fee
$95
After-hours
1.5x – 2.0x
Price Ranges
Common painting jobs & costs
Prices based on Australia market data. Most jobs are quoted as fixed price rather than hourly.
Commercial Painting$9,742 – $21,173
Finish quality and paint specificationAccess and height requirementsExtent of surface preparationTiming and after-hours work
Fence Painting$435 – $1,505
Exterior Painting$2,519 – $6,013
Extent of preparation and repairsPaint system and finish qualityAccess and elevated workScaffolding or equipment hireProperty size and number of coats
General & other painting jobs$305 – $745
Hazardous materials and remediationHeritage and conservation methodsUrgency and rapid responseExtent of preparation and repairsNumber of visits and site access
Interior Painting$1,349 – $2,577
Surface preparation and repairsAccess and working at heightFinish quality and coatingsArea size and included elementsTiming and after-hours attendance
Roof Painting$2,507 – $6,531
Access and height requirementsRoof material and typeExtent of surface preparationCorrosion and structural conditionCoating system and job size
Patch & Paint$415 – $985
Repair extent and complexitySubstrate condition and property agePreparation and finishing levelNumber of visits and drying timeTesting and abatement requirements
Prices are indicative and based on typical jobs in the Australia area. Your actual quote may differ based on specific job requirements. Get a personalised estimate for your job, then matched tradies can reach out to quote.
Licensing & Compliance
Painting licensing requirements
Painting may require registration in Australia. Requirements vary by state. Here's what to know before hiring.
What to look for
- Valid state contractor licence or registration displayed on quotes and advertising (where applicable)
- ABN with active GST registration
- Public liability insurance ($5M minimum)
- Master Painters Australia or HIA membership
- White Card (construction induction)
Requirements by state
New South Wales — Required for jobs over $5,000 · Verify
Victoria — Required for jobs over $10,000 · Verify
Queensland — Required for jobs over $3,300 · Verify
Western Australia — Required for jobs over $1,000 · Verify
South Australia — Required for jobs over all building work for others · Verify
Tasmania — No licence required
Northern Territory — Required for jobs over $12,000 · Verify
Australian Capital Territory — Required for jobs over $5,000 · Verify
Common Questions
Painting pricing FAQ
How much do painters typically charge?
Painting costs depend on the size of the job, the condition of existing surfaces, and whether the work is interior, exterior or both. Jobs requiring significant preparation such as sanding, filling or priming will generally cost more than a straightforward repaint over sound surfaces. Most painters quote per square metre or per room, with exterior work and multi-storey access typically attracting higher rates. This page shows live pricing for jobs in your area.
Do painters need a licence in Australia?
Yes. In most Australian states and territories, painters carrying out domestic work above a certain value must hold a trade-specific licence or registration. Licensing requirements and thresholds vary by jurisdiction — for example, NSW requires a Contractor Licence for painting work. A licensed painter should be able to provide their licence number on request, and you can verify it with your state's building authority.
How should I prepare my home before painters arrive?
Most painters will handle masking, drop sheets and surface preparation as part of the job, but clearing the area of furniture, wall hangings and fragile items beforehand helps the job run smoothly and may reduce your quote. For exterior work, ensure the painter has clear access to all walls and that garden beds or outdoor furniture are moved back. Discuss any specific concerns like lead paint, mould or moisture damage before work begins so the painter can plan accordingly.
How accurate is the instant estimate?
Our estimates are built from research across thousands of local jobs and real pricing data. Use them as a guide when speaking to painters — your actual quote will depend on your specific job.
How many quotes will I get?
We'll match you with up to 3 painters initially. If you'd like more options, you can request additional matches.
Do I pay anything to get quotes?
No — the service is 100% free for homeowners.
Why do you need photos?
Clear photos cut surprises and price blowouts, saving you money.
Get a personalised estimate for your job
These are general ranges. Describe your job, get a tailored estimate in seconds — then matched local painters reach out to quote.