As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Production Painter in the United States is $44,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, an Entry Production Painter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Production Painter's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Production Painter's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Production Painter | 0-1 years | $44,671 |
| Industrial Production Painter II | 1-3 years | $48,952 |
| Industrial Production Painter III | 3-5 years | $57,468 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Production Painters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 7.47% |
| Regulatory Compliance | 4.23% |
| Lean Manufacturing | 0.91% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Installation
|
$52,299 |
17%
|
|
Leadership
|
$48,723 |
9%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$48,276 |
8%
|
|
Customer Focus
|
$48,276 |
8%
|
|
OEM
|
$47,829 |
7%
|
|
Painting
|
$47,382 |
6%
|
Entry Production Painter salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,039. While startup companies pay approximate $42,332.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,332 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,771 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,322 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,039 |
For Entry Production Painter roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Entry Production Painter positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Production Painter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $58,110 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $55,875 | $27.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $53,640 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $53,640 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $51,405 | $25.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Production Painters enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Production Painter with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $38,094 and $40,248).
Entry Production Painter Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.7% |
| High School | 76.9% |
| Associates | 7.7% |
| Bachelors | 7.7% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Entry Production Painter's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Production Painter, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Parts Painter II | $56,800 | 27% |
| Industrial Production Painter II | $49,000 | 10% |
Salaries for an Entry Production Painter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,286 in 2023 to around $44,183 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Production Painter salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,286 |
| 2024 | $44,413 |
| 2025 | $44,183 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Production Painter roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
The states that pay painters the highest mean salaries include Illinois, Hawaii, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. For entry-level production painters, salaries range from $37,700 to $45,600, with a midpoint of $41,400. This reflects the varying pay scales across different regions and experience levels in the painting profession.
A production artist is responsible for executing design concepts for marketing materials, including advertisements, websites, packaging, and other promotional activities. For entry-level positions, salaries typically range from $37,700 to $45,600, with a mid-salary of around $41,400, reflecting the skills and experience required in this role.
The highest pay for entry-level production painters typically ranges from $37,700 to $45,600 per year. More experienced roles, such as lead painters, can earn between $46,000 and $55,000 annually, while interior painters may make between $39,500 and $50,000. Other positions like paint technicians and finish painters also offer competitive salaries.
For an Entry Production Painter, you can expect to pay between approximately $18 and $22 per hour, based on an annual salary range of $37,700 to $45,600. Rates may vary depending on the painter's experience and the complexity of the project. More skilled painters typically command higher rates.
A painter in theatre is responsible for the base, primary, and finish painting of hard scenery pieces. This includes sculpting and carving organic foam shapes, as well as laying out and painting backdrops, either upright on a paint frame or flat on stage. Entry-level production painters typically earn between $37,700 and $45,600 annually, with a mid-salary of $41,400.
Yes, painters are in high demand, with an estimated 29,100 painters currently in the U.S. The job market for painters is projected to grow by 5.2% from 2022 to 2032. Entry-level production painters can expect salaries ranging from $37,700 to $45,600, with a median salary of $41,400, reflecting the growing opportunities in this field.
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