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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Painter in California is $89,943 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Lead Painter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Painter Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $99,400 | $8,283 | $1,912 | $48 |
| Average | $89,943 | $7,495 | $1,730 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,001 | $6,250 | $1,442 | $36 |
PROLINE PAINTING COMPANY INC - Sacramento, CA
Logistic Services Int. - JACKSONVILLE, FL
Roxtec Inc - TULSA, OK
Metalcraft of Mayville - FALL RIVER, WI
A Lead 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Painter | $87,868 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Painter | $88,491 |
| Senior Level Lead Painter | $90,566 |
| Specialist Level Lead Painter | $93,704 |
| Expert Level Lead Painter | $95,646 |
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 Lead Painters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Lead Painter roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Lead Painter positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Painter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $121,423 | $58.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $112,429 | $54.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $112,429 | $54.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $107,932 | $52.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $103,435 | $50.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Lead 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $99,400 | $8,283 | $1,912 | $48 |
| Average | $89,943 | $7,495 | $1,730 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,001 | $6,250 | $1,442 | $36 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Painter job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
ARAMARK
BARRY SQUARE, CT
GXO Logistics
MANCHESTER, NH
GXO Logistics
AUBURN, NH
GXO Logistics
DUNBARTON, NH
GXO Logistics
CONCORD, NH
GXO Logistics
SALEM, NH
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