Painting is one of the most requested trade services in Australia, whether it's freshening up a bedroom or repainting an entire house exterior. It's also one of the trades where prices vary wildly — and because most people can't tell the difference between a $5,000 job and a $12,000 one until the paint starts peeling, knowing what's fair matters.
Painter Hourly Rates in Australia (2026)
Painters charge either by the hour, by the square metre, or as a fixed price per room or project. Here's where hourly rates sit:
| Location | Standard Rate | Experienced/Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $45–$85/hr | $85–$120/hr |
| Melbourne | $40–$80/hr | $75–$110/hr |
| Brisbane | $35–$70/hr | $65–$100/hr |
| Perth | $40–$75/hr | $70–$100/hr |
| Regional | $30–$60/hr | $55–$85/hr |
Most professional painters prefer to quote per square metre or per room rather than hourly, because it's fairer for both parties — a fast, experienced painter shouldn't earn less than a slow one.
Interior Painting Costs
Per square metre rates for interior walls and ceilings:
| Surface | Rate per sqm | Typical Room (12 sqm floor) |
|---|---|---|
| Walls only (2 coats) | $15–$35/sqm | $500–$1,200 |
| Walls + ceiling | $20–$45/sqm | $800–$1,800 |
| Ceiling only | $20–$40/sqm | $250–$500 |
| Feature wall (dark/bold colour) | $25–$50/sqm | $200–$400 |
| Doors (per door) | $80–$180 each | — |
| Window frames (per frame) | $50–$120 each | — |
| Skirting boards (per linear metre) | $8–$15/m | — |
For a full interior repaint of a 3-bedroom house (approximately 150-200 sqm of wall and ceiling area), expect $4,000–$10,000 depending on condition, number of coats, and paint quality.
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior painting costs more due to prep work, height access, and weather-resistant paint requirements.
| House Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-storey weatherboard | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Single-storey brick (trim only) | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Single-storey brick (full paint) | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Double-storey weatherboard | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Double-storey brick | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Townhouse exterior | $3,000–$7,000 |
These ranges include prep (scraping, sanding, filling, priming), two coats of quality exterior paint, and basic scaffold or ladder work. Extensive scaffold hire adds $1,000–$3,000.
What Drives the Price Up
Surface condition — A house that hasn't been painted in 20 years with peeling, cracking, and bare timber needs extensive prep. Prep work often takes longer than the actual painting and can double the cost.
Number of coats — A light-to-light colour change needs 2 coats. Dark-to-light or painting over stains may need 3-4 coats. Each additional coat adds 25-40% more labour.
Height and access — Second storeys, high ceilings, stairwells, and difficult access points require scaffolding or elevated work platforms. A single-storey house is straightforward; a split-level with vaulted ceilings is not.
Paint quality — There's a massive difference between a $40/can trade paint and a $120/can premium paint. Dulux Wash&Wear is the industry standard mid-range; Dulux Weathershield for exteriors. Premium options like Dulux Professional or Taubmans Endure cost more but last significantly longer.
Wallpaper removal — If the painter needs to strip wallpaper before painting, add $15–$30 per square metre. Old wallpaper with multiple layers is a nightmare.
What's Included in a Painting Quote
A professional painting quote should itemise:
- Prep work: What surfaces need scraping, sanding, filling, or priming
- Number of coats: Minimum 2 coats; 3+ for colour changes
- Paint brand and type: Specific product names, not just "premium paint"
- What's included: Walls, ceilings, doors, window frames, skirting?
- What's excluded: Moving furniture, floor protection, wallpaper removal?
- Access equipment: Ladders, scaffolding, elevated work platforms?
- Timeline: Start date, duration, and completion date
If a painter gives you a verbal quote or a one-line written quote with no detail, that's your first red flag.
Red Flags in Painting Quotes
"One coat should do it" — Almost never true. One coat looks patchy and won't last. Two coats minimum for any professional job. A painter suggesting one coat is either cutting corners or planning to charge you for the second when you inevitably ask for it.
No paint brand specified — "Quality paint" means nothing. Cheap trade paint ($20-30/can) versus premium ($80-120/can) makes a massive difference to finish and durability. If they won't name the brand, they're using the cheapest option.
Quoting without inspecting — A painter who quotes over the phone without seeing the surfaces is guessing. Surface condition is the biggest cost variable and can only be assessed in person.
No mention of prep work — Prep is 60-70% of a good paint job. If the quote doesn't mention sanding, filling, priming, or surface preparation, the painter is either skipping it (bad outcome) or will charge extra later.
Price per room with no room measurement — "$800 per room" means nothing if they haven't measured. A 3m x 3m bedroom is very different from a 5m x 7m living area.
How to Save Money on Painting
Do your own prep — If you're capable, wash walls, fill nail holes, and sand surfaces yourself. This can save 30-40% of the total cost. Just be honest with your painter about what you've done.
Supply your own paint — Buy paint during Dulux or Taubmans sales (40-50% off is common). This removes the painter's markup on materials. Some painters prefer this; others don't.
Paint rooms in batches — Painters charge less per room when doing multiple rooms because setup time is shared. Painting your whole house at once is cheaper per room than doing them individually.
Get three quotes — Always. Painting quotes can vary by 100% for the same job. Three quotes give you a fair picture of the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does interior paint last? Quality interior paint on well-prepped surfaces lasts 7-10 years in low-traffic areas and 3-5 years in high-traffic zones like hallways and kids' rooms.
Should I paint before selling my house? Almost always yes. A fresh neutral interior paint is one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make before selling. Budget $3,000-6,000 for a full interior and you'll likely add $10,000-20,000 to your sale price.
Do painters move furniture? Most painters expect furniture to be moved away from walls before they start. Some will do it for an additional fee. Clarify in the quote.
What about lead paint? If your house was built before 1970, there's a chance of lead-based paint, especially on exterior surfaces and window frames. Lead paint removal requires specialist handling and adds significant cost. Get it tested before starting.
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