Before starting a painting project, one of the most common questions New Yorkers ask is, “How much do painters charge per hour in NYC?” And that’s for good reason. It doesn’t matter if you’re refreshing a studio apartment or upgrading a rental unit, painting costs in New York City can feel confusing at first.
Many NYC painting companies don’t actually charge by the hour. Instead, pricing is usually based on square footage, room type, and the kind of service you need. Even so, as a homeowner, you should understand hourly painter rates so you can plan your budget smartly and sidestep any surprises.
Let’s break it all down in easy language.
Do Painters Charge Per Hour in NYC?
When people ask “how much do painters charge per hour in NYC,” they’re usually expecting a simple number. But NYC pricing rarely works that way.
On average, professional painters in New York City charge $45–$80 per hour per painter if they offer hourly pricing at all. However, many established painting companies (including Paintman NYC) avoid hourly rates entirely.
The reason? Simply because hourly pricing doesn’t always reflect the real scope of the job. So, instead of charging by the hour, Paintman NYC prices projects based on:
- Room size in square footage
- Room type (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, etc.)
- Type of service (standard painting, premium finishes, commercial work, etc.)
For new homeowners, this approach is easier to understand and more cost-effective. You don’t have to do clock-watching or guess how long a painter might take.
What Factors Influence Painting Costs in NYC?
NYC isn’t known for its high living standards, and painting companies have to follow suit. This is why the painting prices are typically high.
Different factors affect what you’ll ultimately pay:
- Apartment or Room Size. Bigger spaces require more paint, prep, and labor. A studio costs less than a two-bedroom, and a full apartment repaint costs more than a single room.
- Surface Condition. Smooth walls make for a faster paint job. Any sort of cracks, peeling paint, or damaged drywall can take up more labor time. Keep in mind: Paintman NYC’s estimates do not include wall leveling or plastering, which can affect the final prices.
- Type of Room. Bathrooms and kitchens frequently cost more due to moisture-resistant paints, tighter spaces, and extra prep.
- Paint Quality. Higher-end paints last longer and look better, but they also cost more upfront.
- Neighborhood. If you’re wondering, “how much do Manhattan painters charge?” the answer is usually more than in other boroughs. Manhattan tends to have higher labor and access costs than Queens or Brooklyn. So, Brooklyn’s cost might be slightly lower (approx. $5.7/square foot) than Manhattan’s (approx. $6.8/square foot), depending on the area. (Cost of Hiring a Painter in New York City, 2023)
Why Paintman NYC Doesn’t Charge Per Hour
Hourly pricing can sound fair, but in practice, it often creates uncertainty. Two painters might take different amounts of time to do the same job, and clients end up paying for inefficiency.
Paintman NYC uses a square-foot-based pricing model, combined with room type and service level. This keeps expectations clear from the beginning, with no surprise overtime charges.
Even better, Paintman NYC offers something that not many local companies do: an online painting calculator. This tool lets you see service pricing before scheduling an estimate.
How to Use the Paintman, NYC Painting services Calculator
Access the free painting quote calculator from this link: https://paintman.nyc/free-quote/. Then, follow these steps:
- Enter your ZIP code (for example, 10010).
- Choose the room type (bedroom, bathroom, entryway, etc.).
- Select the room size and ceiling height.
- Provide your contact information and other requirements.
- You will instantly get your quote.
Important Note: The estimate may vary depending on the total area size and project details. Wall leveling and plastering are not included. The final price is confirmed only after Paintman NYC managers review your submitted details and conduct a personal assessment.
How Much Do Painters Charge Per Hour in NYC by Apartment Size
Here is a breakdown of “How much does it cost to paint an apartment in NYC” based on the apartment size:
Small Apartments (Studios & 1-Bedrooms)
Small apartments are typically the most affordable to paint. These jobs take less time and fewer materials.
Let’s say you have to paint a studio of 500-600 square feet. Here is what you can expect:
- Labor time: 3 hours to 2 days. So, at $55/hour per painter on average, your total painting cost will be calculated based on the labor time and number of painters.
- 2 gallons are ideal for approximately 800 square feet and could cost $40 to $200+, depending on paint quality. (How Much Do Manhattan Painters Cost?, 2025)
- Lower prep costs
This makes studios ideal for flat-rate or square-foot pricing rather than hourly billing.
Medium Apartments (1–2 Bedrooms)
2-bedroom apartments in NYC are typically 500-900 square feet. (2 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in New York City, NY – Updated Daily, 2026) This means they require more prep and coordination, especially in older NYC buildings.
- Labor time: several days or maybe a week.
- 4 gallons of paint may cost twice as much, ranging from $80 to $400, depending on the needs of the rooms. (How Much Does a Gallon of Paint Cost?, 2025)
- Bathrooms and kitchens can add complexity during prep.
Large Apartments & Full Homes
Larger apartments and townhouses involve:
- Labor time: several weeks to months. (Painting Your NYC Apartment: What Will It Really Cost in 2025 (And How Can You Budget Smartly)?, 2025)
- Multiple painters and a larger quantity of paint would be required, resulting in higher total costs.
- Detailed prep work
Get Your Painting Quote Today
While hourly rates exist, they’re not always the best way to price a painting project, especially in a city as complex as New York.
Paintman NYC’s square-foot-based pricing and online calculator offer openness and peace of mind. You see pricing upfront, understand what’s included, and get a final quote only after a professional review.
If you’re planning a painting project and want clear answers, Paintman NYC makes the process refreshingly simple. Connect with our team and get your free quote today!
Q&A: Common Painting Cost Questions in NYC
How much do painters charge to paint a 12×12 room?
A 12×12 room typically costs less per square foot than by the hour. Hourly painters may charge for 3–6 hours, depending on prep and coats needed. At Paintman, we charge around $600 for a 12×12 room (only walls) with a ceiling height under 10’.
How much does a handyman charge to paint a room in NYC?
Handymen usually charge less per hour than professional painters, but results can vary widely. They may not include prep, protection, or top-quality finishes.
What is the average hourly rate for a painter?
The average hourly rate in NYC ranges from $45 to $80, but many professional companies avoid hourly pricing altogether.
How much should you pay a painter per day?
Daily rates often range from $350 to $600 per painter, depending on their experience level and the scope of the painting job.
How much do painters charge per hour in Brooklyn, NYC?
Painters in Brooklyn may cost slightly less than in other parts of NYC, around $ 5.70 per square foot.
Mychal Diachenko
Mychal Diachenko, Author at Paintman NYC blog. Started Paintman NYC company and has been painting for more than 10 years throughout Europe and New York City. Since 2017, he has created a family-run painting company that people trust and that is recognized for doing a great job painting apartments all around New York.