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Independent Cost Data

Painting bid and true cost calculators.

Independent FatBook v3 cost indexVerified permit/source data where availableReviewed by Leonard "Chuck" Thompson
2026.Q2 Calculator Baseline

Start with the 2026.Q2 national painting benchmark of $11,676, then choose your metro and service to compare a contractor quote against local range, verified floor, and markup data.

Updated May 2026. Sources: BLS OEWS, FRED PPI, Craftsman labor-hour references, city permit data where available, and FatBook v3 cost-index methodology.

$11,676
Average
$10,536 to $12,672
Typical Range
$8,093
Verified Floor
30.7%
Markup
How this number is calculated

TheFatBook models painting from Craftsman labor hours, BLS regional wages, burden, PPI-adjusted materials, permit data where available, and contractor overhead benchmarks. Cost index version: 2026.Q2. Updated May 2026.

Sources: BLS, Craftsman, FRED
Reference URLs: BLS OEWS · FRED PPI
Reviewed by: Leonard "Chuck" Thompson
Read methodology →
Estimate Scope

What the painting benchmark includes.

Included in the benchmark
  • Whole House Painting as the headline cost-index scope
  • labor-hour assumptions, regional wage inputs, materials, overhead, and permit data where available
  • low, average, high, verified-floor, markup, and savings benchmarks from the FatBook cost index
Not included automatically
  • hidden damage, change orders, emergency service premiums, or unusual site access conditions
  • contractor financing approval, warranties, provider recommendations, or guaranteed final quotes
  • permit rulings for a specific address unless the city permit panel lists verified local data
Scope methodology →
Bid Fairness Checker

Is your painting bid fair?

Cost index by David Olson · reviewed by Leonard "Chuck" Thompson · 2026.Q1
National Average
Analyzing…
DO
Cost index built by David Olson, Founder of TheFatBook · Methodology reviewed by Leonard "Chuck" Thompson, LC Thompson Construction Co. · 2026.Q1