What painters should charge in Montana.
Fair billed labor here runs about $46–$74/hour, about 18% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what construction and maintenance painters actually earn in Montana; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should painters charge in Montana?
In Montana, construction and maintenance painters earn $22.78–$29.72 per hour (median $28.03, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 18% above the median US state for this trade. A legitimate business bills 2–2.5× wages to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment, overhead and profit, so fair billed labor in Montana runs about $46–$74 per hour. For example, paint one bedroom (walls only) is about $180–$600 in fair labor, before materials.
Fair price by job
Paint one bedroom (walls only)
That assumes a 10×12 room, two coats, light prep; ceilings, trim and heavy patching add hours.
Plus materials: one to two gallons of paint plus sundries.
Typical labor: 4–8 hours at $46–$74/hr billed.
Whole-home interior (~2,000 sq ft)
That assumes walls and ceilings, two coats, normal prep, furnished home.
Plus materials: paint for a whole interior is a meaningful line. Ask for brand and gallons on the bid.
Typical labor: 40–80 hours at $46–$74/hr billed.
Exterior repaint (~2,000 sq ft home)
That assumes wash, scrape, prime and two coats on siding and trim; extensive wood repair is extra.
Plus materials: exterior-grade paint and primer; ask how many gallons the bid includes.
Typical labor: 60–100 hours at $46–$74/hr billed.
Before you hire in Montana
Contractors with employees must register; electricians and plumbers are state-licensed.
How to verify a Montana license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
Find painters near you in Montana
Other fair price checks in Montana
Compare painters rates across all states · all fair price checks