What painters should charge in Rhode Island.
Fair billed labor here runs about $36–$67/hour, about 16% below the median US state. Every number below comes from what construction and maintenance painters actually earn in Rhode Island; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should painters charge in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, construction and maintenance painters earn $17.90–$26.95 per hour (median $20.00, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 16% below 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 Rhode Island runs about $36–$67 per hour. For example, paint one bedroom (walls only) is about $145–$550 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 $36–$67/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 $36–$67/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 $36–$67/hr billed.
Before you hire in Rhode Island
Residential contractors register with the state board.
How to verify a Rhode Island license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
Find painters near you in Rhode Island
Other fair price checks in Rhode Island
Compare painters rates across all states · all fair price checks