Painters in
San Francisco, CA
5 painters listed in San Francisco
Professional painters in San Francisco transform homes with expert interior and exterior painting services. From color consultation to surface preparation and finishing, San Francisco painters deliver flawless results that protect and beautify your property. Local project costs in San Francisco typically average $7,800, depending on scope. San Francisco's housing market has softened slightly from its pandemic peak but remains extremely expensive. Renovated Victorians and Edwardians in Noe Valley and Pacific Heights are the most sought-after properties. The city's strict building limits mean renovated homes are in constant demand, often selling with multiple offers above asking.
Painters in San Francisco at a glance
- 5 painters are listed in San Francisco, CA on Ratedeed.
- 4 of the 5 listings shown here include a phone number you can call directly.
- Listings cover 28 ZIP codes in and around San Francisco, including 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108.
Painters elsewhere in California: Los Angeles (12), San Diego (8), Santa Cruz (7), San Jose (5), Bakersfield (5), Pasadena (5)
Homes and painters in San Francisco: the local numbers
Housing in San Francisco
- San Francisco has about 414,602 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1946, 30 years older than the California median of 1976.
- 76% of homes were built before 1980 and 61% before 1960; 8% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $1,394,500.
- 38% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 62% are rented.
- 18% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (55% of homes), followed by electricity (36%).
- The median home has 4 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $2,476 a month.
- That makes San Francisco's housing among the older stock in the country: the typical U.S. home was built in 1980.
- Home values run 90% above the California median of $734,700.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (62%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
- Apartments, condos and attached homes make up most of the housing: only 18% of homes are detached houses, so many jobs involve building rules, shared walls or a condo board.
With 76% of San Francisco's homes built before 1980, many are covered by federal lead rules: any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, contractors who disturb painted surfaces in those homes must be lead-safe certified by the EPA or an authorized state program. Ask to see the firm's certification.
Interior painting is usually quoted per room or per square foot; the median San Francisco home has 4 rooms.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (San Francisco, CA).
Painters workforce in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area
- Median hourly wage
- $30.58
- People employed
- 5,310
- In the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area, painters, construction and maintenance earned a median of $30.58 an hour ($63,600 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $23.11–$48.34.
- About 5,310 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- That is a higher share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 1.54).
- These are what workers earn, not what painters charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Painters, Construction and Maintenance).
Climate in San Francisco and what it means for painters
- The average temperature in San Francisco is 57°F; summer afternoons average 67°F and winter nights 46°F.
- It gets about 24 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 0 nights a year at or below freezing and about 2 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 2,909 heating degree days a year against 113 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, San Francisco Downtown station USW00023272 (0.7 km from the city centre).
How San Francisco ranks against other U.S. cities
- San Francisco has the 7th-oldest housing of the 183 cities RateDeed covers (tied): the typical home was built in 1946. See the ranking
- San Francisco is the 43rd-driest of 183 cities, with about 24 inches of precipitation a year. See the ranking
- Painters in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area earn the 7th-highest median wage of 285 metros: $30.58 an hour. See the ranking
Ranked against the other cities in RateDeed's research, using the figures above.
Estimated Painters Costs in San Francisco, CA
Regional cost guide based on local contractor estimates, market labor rates, and material averages.
| Project Scope | Low Range | Average Cost | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
Interior Painting | $3,200 | $7,800 | $14,000 |
Exterior House Painting | $2,500 | $4,800 | $7,500 |
Cabinet Painting & Refinishing | $1,200 | $2,100 | $3,500 |
Planning estimates, not quotes from the businesses listed. How we estimate these ranges
Top Painters in San Francisco
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
More painters elsewhere in California
Listed in other California cities, not in San Francisco.
Licensing and consumer protection in California
Check that any painter you hire is licensed and insured before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Verify a licence on the official register →Insurance and workers' compensation
$1 million general liability minimum. Workers' compensation is mandatory for any contractor with employees. Bond of $25,000 required for licensure (increased under SB 607).
Mechanic's lien protection
California has one of the strictest lien regimes in the country. Preliminary 20-day notices must be sent within 20 days of starting work. Mechanics liens must be filed within 90 days after project completion (or 60 days after a notice of completion is recorded). Unpaid subcontractors and suppliers can place liens on your property even if you've paid your general contractor in full. Always collect lien waivers from all parties before making final payment.
What catches homeowners out in California
California's CSLB license verification is critical — always check a contractor's license number at cslb.ca.gov and confirm it is active and in good standing. California law requires a $25,000 contractor surety bond on every licensed contractor as a consumer protection backstop. For projects over $1,000 (labor and materials combined under Business & Professions Code § 7048), a valid CSLB license is legally required. Unlicensed contractors face criminal misdemeanor charges, and homeowners who hire them forfeit key statutory protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How much do painters earn in the San Francisco area?
In the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area, painters, construction and maintenance earned a median of $30.58 an hour ($63,600 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $23.11–$48.34. About 5,310 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a higher share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 1.54). These are what workers earn, not what painters charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
How old are homes in San Francisco?
The typical home in San Francisco was built in 1946, and 76% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $1,394,500. With 76% of San Francisco's homes built before 1980, many are covered by federal lead rules: any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, contractors who disturb painted surfaces in those homes must be lead-safe certified by the EPA or an authorized state program. Ask to see the firm's certification. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
How much does interior painting cost in San Francisco?
Interior painting in San Francisco typically costs $3,200–$14,000 for an average-sized home, with a typical project averaging $7,800. This usually covers walls and ceilings in 2–3 rooms. Per-room costs range from $400–$1,000 depending on ceiling height, trim work, and wall condition. High ceilings, accent walls, and decorative finishes increase the price.
What's the best season for exterior painting in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco's microclimates vary dramatically neighborhood by neighborhood. The ideal time for exterior painting in San Francisco is during mild, dry weather — typically spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October). Avoid painting during extreme heat, high humidity, or rainy periods. Professional painters in San Francisco generally book 4–6 weeks in advance during peak season, so schedule early.
How do I find a reliable painter near San Francisco?
To find a reliable painter in San Francisco, look for professionals with verified CA licensing, insurance, and strong local reviews. On Ratedeed, you can browse painters serving San Francisco, check customer reviews, and compare quotes. Request at least 3 quotes, ask about their preparation process, warranty terms, and whether they supply materials.
How long does it take to paint a house in San Francisco?
For an average-sized home in San Francisco, interior painting typically takes 3–7 days, while exterior painting takes 5–10 days depending on the home's size and condition. Factors like wall repairs, trim detail, number of colors, and weather can affect the timeline. San Francisco's permit processing takes 15–60 business days if exterior work requires permits. Most professional painters in San Francisco provide a detailed timeline before starting.
Do painters in San Francisco provide free estimates?
Yes, most professional painters in San Francisco offer free on-site estimates. During the estimate visit, a painter will assess the condition of your walls or exterior, measure square footage, discuss color preferences, and identify any prep work needed. Be wary of painters who give quotes over the phone without seeing the space. On Ratedeed, you can request free quotes from multiple painters serving San Francisco to compare pricing.
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Explore painters in the most popular California cities
What to Know Before Hiring a Painter in San Francisco
Local information for homeowners
Building Department
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI), 49 South Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94103
Avg permit processing: 15–60 business days
Visit Building Dept Website🌤️ Climate Considerations
San Francisco's microclimates vary dramatically neighborhood by neighborhood. The Sunset and Richmond districts experience heavy fog and moisture that can cause mold and wood rot, requiring extra vapor barriers and rot-resistant materials. Seismic retrofitting is a constant priority — soft-story wood frame buildings must be retrofitted under the city's mandatory seismic program. Coastal areas require salt-resistant finishes on all exterior metals.
💡 Local Tip
San Francisco's building department is one of the most stringent in the country. Almost any interior renovation in a multi-unit building requires a building permit and neighbor notification. Plan for 6–12 weeks of permit processing for anything beyond cosmetic changes. If your home is a designated landmark or in a historic district, you'll also need approval from the Historic Preservation Commission, adding another 4–8 weeks.
📈 Housing Market
San Francisco's housing market has softened slightly from its pandemic peak but remains extremely expensive. Renovated Victorians and Edwardians in Noe Valley and Pacific Heights are the most sought-after properties. The city's strict building limits mean renovated homes are in constant demand, often selling with multiple offers above asking.
Top Neighborhoods
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