Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Residential Painting Business
A project-based home service that suits a career changer best as the estimator and salesperson who runs a licensed painting crew, starting with small interior jobs under California's $1,000 limit.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026
$2,728 – $12,016*Pending verificationSourcesSmartService — Painting business equipment guide (updated Aug 11, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Zack Academy — Lead Renovator Certification Initial, La Mesa, CA, November 19, 2026 (provider: World Inspections, Ltd)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026US EPA — RRP Program: renovator training(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026US EPA — RRP Program: firm certification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026ZenBusiness — How much it costs to start a painting business (updated Feb 9, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Sprayers and Parts — Graco 17C310 390 PC Electric Airless Sprayer(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Sprayers and Parts — Graco 17C313 390 PC Electric Airless Sprayer, Hi-Boy(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 9 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Moderate
Difficulty
High
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Interior year-round; exterior peaks in dry months
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Elevated
3.7 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $12,016
7 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
4 / 512.8% a yearPending verificationSourcesFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Fresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 3 brands: Five Star Painting 4.5% (2025); Fresh Coat 11.2% (2025); WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 22.7% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
4 / 510.1% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
187 of 1,853 SBA 7(a) loans to Painting and Wall Covering Contractors (NAICS 238320), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 143 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
3 / 5About the samePending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Painting and wall covering contractors (NAICS 238320): employer establishments +5.7% (36,214 to 38,280) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
5 / 5Heavy
Jobs of $1,000 or more need a CSLB C-33 license, which requires four years of experience, two exams and a $25,000 bond (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
1 / 5Many customers
Many households and small property owners; no single customer carries the business.
Physical demand
5 / 5High
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (3 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $40,000 – $60,000Pending verificationSourcesFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 3 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $82,200 – $194,600Pending verificationSourcesFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 3 brands. | $2,728 – $12,016*Pending verificationSourcesSmartService — Painting business equipment guide (updated Aug 11, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Zack Academy — Lead Renovator Certification Initial, La Mesa, CA, November 19, 2026 (provider: World Inspections, Ltd)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026US EPA — RRP Program: renovator training(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026US EPA — RRP Program: firm certification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026ZenBusiness — How much it costs to start a painting business (updated Feb 9, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Sprayers and Parts — Graco 17C310 390 PC Electric Airless Sprayer(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Sprayers and Parts — Graco 17C313 390 PC Electric Airless Sprayer, Hi-Boy(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 9 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 6% of revenuePending verificationSourcesFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 3 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $30,830 – $32,030Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — Painter insurance costs(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — Bond requirements(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $30,830 – $32,030 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $161,486 – $348,504 | $33,558 – $44,046* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $40,000 – $60,000Pending verificationSourcesFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 3 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $82,200 – $194,600Pending verificationSourcesFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 3 brands.
- Independent
- $2,728 – $12,016*Pending verificationSourcesSmartService — Painting business equipment guide (updated Aug 11, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Zack Academy — Lead Renovator Certification Initial, La Mesa, CA, November 19, 2026 (provider: World Inspections, Ltd)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026US EPA — RRP Program: renovator training(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026US EPA — RRP Program: firm certification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026ZenBusiness — How much it costs to start a painting business (updated Feb 9, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Sprayers and Parts — Graco 17C310 390 PC Electric Airless Sprayer(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Sprayers and Parts — Graco 17C313 390 PC Electric Airless Sprayer, Hi-Boy(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 9 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (3 brands)
- 6% of revenuePending verificationSourcesFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 3 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $30,830 – $32,030Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — Painter insurance costs(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — Bond requirements(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $30,830 – $32,030
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (3 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $161,486 – $348,504
- Independent
- $33,558 – $44,046*
5-year totals assume $62,920–$187,200 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Five Star Painting
Item 19 doesn't give yearly sales per franchise. It reports 2025 Gross Sales per person living in each territory and average Gross Sales per job, for 208 franchises open all year.
- Average Gross Sales per job, 2025, 208 franchises open all year (not profit)$4,439.87Pending verificationSourceFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 208 Five Star Painting and ProTect Painters franchises open and reporting all of 2025; excludes 5 opened in 2025, 12 transferred, 12 owned by multi-unit franchisees who report combined figures, 8 with 4+ months unreported and 11 that closed. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ." 98 of the 208 (47%) reached this average.
- Median Gross Sales per job, 2025, same 208 franchises (not profit)$3,696.30Pending verificationSourceFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 208 Five Star Painting and ProTect Painters franchises open and reporting all of 2025; excludes 5 opened in 2025, 12 transferred, 12 owned by multi-unit franchisees who report combined figures, 8 with 4+ months unreported and 11 that closed. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ."
- Average yearly Gross Sales per person living in the territory, 2025, 208 franchises (not profit)$2.12Pending verificationSourceFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 208 Five Star Painting and ProTect Painters franchises open and reporting all of 2025; excludes 5 opened in 2025, 12 transferred, 12 owned by multi-unit franchisees who report combined figures, 8 with 4+ months unreported and 11 that closed. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ." The franchisor counted territory population with mapping software. 93 of the 208 (45%) reached this average.
- Median yearly Gross Sales per person living in the territory, 2025, 208 franchises (not profit)$2Pending verificationSourceFive Star Painting 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 208 Five Star Painting and ProTect Painters franchises open and reporting all of 2025; excludes 5 opened in 2025, 12 transferred, 12 owned by multi-unit franchisees who report combined figures, 8 with 4+ months unreported and 11 that closed. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ."
Fresh Coat
Item 19 reports 2024 and 2025 Gross Revenue and gross profit percentage (after paint and direct labor only) by quartile for 62 franchises that met its reporting rules; 27% reached the 2025 average.
- Average annual Gross Revenue, 2025, 62 franchises open at least a year (not profit)$751,964 a yearPending verificationSourceFresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Revenue before costs, not profit. Covers 62 of 182 franchises: those open at least a year, run full time in the U.S., reporting all 12 months of 2025 and sending income statements by March 30, 2026. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ." 27% reached this average.
- Median annual Gross Revenue, 2025, same 62 franchises (not profit)$653,107 a yearPending verificationSourceFresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Revenue before costs, not profit. Covers 62 of 182 franchises: those open at least a year, run full time in the U.S., reporting all 12 months of 2025 and sending income statements by March 30, 2026. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ."
- Average annual Gross Revenue of the top quartile, 2025, 15 franchises (not profit)$1,477,436 a yearPending verificationSourceFresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Revenue before costs, not profit. Covers 62 of 182 franchises: those open at least a year, run full time in the U.S., reporting all 12 months of 2025 and sending income statements by March 30, 2026. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ."
- Average annual Gross Revenue of the bottom quartile, 2025, 15 franchises (not profit)$291,457 a yearPending verificationSourceFresh Coat 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 17, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Revenue before costs, not profit. Covers 62 of 182 franchises: those open at least a year, run full time in the U.S., reporting all 12 months of 2025 and sending income statements by March 30, 2026. The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ." The lowest franchise reported $106,847.
WOW 1 DAY PAINTING
Item 19 reports 2025 Gross Revenue per franchisee and per subterritory, plus job sizes, for U.S. and Canadian franchisees open all year; 10 U.S. franchises closed in 2025.
- Average annual Gross Revenue, 2025, 34 U.S. franchisees open all year (not profit)$489,017 a yearPending verificationSourceWOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Revenue before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 34 U.S. franchisees open all of 2025; excludes 3 that opened during 2025 and 10 that closed in 2025. Franchisees own 2 to 14 subterritories (median 3). The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ." 10 of the 34 (29%) reached this average.
- Median annual Gross Revenue, 2025, same 34 U.S. franchisees (not profit)$371,899 a yearPending verificationSourceWOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Revenue before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 34 U.S. franchisees open all of 2025; excludes 3 that opened during 2025 and 10 that closed in 2025. Franchisees own 2 to 14 subterritories (median 3). The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ."
- Average annual Gross Revenue of the top 25%, 2025, U.S. franchisees (not profit)$1,040,101 a yearPending verificationSourceWOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Revenue before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 34 U.S. franchisees open all of 2025; excludes 3 that opened during 2025 and 10 that closed in 2025. Franchisees own 2 to 14 subterritories (median 3). The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ."
- Average annual Gross Revenue of the bottom 25%, 2025, U.S. franchisees (not profit)$150,717 a yearPending verificationSourceWOW 1 DAY PAINTING 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross Revenue before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers 34 U.S. franchisees open all of 2025; excludes 3 that opened during 2025 and 10 that closed in 2025. Franchisees own 2 to 14 subterritories (median 3). The FDD says: "Your individual results may differ." The lowest U.S. franchisee reported $53,870.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Part of Neighborly, a large group of home-service brands
- About 79 hours of initial training, including 13 hours on exterior and interior estimating
- A required call center that books appointments for you
- Business-management software and a network of other owners
- Owners typically open 1 to 4 months after signing, per FDD Item 11
- Initial training program before opening
- Rebates of the franchise fee if you reach set revenue goals (FDD Item 5)
- Up to 15% off the franchise fee for qualifying veterans
- A central sales center and CRM system that handle incoming leads
- About 15 business days of training at head office plus 5 in your territory
- Sister brand to Shack Shine within the same franchisor group
- 15% off the franchise fee for veterans
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brush-and-roll starter kit: brushes, rollers, poles, trays, drop cloths, masking and laddersPending verificationSourceSmartService — Painting business equipment guide (updated Aug 11, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026SmartService's 'brush-and-roll start' budget. ZenBusiness gives a wider $500–$3,000 for paint equipment and supplies. From a single tier-3 vendor guide (SmartService sells field-service software); to be cross-checked against retailer price pages before verification. | $1,500 | $2,250 | $3,000 |
| EPA lead-safe renovator course, 8 hours (for pre-1978 homes)Pending verificationSourcesZack Academy — Lead Renovator Certification Initial, La Mesa, CA, November 19, 2026 (provider: World Inspections, Ltd)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026US EPA — RRP Program: renovator training(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026One accredited provider's published price for a La Mesa, CA class on November 19, 2026. Prices vary by provider and city. | $190 | $190 | $190 |
| EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm application (good for five years)Pending verificationSourceUS EPA — RRP Program: firm certification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026EPA's fee for renovation firm certification or recertification. California firms apply to EPA directly. | $300 | $300 | $300 |
| California LLC filing (Articles of Organization plus first Statement of Information)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026$70 for Form LLC-1 plus $20 for Form LLC-12, from the Secretary of State fee schedule dated June 2018. Confirm current fees at bizfile Online. | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| City or county business license | Data coming soon | ||
| Scheduling, quoting and invoicing software, first yearPending verificationSourceJobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Jobber Core (one user) at $29 per month billed annually, times 12. | $348 | $348 | $348 |
| Basic website design and hostingPending verificationSourceZenBusiness — How much it costs to start a painting business (updated Feb 9, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026From a single tier-3 guide (ZenBusiness sells business-formation services); to be cross-checked before verification. | $300 | $650 | $1,000 |
| Vehicle: the car or SUV you already own | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch: cards, flyers and neighborhood listings | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $2,728 | $3,828 | $4,928 |
Share of mid estimate
- Brush-and-roll starter kit: brushes, rollers, poles, trays, drop cloths, masking and ladders59%
- EPA lead-safe renovator course, 8 hours (for pre-1978 homes)5%
- EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm application (good for five years)8%
- California LLC filing (Articles of Organization plus first Statement of Information)2%
- Scheduling, quoting and invoicing software, first year9%
- Basic website design and hosting17%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
Mid is the halfway point between low and high where a source gives only a range.
The total leaves out 3 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Average ticket is the low end of Thumbtack's interior range ($605), which fits under California's $1,000 unlicensed limit. Jobs per week, ramp-up, materials cost and seasonality are assumptions, not operator data. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 3
- Year-1 revenue
- $50,336
- Year-2 profit
- $44,048
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 3.9 | $2,360 | $996 | $1,364 | -$2,464 |
| 2 (Apr) | 4.9 | $2,949 | $1,114 | $1,836 | -$629 |
| 3 (May) | 6.0 | $3,605 | $1,245 | $2,360 | $1,731 |
| 4 (Jun) | 7.1 | $4,326 | $1,389 | $2,937 | $4,668 |
| 5 (Jul) | 7.8 | $4,719 | $1,468 | $3,251 | $7,919 |
| 6 (Aug) | 8.4 | $5,112 | $1,546 | $3,566 | $11,485 |
| 7 (Sep) | 8.3 | $5,047 | $1,533 | $3,513 | $14,998 |
| 8 (Oct) | 8.1 | $4,916 | $1,507 | $3,409 | $18,406 |
| 9 (Nov) | 7.8 | $4,719 | $1,468 | $3,251 | $21,658 |
| 10 (Dec) | 6.9 | $4,195 | $1,363 | $2,832 | $24,489 |
| 11 (Jan) | 6.9 | $4,195 | $1,363 | $2,832 | $27,321 |
| 12 (Feb) | 6.9 | $4,195 | $1,363 | $2,832 | $30,153 |
| 13 (Mar) | 7.8 | $4,719 | $1,468 | $3,251 | $33,404 |
| 14 (Apr) | 8.7 | $5,243 | $1,573 | $3,671 | $37,075 |
| 15 (May) | 9.5 | $5,768 | $1,678 | $4,090 | $41,165 |
| 16 (Jun) | 10.4 | $6,292 | $1,782 | $4,510 | $45,674 |
| 17 (Jul) | 10.4 | $6,292 | $1,782 | $4,510 | $50,184 |
| 18 (Aug) | 10.4 | $6,292 | $1,782 | $4,510 | $54,694 |
| 19 (Sep) | 9.5 | $5,768 | $1,678 | $4,090 | $58,784 |
| 20 (Oct) | 8.7 | $5,243 | $1,573 | $3,671 | $62,454 |
| 21 (Nov) | 7.8 | $4,719 | $1,468 | $3,251 | $65,706 |
| 22 (Dec) | 6.9 | $4,195 | $1,363 | $2,832 | $68,537 |
| 23 (Jan) | 6.9 | $4,195 | $1,363 | $2,832 | $71,369 |
| 24 (Feb) | 6.9 | $4,195 | $1,363 | $2,832 | $74,201 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Interior painting job: walls, ceiling, trim, doors or window frames (national range)$605 – $2,464Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — Interior house painting cost (updated Mar 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size. Thumbtack says most people pay around $1,200. In California, an unlicensed painter must keep the whole job (labor plus materials) under $1,000.
- Paint one room (national range)$371 – $1,011Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — Interior house painting cost (updated Mar 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size.
- Prime and paint a 330 sq ft living room$990 – $1,320Pending verificationSourceFixr — Cost to paint a room (updated Jan 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size. Fixr says it draws on pricing databases, licensed contractors and industry experts.
- Whole-home interior, 1,600 sq ft home$6,679 – $11,162Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — Interior house painting cost (updated Mar 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Thumbtack table sourced from Xactware. Includes sealing and priming, two coats and two colors. Needs a C-33 license in California.
- Whole-house exterior (national range)$2,371 – $6,443Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — How much does it cost to paint a house? (updated Mar 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size. Thumbtack says most people pay around $3,943. Needs a C-33 license in California.
- Whole-house exterior, 2,200 sq ft of exterior wall surface$6,242 – $11,617Pending verificationSourceFixr — Exterior painting cost (updated Jan 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size. Fixr's national average range, which matches its 2,200 sq ft row.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average receipts per employer firm with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 238320 (Painting and Wall Covering Contractors), 2022$275,121 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses, U.S. & states by 6-digit NAICS (released April 10, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Employer firms: 28,272 firms, $7,778,214,000 total receipts. Includes commercial painters and wallpaper hangers. We divided the table's total receipts by its count of businesses and rounded to the nearest dollar. It is an average of gross receipts, before any expenses, and many businesses take in far less. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per employer establishment, NAICS 238320 (Painting and Wall Covering Contractors), all sizes, 2022$896,562 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses, U.S. & states by 6-digit NAICS (released April 10, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Employer establishments: 37,963 establishments, $34,036,198,000 total receipts. Includes large commercial contractors. We divided the table's total receipts by its count of businesses and rounded to the nearest dollar. It is an average of gross receipts, before any expenses, and many businesses take in far less. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per nonemployer (solo, no employees) business, NAICS 2383 (Building Finishing Contractors, which includes painting), 2023$65,719 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Nonemployer Statistics, United States file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Nonemployer businesses: 669,136 businesses, $43,975,190,000 total receipts. The Census Bureau doesn't publish painting separately for nonemployers, so this also covers drywall, flooring, tile and finish carpentry. Many are part-time. We divided the table's total receipts by its count of businesses and rounded to the nearest dollar. It is an average of gross receipts, before any expenses, and many businesses take in far less. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
The $1,000 limit without a license
In California, an unlicensed painter can't take a job of $1,000 or more (labor plus materials), can't take work that needs a permit, and can't employ anyone on the job. Most whole rooms-plus and every exterior job go over that line.
How to manage it: Plan the lean stage as a short bridge. Start the C-33 application early, or partner with a licensed qualifier, before quoting bigger jobs.
Ladders and long days at 55+
Painting is hours of standing, reaching overhead and climbing ladders. Falls from ladders are a serious injury risk, and the work is hard on shoulders, knees and backs.
How to manage it: Stick to interior, single-story work while you're doing it yourself, and plan to move into estimating, sales and supervision as soon as you can hire a crew.
Lead paint in older homes
Many California homes were built before 1978. Sanding or scraping old paint without lead-safe practices can poison customers and workers and bring federal penalties.
How to manage it: Get EPA renovator training and firm certification before working in pre-1978 homes, and follow the lead-safe work rules on every such job.
Finding and keeping good painters
Your reputation depends on crews you may not watch every hour. Hiring also brings payroll, workers' comp and the duty to supervise work quality.
How to manage it: Start with one experienced painter, check every job before final payment, and budget for workers' comp before the first hire.
Underbidding jobs
Prep work, repairs and extra coats are easy to underestimate, and one mispriced exterior can wipe out a month's profit.
How to manage it: Measure carefully, write down what's included and excluded, and track actual hours against each estimate to improve your pricing.
Price competition
Many local painters, licensed and not, compete on price, especially for small interior jobs.
How to manage it: Compete on reliability, clean job sites, clear written quotes and showing your license and insurance.
Weather and seasonality
Rain, cold and heat limit exterior work and can push jobs back.
How to manage it: Keep interior jobs in the pipeline for slow months and build a cash reserve in peak season.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
Jobs under $1,000 only, without a license
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB Industry Bulletin #24-07 — License requirement for minor work increases from $500 to $1,000 (AB 2622)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Since January 1, 2025 (AB 2622), unlicensed work must be under $1,000 in labor and materials combined, must not need a permit, and the unlicensed person may not employ anyone on the project. Ads must say you are not licensed.
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)C-33 Painting and Decorating contractor license
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB — C-33 Painting and Decorating Contractor classification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Needed for any painting job of $1,000 or more. The C-33 covers surface preparation and applying paints, papers, stains, sealers and similar finishes to structures.
Verify with the CSLB — C-33 classification(opens in a new tab)Four years of experience (yours or a qualifier's)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB — Before applying for the examination(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026The license needs a qualifying individual with at least four full years of journey-level, foreman, supervisor or contractor experience in painting within the last ten years, certified by people who know your work. If you don't have it, a qualified person can serve as your qualifier.
Verify with the CSLB — Before applying for the examination(opens in a new tab)Trade exam and Law and Business exam
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCSLB — Painting and Decorating (C-33) examination study guide(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — Examination study guides (trade and Law and Business)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026The C-33 trade exam is closed-book multiple choice covering planning and estimating, surface preparation, application and safety. A separate Law and Business exam is also part of licensing. CSLB publishes free study guides for both.
Verify with the CSLB — Examination study guides(opens in a new tab)$25,000 contractor's bond
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB — Bond requirements(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Every licensed contractor must file a $25,000 bond from a surety licensed by the California Department of Insurance.
Verify with the CSLB — Bond requirements(opens in a new tab)Workers' compensation once you have an employee
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB — Workers' compensation requirements(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026California requires workers' comp as soon as you have even one employee. A C-33 contractor with no employees can file an exemption with CSLB.
Verify with the CSLB — Workers' compensation(opens in a new tab)EPA lead-safe (RRP) certification for pre-1978 homes
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesUS EPA — Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: contractors(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026US EPA — RRP Program: firm certification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026US EPA — RRP Program: renovator training(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Anyone paid to disturb paint in homes built before 1978 must work through an EPA-certified firm with a certified renovator. Renovators take an 8-hour course; firm certification lasts five years. California is not a state-run program, so firms apply to EPA.
Verify with the US EPA — RRP program for contractors(opens in a new tab)City or county business license
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalGold — California permit assistance tool(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Required almost everywhere in California. Check with the city where your business is based.
Verify with the CalGold permit assistance(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Decide whether you'll qualify for a C-33 yourself or need a qualifier
- Take the EPA lead-safe renovator course and certify your firm
- Choose your business structure and get a city business license
- Get insured
- Set up quoting and invoicing software
Phase 2
Licensing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Estimating and pricing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Marketing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Hiring your first crew
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Operations
Included in the complete kit
Phase 8
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Paint and supply stores
Contractor paint stores with trade accounts and pro pricing.
Sprayers and parts
Airless sprayers, tips, hoses and repair parts.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Can I start painting in California without a license?
Only for small jobs. Each job must be under $1,000 in labor and materials combined, need no permit, and you can't employ anyone on it. Anything bigger needs a C-33 license from the CSLB.
Do I have to do the painting myself?
Not for long, if you don't want to. Many owners spend their time on estimates, sales and checking work while a crew paints. That needs a license and workers' comp, so most start small and grow into it.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.