Trade directory · North Little Rock metro · Arkansas

Painting contractors in
North Little Rock, Arkansas.

A public directory of licensed painting contractors serving greater North Little Rock. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Licensed Establishments
162
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
March through October, with highest demand May-September due to favorable weather conditions
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for initial quote response, 3-7 days for detailed estimates
Operator average
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

NORTH LITTLE ROCK-AR · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Interior room painting (12x12)
Typical range based on local interior room painting (12x12) jobs.
$350 – $800
Exterior house painting (1,500 sq ft)
Typical range based on local exterior house painting (1,500 sq ft) jobs.
$2,800 – $5,500
Deck staining
Typical range based on local deck staining jobs.
$450 – $1,200
Cabinet painting
Typical range based on local cabinet painting jobs.
$1,200 – $3,500
Fence painting/staining
Typical range based on local fence painting/staining jobs.
$800 – $2,200
Pressure washing and prep
Typical range based on local pressure washing and prep jobs.
$200 – $600
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

AR
§1

Licensing Requirements

Arkansas requires contractors performing work over $2,000 to hold a Construction License. Painters need either Residential Building Contractor License or Commercial Building Contractor License depending on project type. Requires passing written exam, proof of 4 years experience or education equivalent, $15,000 surety bond, and general liability insurance. License renewed annually.

§2

Permit Requirements

North Little Rock requires building permits for exterior painting of commercial buildings and some historic properties. Residential exterior painting typically does not require permits unless structural work involved. Lead-safe work practices certification required for pre-1978 homes.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Inspections generally not required for standard painting work. Lead-safe work practices may require EPA RRP compliance documentation. Commercial projects may require final inspection for certificate of occupancy.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability insurance minimum $300,000, with $15,000 surety bond required for licensed contractors. Workers compensation required if employing others.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

7 STEPS
1

Meet experience requirements

Document 4 years of construction experience or equivalent education/training in painting or general construction work.

01/07
2

Complete application

Submit contractor license application to Arkansas Contractor Licensing Board with required documentation and fees.

02/07
3

Pass written examination

Take and pass the Arkansas contractor licensing exam covering business law, construction practices, and safety regulations.

03/07
4

Obtain surety bond

Secure $15,000 surety bond from approved bonding company as required by Arkansas law.

04/07
5

Provide insurance proof

Submit proof of general liability insurance meeting state minimum requirements of $300,000 coverage.

05/07
6

Pay licensing fees

Pay all required licensing fees and any applicable late fees to complete the licensing process.

06/07
7

Maintain annual renewal

Renew license annually by required deadline, maintaining current insurance and bond coverage.

07/07
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

North Little Rock's painter market runs steady with decent demand from both residential and light commercial sectors. You've got about 162 licensed painting establishments across Arkansas competing for work, but the metro area keeps busy with home renovations, new construction spillover from Little Rock, and maintenance on older housing stock. Costs get driven up by prep work requirements, especially lead paint issues in pre-1978 homes, and weather delays during humid summers.

To work this market right, get your Arkansas contractor license sorted first - it's mandatory for jobs over $2,000 and the state doesn't mess around with unlicensed work. Lead-safe certification is non-negotiable given the housing age here. Plan your schedule around weather - you'll make your money March through October, then slow way down in winter. Keep overhead lean, price prep work honestly, and build relationships with local suppliers. The market rewards reliable contractors who show up when they say they will.

Data Sources
  • Licensed establishments count
    U.S. Census Bureau
  • Licensing requirements
    Arkansas Contractor Licensing Board
  • Cost estimates
    Local market analysis estimates
  • Permit requirements
    North Little Rock Building Department
  • Lead paint regulations
    EPA RRP Rule requirements
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What license do painters need in Arkansas?

Arkansas requires painters performing work over $2,000 to hold a Construction License (Residential or Commercial Building Contractor). This requires passing an exam, 4 years experience, $15,000 surety bond, and annual renewal. Source: Arkansas Contractor Licensing Board.

Q/02

How much does house painting cost in North Little Rock?

Exterior painting for a 1,500 sq ft home ranges $2,800-$5,500, while interior room painting runs $350-$800 per room. Costs vary based on prep work, paint quality, and lead paint remediation needs. These are market estimates based on local contractor pricing.

Q/03

Do I need permits to paint my house in North Little Rock?

Residential exterior painting typically doesn't require permits unless structural work is involved. Commercial buildings and some historic properties may need permits. Lead-safe work certification is required for pre-1978 homes per EPA regulations.

Q/04

When is the best time to hire painters in North Little Rock?

Peak season runs March-October with highest demand May-September. Booking during off-season (November-February) may yield better pricing and faster scheduling, though weather can limit exterior work.

Q/05

How many licensed painting contractors operate in Arkansas?

Approximately 162 licensed painting establishments operate in Arkansas according to Census data. This includes both residential and commercial painting contractors across the state.

§ F · Directory

Painting contractors in North Little Rock

0 LISTED · SORTED BY DISTANCE

No contractors listed yet.

List your services

For contractors

Run your painting business on The Forge.

Get listed on The Board for free. Manage leads, quotes, jobs, and follow-ups in one place. Built for trades, used by thousands of operators nationwide.