Trade directory · Boise metro · Idaho

Painting contractors in
Boise, Idaho.

A public directory of painting contractor businesses serving greater Boise. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Employer Establishments
492
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
April through September - exterior work drives demand during dry months
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for initial quote, 3-5 days for detailed estimate
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$22/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ J · OPEN JOBS

Painting jobs in Boise

00 OPEN

0 open jobs in Boise.

The controlled job pilot is not open yet.

§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

BOISE-ID · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Interior room painting (12x12)
Typical range based on local interior room painting (12x12) jobs.
$400 – $800
Exterior house painting (1500-2000 sq ft)
Typical range based on local exterior house painting (1500-2000 sq ft) jobs.
$3,500 – $7,500
Kitchen cabinet painting
Typical range based on local kitchen cabinet painting jobs.
$1,200 – $3,500
Deck staining and sealing
Typical range based on local deck staining and sealing jobs.
$600 – $1,500
Fence painting (100 linear feet)
Typical range based on local fence painting (100 linear feet) jobs.
$500 – $1,200
Drywall repair and painting
Typical range based on local drywall repair and painting jobs.
$150 – $450
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

ID
§1

Licensing Requirements

Idaho does not require state licensing for painting contractors. However, contractors performing work over $2000 must register with Idaho Secretary of State and obtain EIN. No exam required. Business registration renewal required annually.

§2

Permit Requirements

Boise requires permits for exterior painting involving lead paint (pre-1978 homes). Interior painting typically requires no permits unless structural work is involved. Commercial projects may require building permits.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Lead-safe work practices inspection if EPA RRP certified work required. No routine inspections for standard painting. Final inspection only if part of larger permitted construction project.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000 recommended. Workers compensation required if employees. Bonding recommended for commercial work but not required by state.

§ C · ReadyDocs Compliance

Compliance research unavailable

View source dossier

Source status: unavailable · 7/17/2026

Detailed instructions are withheld because the source is not available for verification.

§ M · DoorBase

Local market snapshot

36 ZIPs
Population265,704
Household income$84,006
Home value$531,948
Median rent$1,875
Unemployment0.00%
Job growth-100.00%

Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 7/17/2026.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

5 STEPS
1

Business Registration

Register business with Idaho Secretary of State if performing work over $2000. Choose business structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.) and obtain required documentation.

01/05
2

Federal Tax ID

Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN) from IRS for tax purposes and business banking. Required for business registration and insurance applications.

02/05
3

EPA RRP Certification

Complete EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting certification if working on pre-1978 homes. Required 8-hour training course covers lead-safe work practices.

03/05
4

Insurance Setup

Secure general liability insurance and workers compensation if hiring employees. Obtain certificates of insurance for commercial work requirements.

04/05
5

Local Business License

Register for Boise business license through City Clerk if operating within city limits. Annual renewal required with fee based on business type and revenue.

05/05
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Boise's painter market runs hot with new construction and renovation driving steady demand. You've got roughly 492 licensed establishments statewide competing for work, but the Treasure Valley growth keeps everyone busy. Residential exterior work dominates - think vinyl siding, wood trim, and plenty of deck staining. New subdivisions in Meridian and Eagle feed the commercial pipeline. Material costs hit hard here due to freight, and weather kills your exterior season October through March. Labor runs tight at $21.87 median hourly, below coastal markets but competitive locally. Getting into Boise's paint game is straightforward - Idaho keeps regulations light with no state licensing requirement for painters. Register your business, grab your EIN, and you're rolling. The real hurdle is EPA RRP certification for lead work on pre-1978 homes, which covers half the housing stock. Insurance costs stay reasonable, but get your general liability locked down before touching any job. Spring scheduling fills up fast, so book your exterior work by February or you're fighting for scraps. Focus on the suburban growth corridors where builders need reliable subcontractors willing to work at volume pricing.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage
    Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics
  • Licensed establishments count
    U.S. Census Bureau Economic Census
  • Licensing requirements
    Idaho Secretary of State and Idaho Code Title 54
  • Permit requirements
    City of Boise Building Department
  • Insurance requirements
    Idaho Department of Insurance
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

Do painters need a license in Idaho?

Idaho does not require state licensing for painting contractors. However, business registration with the Secretary of State is required for contractors performing work over $2000, according to Idaho Code Title 54.

Q/02

What do painters charge per hour in Boise?

Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, painters in Idaho earn a median wage of $21.87 per hour or $45,490 annually. Customer rates typically range $35-60 per hour depending on project complexity.

Q/03

When is the best time to hire painters in Boise?

April through September offers optimal weather for exterior painting. Interior work can be performed year-round. Book exterior projects by February as contractors schedule fills quickly for the limited outdoor season.

Q/04

Do I need a permit for painting my house in Boise?

Permits are generally not required for interior or standard exterior painting. However, Boise Building Department requires permits for lead paint work on pre-1978 homes and any painting involving structural modifications.

Q/05

What insurance do painting contractors need in Idaho?

Idaho requires workers compensation insurance if employing workers. General liability insurance with minimum $300,000 coverage is recommended. Commercial work may require higher limits and bonding per Idaho Department of Insurance guidelines.

§ F · Directory

Painting contractors in Boise

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