Trade directory · Dallas metro · Texas

Painting contractors in
Dallas, Texas.

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

Employer Establishments
1,361
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
March through October, with highest demand April-June and September-October when weather permits exterior work
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for initial contact, 3-7 days for detailed estimates
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$22/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ J · OPEN JOBS

Painting jobs in Dallas

00 OPEN

0 open jobs in Dallas.

The controlled job pilot is not open yet.

§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

DALLAS-TX · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Interior room painting (12x12)
Typical range based on local interior room painting (12x12) jobs.
$800 – $1,500
Exterior house painting (1500-2000 sq ft)
Typical range based on local exterior house painting (1500-2000 sq ft) jobs.
$4,500 – $8,500
Kitchen cabinet painting
Typical range based on local kitchen cabinet painting jobs.
$1,200 – $3,500
Fence painting (100 linear feet)
Typical range based on local fence painting (100 linear feet) jobs.
$600 – $1,200
Pressure washing and paint prep
Typical range based on local pressure washing and paint prep jobs.
$300 – $800
Commercial interior painting (per sq ft)
Typical range based on local commercial interior painting (per sq ft) jobs.
$2 – $5
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

TX
§1

Licensing Requirements

Texas does not require state licensing for painting contractors. However, contractors performing work over $50,000 must register with TDLR. Local business licenses required in Dallas. Workers compensation required if employing others.

§2

Permit Requirements

Building permits generally not required for painting work in Dallas. Commercial projects may require permits if structural modifications are involved. Lead-safe work practices certification required for pre-1978 buildings.

§3

Inspection Schedule

No routine inspections required for standard painting work. Commercial projects may require final inspections based on scope. Lead renovation projects subject to EPA RRP compliance verification.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000 recommended. Workers compensation required if employing staff. Commercial projects often require $1-2 million coverage.

§ C · ReadyDocs Compliance

Compliance research unavailable

View source dossier

Source status: unavailable · 7/13/2026

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

§ M · DoorBase

Local market snapshot

119 ZIPs
Population1,372,181
Household income$73,456
Home value$487,746
Median rent$1,670
Unemployment3.80%
Job growth0.40%

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

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

5 STEPS
1

Obtain Dallas business license

Apply for business license through Dallas City Secretary office. Cost approximately $100 annually. Provide business registration and liability insurance proof.

01/05
2

Get EPA RRP certification

Complete EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting certification course if working on pre-1978 residential properties. Required for legal compliance on approximately 50% of Dallas housing stock.

02/05
3

Secure liability insurance

Obtain general liability insurance minimum $300,000. Shop commercial insurance providers for painting contractor specific coverage including completed operations.

03/05
4

Register with TDLR if applicable

If performing contracts over $50,000, register with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Submit application, fees, and insurance documentation.

04/05
5

Obtain workers compensation

If hiring employees, secure workers compensation insurance through Texas Mutual or approved carrier per Texas Labor Code requirements.

05/05
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Dallas painter market runs hot with steady residential and commercial demand. Competition is fierce with over 200 active painting contractors in the metro area. Residential repaints dominate the work, driven by home sales and the brutal Texas sun that beats paint to death every 5-7 years. Exterior work drives the highest margins but weather limits the season. Cost factors include surface prep requirements, paint quality, and access challenges on two-story homes. The Texas deregulation means anyone can hang a shingle as a painter, but the pros separate themselves through insurance, bonding, and consistent quality work. You need EPA RRP certification for any pre-1978 residential work - that's half the housing stock in established Dallas neighborhoods. Business license runs about $100 annually in Dallas. Peak season is brutal competition, but winter interior work keeps the steady operators busy year-round. Build relationships with realtors and property managers for consistent volume. Quality prep work and warranty service separate the survivors from the fly-by-night operations.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage
    Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
  • Licensed establishments count
    U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
  • Licensing requirements
    Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
  • Insurance requirements
    Texas Department of Insurance and Texas Labor Code
  • Local permit requirements
    City of Dallas Building Inspection Department
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

Do painters need a license in Dallas, Texas?

Texas does not require state licensing for painters. However, Dallas requires a business license, and contractors doing work over $50,000 must register with TDLR per Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2155.

Q/02

What does exterior house painting cost in Dallas?

Exterior painting for a typical 1500-2000 sq ft home ranges $4,500-$8,500, based on local market rates and BLS wage data showing median painter earnings of $22.13/hour.

Q/03

When is peak painting season in Dallas?

March through October, with highest demand April-June and September-October. Summer heat often pushes exterior work to early morning hours, affecting productivity and scheduling.

Q/04

What insurance do painting contractors need in Texas?

General liability coverage minimum $300,000 recommended, with $1-2 million for commercial work. Workers compensation required if employing staff per Texas Labor Code Title 5.

Q/05

Are permits required for painting in Dallas?

Standard painting work does not require building permits in Dallas. However, EPA RRP certification mandatory for pre-1978 residential work per 40 CFR Part 745.

§ F · Directory

Painting contractors in Dallas

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