Painters in San Diego, CA
Compare local painters, check their licenses, see what jobs cost in San Diego, and get free quotes.
- Free quotes, no obligation
- Typical cost $460–$2,050 per room
Get free painting quotes in San Diego
Top painters near San Diego
Painting in San Diego: what to know
San Diego is in San Diego County, covering ZIP codes 92037, 92105, 92109, 92111, 92114, 92115, 92117, 92119 and 12 more. Pros listed here also cover nearby La Mesa, Lemon Grove, La Jolla, Santee, El Cajon, Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, La Presa and National City. Most painting jobs here cost $460–$2,050 per room.
- Coastal salt air in Ocean Beach, Point Loma and La Jolla speeds up corrosion of exterior fixtures, metal roofing and AC condensers.
Neighborhoods we cover in San Diego
North Park · Hillcrest · South Park · Kensington · Normal Heights · La Jolla · Pacific Beach · Ocean Beach · Point Loma · Mission Valley · Clairemont · Mira Mesa · Rancho Bernardo · Carmel Valley
Permits for work inside San Diego city limits are issued by the City of San Diego Development Services Department.
Hiring a licensed painter in California
Look for a C-33 Painting and Decorating license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
- Any job worth $1,000 or more in labor and materials must be done by a CSLB-licensed contractor.
- Licensed contractors must carry a $25,000 contractor bond, and workers' compensation if they have employees.
- For home improvement contracts, the down payment can't be more than 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less.
- Water heaters must be braced or strapped against earthquakes under state law.
Check a license on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) site
How much does a painter cost in San Diego?
Most painting jobs in San Diego, CA cost $460–$2,050 per room, with hourly rates around $45–$100.
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patch drywall and touch up paint | $170 | $370 | $800 |
| Paint one interior room | $460 | $1,050 | $2,050 |
| Stain a fence or deck | $690 | $1,700 | $3,450 |
| Paint kitchen cabinets | $3,450 | $6,300 | $10,400 |
| Paint a whole-home interior (2,000 sq ft) | $4,600 | $8,050 | $13,800 |
| Paint a house exterior | $4,000 | $7,450 | $13,800 |
What affects the price
- Prep is most of the work: patching, sanding, caulking and moving furniture add time.
- High ceilings, stairwells and multi-story exteriors need ladders or scaffolding.
- Premium paint costs more but often needs fewer coats.
- Homes built before 1978 may need lead-safe practices, which add cost.
Painters in San Diego: FAQ
How much does a painter cost in San Diego?
Most painting jobs in San Diego, CA cost $460–$2,050 per room. Hourly rates typically run $45–$100. These are estimates based on typical US prices adjusted for local costs — the job's size, materials and access all move the price, so compare two or three quotes before you hire.
How do I find a painter near me in San Diego?
Enter your ZIP code at the top of this page — San Diego covers 92037, 92105, 92109, 92111, 92114, 92115, 92117, 92119 and 12 more — to see painters who serve your address, then compare their profiles and get free quotes. Pros listed here also serve nearby La Mesa, Chula Vista, El Cajon.
How do I choose the right painter in San Diego?
Compare at least three pros. Check that their license is active with your state licensing board, ask for proof of insurance, read recent reviews, and get the scope, price and timeline in writing before work starts. Avoid paying the full amount up front.
Is it free to get quotes from painters on Contractors2Hire?
Yes. Sending a request and comparing quotes is free, with no obligation to hire. You pay the pro you choose directly for the work.
Does a painter need a license in California?
Any job worth $1,000 or more in labor and materials must be done by a CSLB-licensed contractor. For painting work that means a C-33 Painting and Decorating license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). You can check any license number on the board's website before you hire.
How long does an interior paint job last?
About 5–10 years in most rooms, less in kitchens, bathrooms and kids' rooms. Exterior paint usually lasts 5–10 years depending on sun and weather.
Is paint included in the quote?
Usually, but not always. Ask whether the quote includes paint and primer, which brand and finish, and how many coats.
Areas and ZIP codes covered around San Diego
San Diego ZIP codes: 92037 · 92105 · 92109 · 92111 · 92114 · 92115 · 92117 · 92119 · 92120 · 92121 · 92123 · 92124 · 92126 · 92127 · 92128 · 92129 · 92130 · 92131 · 92145 · 92154
Nearby communities: La Mesa · Lemon Grove · La Jolla · Santee · El Cajon · Casa de Oro-Mount Helix · La Presa · National City
Nearby service areas
- Painters in La Mesa, CA · 9 mi
- Painters in Chula Vista, CA · 10 mi
- Painters in El Cajon, CA · 13 mi
- Painters in Santee, CA · 14 mi
- Painters in San Marcos, CA · 29 mi
- Painters in Escondido, CA · 29 mi
- Painters in Carlsbad, CA · 29 mi
- Painters in Oceanside, CA · 36 mi
More painters in the region
- Painters in Vista, CA · 33 mi
- Painters in Valley Center, CA · 37 mi
- Painters in Temecula, CA · 54 mi
- Painters in San Clemente, CA · 57 mi
- Painters in Murrieta, CA · 59 mi
- Painters in Dana Point, CA · 61 mi
- Painters in San Juan Capistrano, CA · 61 mi
- Painters in Wildomar, CA · 63 mi
- Painters in Laguna Beach, CA · 67 mi
- Painters in Menifee, CA · 67 mi
- Painters in Lake Elsinore, CA · 68 mi
- Painters in Laguna Hills, CA · 68 mi