Exterior house painting cost in Los Angeles, CA
Tell us about your house painting project in Los Angeles, California. Include the ZIP code and scope; we look for an independent provider for your address.
Typical price ranges
HomeGuide puts professional exterior painting at $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, or $3,000 to $10,000 for an average 2,000-square-foot house. Size, stories, siding type and prep work drive the price.
- Per square foot, labor and paint: $1.50–$5.00
- Average 2,000 sq ft house: $3,000–$10,000
- Painter labor per hour: $25–$75
- 1,500 sq ft house (about 1,200 sq ft paintable): $1,800–$6,000
- 2,500 sq ft house (about 2,100 sq ft paintable): $3,200–$10,500
- Wood siding: $1.50–$5.00 per sq ft
- Vinyl siding: $1.50–$4.50 per sq ft
- Stucco: $2.00–$5.00 per sq ft
- Brick: $2.50–$5.00 per sq ft
Source: HomeGuide, Cost to Paint the Exterior of a House, updated July 9, 2025, accessed October 29, 2026. National averages, not a quote; your price depends on your project. HomeGuide, Cost to Paint the Exterior of a House. HomeAdvisor's range is $1.50 to $4 per square foot of paintable area. HomeAdvisor, Cost to Paint a Home Exterior
Local labor costs in Los Angeles
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median wage of $28.41 an hour for construction and maintenance painters in the Los Angeles metro area, 20% above the national median of $23.75. Labor is a large part of these jobs, so local wages are one reason quotes here can differ from the national ranges.
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Los Angeles metro area (SOC 47-2141)
Local rules and tips for Los Angeles
Los Angeles is in the South Coast AQMD, whose Rule 1113 limits the VOC content of architectural coatings (most flat and nonflat wall paints at 50 grams per liter). Painters should already use compliant products; ask which ones are in the quote.
South Coast AQMD: architectural coatings
For a project in Los Angeles, California, describe the property and access from nearby Burbank or Glendale. Include photos of the actual work area so a provider can review your request.
Hiring in California: license and permit checks
California requires a CSLB contractor license when a project totals $1,000 or more in labor and materials, or when a building permit is needed or workers are employed. Ask for the license number and check it with CSLB; tree service (D-49) and roofing (C-39) contractors must carry workers’ compensation per CSLB.
Ask the provider for the license or registration number if their trade requires one, and ask about insurance. Confirm city or county permits with the local building department and get a written scope of work.
What changes the price
- Paintable wall area, which is smaller than the floor area once windows and doors are subtracted.
- Number of stories and access: second stories need ladders or lifts.
- Siding: stucco and brick are porous and take more paint.
- Prep: pressure washing, scraping, caulking, wood repair and primer.
- Trim, doors, shutters and accent colors.
- Lead-safe work on homes built before 1978.
How to choose a provider
- Get at least three written quotes that list the same scope, materials and cleanup.
- Check the license (where your state requires one) and ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Ask who pulls the permit and whether the permit fee is in the price.
- Agree on a payment schedule tied to finished work; avoid paying most of the price up front.
- Get the warranty for labor and materials in writing.
Red flags
- Cash-only deals or pressure to sign the same day.
- No written contract, no address and no proof of insurance.
- A price far below every other quote with a vague scope.
- Door-to-door offers right after a storm from crews you cannot verify.
Services in Los Angeles
Other areas
Exterior house painting cost guides
What exterior painting usually costs, with sourced price ranges and local rules.
Get a local quote
Border Quotes is a referral service, not a contractor. Send your project and ZIP code; we look for an independent local provider who can quote it. This service is new, so we cannot promise availability, and we tell you if we cannot find one.
FAQ
How much does exterior painting cost in Los Angeles?
HomeGuide puts professional exterior painting at $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, or $3,000 to $10,000 for an average 2,000-square-foot house. Size, stories, siding type and prep work drive the price. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median wage of $28.41 an hour for construction and maintenance painters in the Los Angeles metro area, 20% above the national median of $23.75. Labor is a large part of these jobs, so local wages are one reason quotes here can differ from the national ranges.
Are there local rules for exterior painting in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is in the South Coast AQMD, whose Rule 1113 limits the VOC content of architectural coatings (most flat and nonflat wall paints at 50 grams per liter). Painters should already use compliant products; ask which ones are in the quote.
Which license and permit checks apply in California?
California requires a CSLB contractor license when a project totals $1,000 or more in labor and materials, or when a building permit is needed or workers are employed. Ask for the license number and check it with CSLB; tree service (D-49) and roofing (C-39) contractors must carry workers’ compensation per CSLB. Ask the provider for the license or registration number if their trade requires one, and ask about insurance. Confirm city or county permits with the local building department and get a written scope of work.
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
HomeGuide reports $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, or $3,000 to $10,000 for an average 2,000-square-foot house, including labor and materials.
My house was built before 1978. What should I ask?
Federal EPA rules require firms that disturb paint in pre-1978 homes to be EPA Lead-Safe certified and follow lead-safe work practices. Ask for the firm's certification before work starts.
How do I compare painting quotes?
Make sure each quote lists the same surfaces, number of coats, paint brand and product line, prep steps, repairs, and who supplies the paint.