Hiring professional house painters can transform your home’s interior or exterior with a fresh coat of paint. Since painting is a skilled trade, tipping isn’t always expected, but it can be a great way to show appreciation for quality work. So, how much should you tip house painters? This guide covers tipping etiquette, recommended amounts, and alternative ways to show gratitude.

Do You Need to Tip House Painters?

Tipping house painters is not a standard practice, as most painting companies include labor costs in their pricing. However, if painters go above and beyond—providing exceptional detail, completing the job ahead of schedule, or maintaining a spotless workspace—you may want to offer a tip as a thank-you.

Who Typically Does Not Expect a Tip?

• Painting company owners – Business owners usually set their own rates and don’t expect tips.
• Independent contractors – If they run their own business, tipping is unnecessary.

Who Might Appreciate a Tip?

• Hourly or crew painters – If they work under a company or contractor, a tip may be a kind gesture.
• Painters handling difficult jobs – If your project involves extra effort, such as high ceilings or intricate detailing, a tip may be appreciated.

How Much Should You Tip?

If you choose to tip, consider these general guidelines:

• Small jobs (e.g., single-room painting, minor touch-ups) – $10 to $20 per painter.
• Medium jobs (e.g., painting multiple rooms or a single-story exterior) – $20 to $50 per painter.
• Large jobs (e.g., whole-house painting, two-story exterior work) – $50 to $100 per painter.

For bigger projects, you can also tip the foreman or crew leader and let them distribute it among the workers.

When to Consider Tipping More

• The painters finish the job ahead of schedule.
• The crew takes extra care with details or custom work.
• They work in extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, or rainy).
• The painters go out of their way to move furniture or clean up thoroughly.

Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation

If tipping isn’t your preference, consider these alternatives:

• Provide food and drinks – Offering coffee, snacks, or lunch is a great way to thank a crew.
• Write a positive review – Online reviews help painters secure more business.
• Offer a referral – Recommending their services to friends or neighbors can be just as valuable as a tip.
• Give a small gift – A thank-you card, gift card, or home improvement store credit can be a thoughtful alternative.

Final Thoughts

Tipping house painters is not required, but it can be a nice way to show appreciation for exceptional work. If you choose to tip, $10 to $100 per painter is a reasonable range based on the job’s size and complexity. Alternatively, offering food, referrals, or positive reviews can be just as meaningful.

Want more tipping advice? Check out our other gratuity guides for service professionals!