Painting
Interior room painting (12x12 room): what it costs in Massachusetts
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and materials | $60 | $200 |
| Labor: 4 to 8 hours × $80 to $110 an hour | $320 | $880 |
| Fees: disposal, permits, supplies | $0 | $150 |
| Total, rounded | $380 | $1,250 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.21 an hour, times 2.6 to 3.6 to cover what a contractor bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Materials are a band from basic to high-end. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your home, materials and contractor change the number.
Paint walls and ceiling of an average bedroom with two coats. Includes patching small holes and prep.
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What is usually included
- Cover floors and furniture
- Patch and sand small holes
- Prime stains
- Two coats of paint on walls
- Ceiling and trim as agreed
What moves the price
- Ceiling height and condition
- Trim, doors and closets
- Color change (dark to light)
- Paint grade
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is trim and ceiling included?
- Do you include two finish coats and a primer where needed?
- Who buys paint?
- How are patches handled?
Can you do it yourself?
A solid DIY; patching holes and cutting clean lines at the ceiling take the most time.
Common questions
How long does it take?
One average room takes about a day for a painter, with prep and two coats. Drying time between coats may add part of a second day.
Is it cheaper to paint myself?
Yes, you save the labor, but you need supplies, time and patience. A good result depends on prep and clean cut lines around trim.
Do I need primer?
If you change from dark to light, or paint over stains or bare patches, yes. Otherwise a quality paint with primer built in may be enough.
How much does interior room painting (12x12 room) cost in Massachusetts?
A typical range is $380 to $1,250. It is an estimate built from labor wages and material prices, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $380 to $1,250 |
| New York City area | $400 to $1,325 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $360 to $1,200 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $420 to $1,325 |
| Houston area, Texas | $300 to $990 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $300 to $990 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $340 to $1,125 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $320 to $1,050 |
| Miami area, Florida | $320 to $1,075 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $380 to $1,250 |