How much does a exterior painting cost in Erie, PA?

The average exterior painting in Erie, PA costs $7,265 in 2026. Costs range from $2,422 for a basic project to $21,794 for a high-end renovation. Erie is 21% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Erie?

The average contractor labor rate in Erie, PA is $36.93/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a exterior painting, labor typically accounts for 80% of the total cost, which is approximately $5,812 in Erie.

Are materials more expensive in Erie?

Erie has a material cost index of 113 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 13% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,453.

Do I need a permit for a exterior painting in Erie?

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Erie, PA. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Erie (when required) is $2,087.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Erie?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Erie, where the median home price is $398,241, this project costs about 1.8% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Erie, PA — Costs $2,422 to $21,794

What does exterior painting cost in Erie? Average $7,265, ranging $2,422–$21,794. Labor runs $36.93/hr locally — 21% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Erie, PA Market

+21% vs national

Labor Rate

$36.93/hr

Material Index

113

Avg Permit Cost

$2,087

Median Home Price

$398,241

In a smaller market like Erie, Pennsylvania, the pool of contractors specializing in exterior painting may be more limited. Getting 3+ quotes is especially important to ensure fair pricing. At 21% above the national average, Erie is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Erie is valued at $398,241, putting this project at about 1.8% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 55% ROI.

Low Estimate

$2,422

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$7,265

National: $6,000

High End

$21,794

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Erie

Adjusted for Erie's labor rate ($36.93/hr) and material costs (index 113).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Erie

$7,265

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Erie market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$5,812

At Erie's average rate of $36.93/hr (23% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,453

Material cost index 113 (13% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Erie

Metric	Erie	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$7,265	$6,000
Median Home Price	$398,241	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.8%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$81,542	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Erie

1Local labor rates ($36.93/hr in Erie)
2Material cost index (113 vs national 100)
3Home size
4Stories (height)
5Surface prep needed
6Paint quality

Popular Upgrades

Premium exterior paint (Sherwin-Williams)
Color consultation
Trim accent colors

Other Projects in Erie, PA

Solar Panel Installation

$28,881

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$23,711

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$23,509

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$21,431

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$236,100

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$177,075

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$106,245

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$94,036

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA

$8,374

+15%Pop. 1,603,797

Pittsburgh, PA

$7,609

+5%Pop. 302,971

Allentown, PA

$6,681

-8%Pop. 126,092

Reading, PA

$6,375

-12%Pop. 95,112

Upper Darby, PA

$7,614

+5%Pop. 85,681

Scranton, PA

$7,767

+7%Pop. 76,997

Bethlehem, PA

$6,540

-10%Pop. 75,781

Lower Merion, PA

$7,439

+2%Pop. 63,988

Planning a Exterior Painting in Erie

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Erie, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 3-7 days to complete.

A exterior painting is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Erie, skilled contractors charge an average of $36.93/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $81,542, many Erie residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $7,265 represents 9% of the typical household's annual income.

Exterior Painting — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

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