Exterior Painting in Knoxville, TN — Costs $1,977 to $17,789

What does exterior painting cost in Knoxville? Average $5,930, ranging $1,977–$17,789. Labor runs $29.86/hr locally — 1% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Knoxville, TN Market

-1% vs national

Labor Rate

$29.86/hr

Material Index

96

Avg Permit Cost

$982

Median Home Price

$247,979

Knoxville is a mid-sized city in Tennessee with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. Knoxville offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. At a median home price of $247,979, homeowners in Knoxville should weigh the project cost (2.4% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$1,977

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$5,930

National: $6,000

High End

$17,789

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

$2

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days
DIY: Medium
Permits: Not Required
ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Knoxville

Adjusted for Knoxville's labor rate ($29.86/hr) and material costs (index 96).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

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

Estimated Total in Knoxville

$5,930

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$4,744

At Knoxville's average rate of $29.86/hr (0% below national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,186

Material cost index 96 (4% below national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Knoxville

MetricKnoxvilleNational Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)$5,930$6,000
Median Home Price$247,979$350,000
Project as % of Home Value2.4%1.7%
Estimated ROI55%55%
Median Household Income$58,880$75,000

What Affects the Price in Knoxville

  • 1Local labor rates ($29.86/hr in Knoxville)
  • 2Material cost index (96 vs national 100)
  • 3Home size
  • 4Stories (height)
  • 5Surface prep needed
  • 6Paint quality

Popular Upgrades

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

Planning a Exterior Painting in Knoxville

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, skilled contractors charge an average of $29.86/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Knoxville household earning $58,880/year, this project at $5,930 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

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