How much does a exterior painting cost in Worcester, MA?

The average exterior painting in Worcester, MA costs $8,874 in 2026. Costs range from $2,958 for a basic project to $26,623 for a high-end renovation. Worcester is 48% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Worcester?

The average contractor labor rate in Worcester, MA is $45.64/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 $7,099 in Worcester.

Are materials more expensive in Worcester?

Worcester has a material cost index of 131 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 31% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,775.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Worcester, MA. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Worcester (when required) is $2,062.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Worcester?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Worcester, where the median home price is $504,079, 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 Worcester, MA — Costs $2,958 to $26,623

What does exterior painting cost in Worcester? Average $8,874, ranging $2,958–$26,623. Labor runs $45.64/hr locally — 48% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Worcester, MA Market

+48% vs national

Labor Rate

$45.64/hr

Material Index

131

Avg Permit Cost

$2,062

Median Home Price

$504,079

Worcester is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 48% above the national average, Worcester is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $504,079, this exterior painting represents just 1.8% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$2,958

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$8,874

National: $6,000

High End

$26,623

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Worcester

Adjusted for Worcester's labor rate ($45.64/hr) and material costs (index 131).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Worcester

$8,874

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$7,099

At Worcester's average rate of $45.64/hr (52% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,775

Material cost index 131 (31% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Worcester

Metric	Worcester	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$8,874	$6,000
Median Home Price	$504,079	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.8%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$98,243	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Worcester

1Local labor rates ($45.64/hr in Worcester)
2Material cost index (131 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 Worcester, MA

Solar Panel Installation

$34,071

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$28,525

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$28,102

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$25,862

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$283,133

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$212,350

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$127,410

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$112,408

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$10,342

+17%Pop. 675,647

Springfield, MA

$8,375

-6%Pop. 155,929

Cambridge, MA

$10,418

+17%Pop. 118,403

Lowell, MA

$8,517

-4%Pop. 115,554

Brockton, MA

$8,318

-6%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$9,527

+7%Pop. 101,636

New Bedford, MA

$8,842

SamePop. 101,079

Lynn, MA

$8,511

-4%Pop. 99,989

Planning a Exterior Painting in Worcester

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Worcester, 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 Worcester, skilled contractors charge an average of $45.64/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $98,243, many Worcester residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $8,874 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.

All Construction Costs in Worcester

View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Worcester, MA.

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