Exterior Painting in Knoxville, TN — Costs $1,952 to $11,711

What does exterior painting cost in Knoxville? Average $4,880, ranging $1,952–$11,711. Labor runs $29.86/hr locally — 2% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Knoxville, TN Market

-2% 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 (2.0% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$1,952

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$4,880

National: $5,000

High End

$11,711

National: $12,000

Per Sq Ft

$15

National: $15

Duration: 1-2 weeks
DIY: Medium
Permits: Required
ROI: 60%

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

$4,880

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (45%)$2,196

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

Materials (55%)$2,684

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

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Knoxville

MetricKnoxvilleNational Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)$4,880$5,000
Median Home Price$247,979$350,000
Project as % of Home Value2.0%1.4%
Estimated ROI60%60%
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)
  • 3Material quality
  • 4Labor rates
  • 5Project size

Popular Upgrades

  • Premium materials
  • Custom design

Planning a Exterior Painting in Knoxville

Building permits are typically required for a exterior painting in Knoxville. The average permit fee in this area is $982, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 1-2 weeks from start to finish.

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 $4,880 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

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