Trades & repair
Painting contractor
Paint interiors, exteriors and cabinets.
- Start-up cost
- $1k–$5k
- First revenue
- ~1 month
- Time needed
- 15+ hrs/week
- Where
- Local
Rough estimates. Costs and timelines vary a lot by location and niche.
Who thrives at this
- People who like working with your hands
- People who are organized and follow through
- People who like routines and clear processes
- People who prefer practical over artistic work
- People who recharge with focused solo time
Involves face-to-face work with customers. Physically demanding.
Skills that help
Don't have them yet? Tap one to find beginner courses.
Your starter kit
The tools and steps most people need to get a painting contractor business off the ground.
1. Test the idea
2. Launch
- Register your business FreeChoose a structure (sole prop, LLC…) and register with your state. The SBA explains every option.
- Get an EIN from the IRS FreeYour business tax ID. Free and takes about 10 minutes online. Never pay a third party for this.
- Licenses & permits FreeFind out which local, state and federal licenses your business needs.
- Business insurance basics FreeWhat coverage small businesses typically need, and how to shop for it.
- Open a business bank account FreeKeep business money separate from day one. The SBA covers what to look for.
- Wave FreeFree accounting and invoicing for small businesses.
- Canva FreeMake a logo, flyers, social posts and business cards without hiring a designer.
- Google Business Profile FreeFree listing so local customers find you on Google Search and Maps. The single best free marketing for a local business.
- Square Take card payments in person with a phone, plus invoices and simple booking.
Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no cost to you. It never affects your matches. How we choose resources
Is this the one for you?
Take the free quiz to see how well painting contractor fits your personality, and what else might fit even better.
Take the quiz →