Exterior Painting Labor Cost in San Francisco, CA (2026)
Exterior Painting labor in San Francisco runs $2.51-$7.52 per sq ft, about 67% above the national average. This is the painter labor charge only, separate from materials.
Estimate labor only
Estimated exterior painting labor
$1,002
Range $501 - $1,503
Labor rate: $5.01 / sq ft
Local index: 1.67x
Labor only. Materials are billed separately.
City labor avg
$5.01 / sq ft
vs national
+67%
Local painter hourly
$43/hr
A detailed San Francisco labor guide for this trade is being prepared. In the meantime, use the calculator above for a local labor-only estimate.
Nearby labor costs: San Jose, CA · Sacramento, CA
Frequently asked questions
Labor for a exterior painting in San Francisco, CA runs $2.51-$7.52 per sq ft, about 67% above the national average. That covers the painter crew's time, not materials.