SalaryNode

Average Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons Salary in California

Helpers in California, including painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons, earn an average annual salary of $48,510. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $40,890, indicating a premium for these skilled trades within the Golden State. Factors such as a robust construction sector and higher operational costs likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $48,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,040.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,920 individuals in this specialized field, California demonstrates a substantial concentration of these essential trade professionals. The location quotient of 2.27 suggests that these roles are more than twice as prevalent in California compared to the national average, pointing to a strong and consistent demand for their services within the state's dynamic economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$48,510

The average Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons in California earns+18.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.3

Weekly

$933

Monthly

$4,043

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons in California typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex techniques or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within this trade.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,570$18.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$36,383$17.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,730$22
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$60,638$29.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,040$27.9

Detailed Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$48,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,025

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average annual salary of $48,510 in California appears attractive, it must be considered within the context of the state's high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of this salary, while still likely higher than the national average wage due to the higher pay, requires careful budgeting and financial planning.

Job Market Context

1,920

Total Jobs

0.106

Per 1K Jobs

2.27

Location Quotient

Major Hub

California has 2.3x the national concentration of Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.27 for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons in California is a strong indicator of market concentration. An LQ significantly above 1.0 signifies that this profession is considerably more prevalent in California than the national average. This suggests a robust job market with potentially high demand, offering ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals in the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masonss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons make in California?

The median annual salary for a Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons in California is $48,510. This typically ranges from $37,570 for entry-level positions to $58,040 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 18.6% higher than the national median of $40,890.

Is California a lucrative place for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons?

Yes, California offers lucrative opportunities for these trades.The average salary of $48,510 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ of 2.27) indicates strong demand.

Is California a good place to live for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($41,700) and others.

How does California's cost of living affect painter salaries?

California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5 means that while painters earn more ($48,510), their purchasing power is reduced compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Is there high demand for painters in California?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 2.27 indicates that painters are more than twice as common in California as the national average, suggesting high demand.

What is the average salary for a painter in California?

The average annual salary for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons in California is $48,510.

How many painters are there in California?

There are approximately 1,920 Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons employed in California.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,920 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.106 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.