How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Ceiling? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $200 - $500
The cost to paint a ceiling averages around $250, and most projects total between $200 and $500, depending on the ceiling size, paint type, and more.
The average cost to paint a ceiling is about $250, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $200 and $500 to get the job done by a professional. Prices can sit as low as $150 or reach as high as $10,000 if you have vaulted ceilings that require special equipment or textured ceilings that take more time and materials.
- Average
- $250
- Low end
- $150
- high end
- $10,000
Factors that Affect the Cost to Paint a Ceiling
As with most projects you’ve probably taken on, many factors can affect your cost to paint a ceiling. Here are the most common variables that will have an impact on your budget.
Ceiling Size
The cost to paint a ceiling per square foot falls between $0.50 and $5, on average. For a small project like a single room, the low-end cost per square foot will be around $1 per square foot. Smaller jobs done by pros tend to cost more per square foot due to overhead costs such as fuel, insurance, travel, and supplies other than paint (think ladders, rollers, edgers, painter’s tape, etc.).
| Ceiling Size (Sq. Ft.) | Cost to Paint Ceiling |
|---|---|
| 100 | $100–$500 |
| 200 | $100–$1,000 |
| 300 | $150–$1,500 |
| 400 | $200–$2,000 |
| 500 | $250–$2,500 |
| 1,000 | $500–$5,000 |
| 2,000 | $1,000–$10,000 |
Ceiling Height
Most ceilings are about 8 feet tall and accessible with a basic ladder or extendable pole. If you have to paint higher ceilings or vaulted ceilings, this can mean increased labor costs to account for a bigger ladder, more risk, and increased difficulty. Some painters may not charge extra for 10-foot ceilings, but beyond that, you can expect to add between $100 and $500 to your total for the additional labor.
Type of Ceiling
The type of ceiling you have can affect the cost, too, as textured ceilings require more paint to cover and can also take longer, driving up both material and labor charges. Most styles will go for $1 to $3 per square foot, while exposed basement ceilings and tongue and groove ceilings are specialty jobs that can cost anywhere between $1.50 and $6 per square foot.
| Type of Ceiling | Cost to Paint per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Smooth or flat | $0.50–$3 |
| Popcorn | $1–$3 |
| Tongue and groove | $1.50–$5 |
| Exposed basement | $2–$6 |
| Grid or drop tiles | $0.50–$3 |
Materials
One gallon of ceiling paint typically costs between $20 and $60 and covers around 350 to 400 square feet of ceiling space with a single coat. Your professional may include the cost of paint in their labor estimate or break it down by the gallon. Note that most ceilings will require two coats, so factor this in when estimating the cost.
Be sure you’re opting for ceiling paint rather than standard wall paint. Yes, it costs more, but it’s more durable and much better at covering up flaws.
Labor
Professional painters charge between $25 and $75 per hour on average. While this can seem costly at a glance, you’ll be getting the skills and expertise of a pro, plus they’ll save you time and will usually deliver a more professional look.
Trim and Crown Molding
If you’ve recently installed some trim or crown molding on your ceilings (or had a pro do it for you), keep in mind that some painters may charge extra to paint these aesthetic add-ons.
Ceiling trim adds another entire layer of complexity to the job, so budget a bit extra if you have trim or crown molding you want your pro to paint. Most pros charge between $0.50 and $3 per linear foot, depending on the complexity of the trim.
Prep Work
Unless your ceiling is in pristine condition, you’ll also want to budget extra materials and labor costs for cleaning your ceiling, sanding where needed, and adding a coat of primer. Doing all these steps beforehand will help disguise any blemishes, fingerprints, water stains, and uneven areas, plus it’ll help get the job done in fewer coats.
Cost to Paint a Ceiling by Type
The type of ceiling you have will affect the job complexity and, as a result, the cost to paint the ceiling.
Cost to Paint Popcorn Ceiling
Popcorn ceiling, the cottage cheese-like ceiling texture that was popular from the mid-1940s to the 1990s, can complicate a ceiling painting project. If you’re only looking to paint over the popcorn ceiling, you’ll pay the basic cost of $1 to $3 per square foot, but you’ll likely need to purchase additional paint to cover the textured surface.
Popcorn ceilings installed before 1980 may contain asbestos, so you might need to budget an additional $5 to $20 per square foot to cover the cost of asbestos removal prior to your paint job.
Cost to Paint Basement Ceiling
An exposed basement ceiling often has a lot of nooks and crannies to cover, with additional square footage requiring coverage for the floor joists above. Expect to pay between $2 and $6 per square foot for this type of ceiling. If you have a drop ceiling, your price is more likely to fall between $0.50 and $3 per square foot.
Cost to Paint Vaulted Ceiling
Vaulted ceilings will require additional labor and safety equipment that make the job take longer. Your professional might need to bring additional ladders or even rafters to get easy access to get the work done. Expect to pay between $2 and $6 per square foot to paint a vaulted ceiling. Ceilings over staircases can fetch similar prices due to the added complication of an uneven surface for ladders and rafters.
Additional Ceiling Painting Costs
Every project is different, and there are often other variables that can drive up your cost to paint the ceiling.
Repairs
Ceiling repairs cost anywhere from $440 to $1,500. Unfortunately, a fresh coat of paint won’t cover up cracks, holes, or peeling paint, so these repairs will tack on extra costs to your budget. For mysterious water stains or sagging ceilings, you should consider bringing in a local plumber to inspect for leaks, or a professional drywall company to repair water damage.
You can also sometimes opt for skim coating, which covers up imperfections and smooths out the surface for better paint adhesion. Skim coating costs between $1.10 and $1.30 per square foot.
Project Minimum Fees
To ensure a profit after covering overhead expenses, many paint contractors charge a minimum fee for projects—typically around $150 to $300. If you’re only painting the ceiling in your bathroom, for example, costs per square foot likely won’t be an accurate picture of how much your pro will charge for the job. Be sure to ask about minimum fees when shopping around for quotes.
Tipping
If you’re wondering whether to tip your painter, know that tipping isn’t expected (but it’s always appreciated). Anywhere from 10% to 15% of your project total is a generous amount to stick to if it’s within your budget, but you can also show appreciation with refreshments and a positive review for a job well done.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Paint Your Ceiling
If you want to paint a ceiling yourself, you’ll typically spend between $20 and $60 for paint alone, assuming you have the equipment necessary to do the work. On average, you’ll save around $200 by DIYing, but you likely won’t save anything if you also need to invest in supplies, like paint trays, rollers, brushes, and ladders. If you don’t already have the supplies you need, hiring a local interior painting company may not cost much more than taking on the project yourself.
Even if you do have supplies, it’s a good idea to hire a pro if the job requires the use of a ladder, especially if you’re working with vaulted or cathedral ceilings.
Cost of Common Add-Ons for Painting a Ceiling
When you’re having a ceiling painted, it’s always a good idea to bundle your various painting projects and get as much done at once as you can. This will help save you in minimum project fees, plus you might be able to get a price break for larger projects.
Cost to paint crown molding: $0.50–$3 per linear foot
Cost to paint walls in a room: $300–$2,800
Cost to paint the full interior of a home: $350–$5,700
Popcorn ceiling removal cost: $300–$5,700
How to Save on the Cost to Paint a Ceiling
If you’re trying to make this project as budget-friendly as possible, there are some ways to save money on the cost to paint a ceiling.
Buy your own paint: Some painters might mark up prices for providing the paint.
Opt for high-quality ceiling paint: You’ll pay more upfront, but you’ll get even, durable coverage that will save you in future repainting costs.
Use primer: Primer can disguise flaws and help you get the paint job done potentially without having to pay for more expensive repairs.
Shop around: When hiring a professional painter, get at least three quotes to find the best deal.
Plan ahead: Protect your furniture and flooring with drop cloths or plastic sheets to prevent paint spills or splatters that might require costly cleaning or repairs.
Save your supplies: Properly clean and store your brushes and rollers so you have them handy for your next painting project.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
A painting quote should include a breakdown of material and labor costs, a detailed description of the scope of work, an estimated timeline for the project, a cost breakdown for any necessary prep work, payment terms, and information on warranties or quality guarantees. If your painter is supplying the materials, the quote should also include the quantity of paint needed, as well as the brand and color.
A five-gallon bucket of ceiling paint will cover between 1,750 to 2,000 square feet with a single coat. Most ceilings will require two coats, so in reality, you’ll be able to cover between 875 and 1,000 square feet of coverage from five gallons of paint. A single gallon is more than enough if you only paint the ceiling in one room since one gallon of paint covers 350 to 400 square feet with a single coat.
In general, it’s good practice to apply at least two coats of ceiling paint for the best results. However, the actual number of coats you’ll need for optimal coverage varies based on the ceiling’s condition, the paint quality, and whether or not you use primer. If you’re moving from a dark to a light color, you may need to add extra coats of paint.
This may come down to personal preference, but it’s generally best to paint the ceiling before you paint the walls. Why? Painting the ceiling can be more physically demanding, and painting the ceiling last may result in drips or splatters that would mess up freshly painted walls. By painting the ceiling first, you’ll avoid having to touch up walls after any painting accidents. It may not matter, though, if you’re painting the ceiling the same color as the walls.