How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Ceiling in 2025?
The average cost to paint a ceiling is $250
Painting the ceiling of a room costs $250 on average, with prices ranging from $150 to $10,000.
While most ceiling types cost about $1 to $3 per square foot to paint, exposed basement ceilings can double this cost.
About one gallon of paint, which costs $20 to $60, is needed for a single coat across 300 to 400 square feet.
Painting trim pieces like crown molding adds $1 per linear foot to your project cost.
Hiring a professional painter ensures the job is done correctly and avoids common mistakes like uneven coverage, drips, and missed spots.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost to paint a ceiling is $250, with most homeowners paying between $200 and $500, or $0.50 to $5 per square foot. Prices can range from $150 for smaller projects up to $10,000 for larger or more complex jobs, depending on your ceiling's size, paint quality, and location. If you're considering adding two coats of paint to your ceiling, expect your estimate to increase by about 50%.
Ceiling Painting Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost of painting a ceiling, including project size, paint type, labor rates, ceiling height, and additional features like crown molding or extensive prep work. Understanding these factors can help you better estimate your project budget.
Project Size
The size of your project significantly impacts the total cost. Painting the ceiling of a single room is more affordable than painting ceilings throughout a 3,000-square-foot home. However, local painters often offer reduced rates for larger projects. If you plan to paint multiple rooms in your home, you can bundle the projects together to save on labor rates.
Paint Type
The type of paint you choose affects the overall cost. Standard ceiling paint ranges from $20 to $60 per gallon, depending on the brand, finish, and quality. One gallon of paint covers 350 to 400 square feet with a single coat. Opting for higher-quality paint may increase upfront costs but can offer better coverage and durability.
Labor
Most of your budget for painting a ceiling goes toward labor, as setup, preparation, and cleanup often take longer than the painting itself. Some interior painters near you will charge by time, with rates between $25 and $75 per hour. Others charge by square footage, with their estimates including prep work, painting, and cleanup. Keep in mind that most professional painters have a minimum fee of $150 to $300, regardless of the project size.
Crown Molding
If your ceiling features crown molding, painting it will add $0.50 to $3 per linear foot to your total project cost. Painting the crown molding at the same time and color as your ceiling can help minimize additional expenses.
Prep Work
Getting your ceiling ready to paint can take longer than doing the painting itself. To prepare, painters need to tape off edges, cover furniture, and protect your floors with drop cloths. If your space requires extensive prep work, such as repairing cracks or cleaning textured ceilings, it may increase your overall costs.
Height
Your ceiling height influences the complexity and cost of the project. Standard ceilings are about eight feet high and accessible with basic equipment, meaning costs will stay within the average range. However, for ceilings taller than 10 feet, painters may charge an extra $100 to $500 —due to the need for specialized equipment and increased labor time.
Cost to Paint a Ceiling per Square Foot
Painting a ceiling costs between $0.50 and $5 per square foot, with smaller projects often costing more per square foot due to fixed overhead expenses. For each additional coat of paint you add, expect to increase your estimate by about 50%. Keep in mind that overhead costs like travel and supplies remain constant, regardless of project size.
| Square Footage | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 200 | $100–$1,000 |
| 300 | $150–$1,500 |
| 400 | $200–$2,000 |
| 500 | $250–$2,500 |
Cost to Paint a Ceiling by Type
The type of ceiling can affect the overall cost of painting. Some ceilings require more intricate attention and preparation, which involves a bigger investment of time and materials
| Type of Ceiling | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Popcorn | $1–$3 |
| Grid or drop tiles | $0.50–$3 |
| Tongue-and-groove | $1.50–$5 |
| Exposed basement | $2–$6 |
Popcorn
Popcorn ceiling painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot, though slightly more product is needed to cover the surface. If your popcorn ceiling, particularly those installed before 1980, contains asbestos, you will need to budget an additional $5 to $20 per square foot for the cost of asbestos removal before painting.
Grid or Drop Tiles
Painting a drop ceiling costs $0.50 to $3 per square foot. In most cases, you will cover the actual grid the tiles sit in and replace any tiles with new ones.
Note: For commercial properties, painting a drop ceiling can void the warranty and may break fire or building codes. Always check with your contractor about possible code violations.
Tongue-and-Groove
Painting tongue-and-groove ceilings costs between $1.50 to $5 per square foot. The higher cost is due to the need to paint between the individual boards, which requires more labor and materials. Painting the tongue-and-groove ceiling of a 150-square-foot room can cost anywhere from $225 to $750.
Exposed Basement
Painting exposed basement ceilings costs between $2 to $6 per square foot. The additional prep work and specialized materials needed for exposed ceilings result in higher costs. Covering an exposed basement ceiling is a popular way to blend together the exposed electrical work, ducts, and beams.
Budgeting for Ceiling Painting
Here are some tips to help you save money on your ceiling painting project:
Choose cost-effective paint options: Standard colors and finishes are often more affordable.
Bundle projects: Painting multiple rooms at once can reduce the cost per square foot.
Do some prep work yourself: Moving furniture and applying painter's tape can lower labor costs.
Get multiple quotes: Compare estimates from several reputable painters in your area.
Time your project wisely: Scheduling during the off-season may result in discounted rates.
Budget for contingencies: Set aside an extra 10–20% for unexpected expenses.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Painting a bathroom ceiling costs between $150 and $300, depending on the size and any additional prep work needed. Keep in mind that painters often have a minimum fee of $150 or more, regardless of the bathroom size. Consider bundling the painting of another room or ceiling in your home with the bathroom to make the most of labor rates.
Repairing and painting a ceiling can cost anywhere from $440 to $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage and materials required. When budgeting for your project, make sure to account for these additional repair costs. You’ll need to hire a ceiling repair contractor to fix the damage before bringing in painters to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.
When painting your ceiling, applying two coats of paint is recommended for the best results. This ensures even coverage and a consistent finish. In some cases, additional coats may be necessary, especially when covering dark stains, making a significant color change, or working with absorbent surfaces like porous ceiling tiles.
It’s best to paint the ceiling before the walls to minimize the need for touch-ups. Painting the ceiling first prevents drips from landing on freshly painted walls, making the process more efficient. It also makes it easier to mask the edges and ensures a smoother workflow, maintaining a uniform look throughout the room.
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