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Cost Of Painting an Office
Ever walked into a freshly painted office and just felt that “ahh” moment? It’s amazing how a simple coat of paint can change the energy of a workplace, making it brighter, cleaner, and even more inviting for staff and clients alike. If you’re thinking of giving your workspace a facelift, you’ve probably found yourself wondering: How much does it cost to paint an office? And does the price really change depending on where you are in Australia?
You’re not alone. It’s a question we get all the time from business owners, office managers, and even tradies who want the place looking its best. Let’s break it down, state by state, and look at what you can expect to pay, plus a few insider tips from the painting trade.
The Big Picture: What Goes Into the Cost of Painting an Office?
Before we jump into numbers, it’s worth understanding what actually shapes the price. No two offices are exactly the same, and the final bill will depend on several factors:
Size of the office: Is it a cozy 2-room suite or a sprawling open-plan?
Condition of walls and ceilings: Older offices with cracks or stains need more prep.
Paint type: Standard paint, low-VOC for better air quality, or something fancy?
Scope: Just the walls, or are you including ceilings, trims, doors, and feature walls?
Access: Is it easy for painters to get in, or are there security hoops, after-hours access, or tricky heights?
Location: (And here’s where it gets interesting!) Rates can be quite different from Sydney to Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and everywhere in between.
I once had a client in North Sydney who assumed prices would be the same as his brother’s office in Hobart. Let’s just say he got a surprise, sometimes, geography is everything!
Typical Price Range: Office Painting in Australia
Let’s talk averages. Across Australia, you’ll generally see these ranges for standard office painting (walls and ceiling, using professional painting services):
These prices include preparation, two coats of quality paint, minor patching, and cleanup. Need trims, doors, or special finishes? That’ll add extra.
Why Do Costs Vary Across States?
The cost of painting an office isn’t just about litres of paint and hours on the ladder. Where you are in Australia makes a difference due to:
- Labour costs (Sydney and Melbourne generally higher)
- Material delivery (Regional or remote? Transport costs can add up)
- Local demand (Busy CBDs often mean higher prices)
- Access fees (Parking, tolls, building management requirements)
Let’s go state by state and see what’s typical.
Cost to Paint an Office: State-by-State Breakdown
New South Wales (Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong & more)
Sydney is famously one of the most expensive cities for trades in Australia, and painting is no exception.
- Small office: $1,000 – $2,500
- Medium office: $2,500 – $6,000
- Large office: $6,000 – $15,000+
Why the high end? It’s all about access, after-hours work (so you’re not disrupting business), CBD parking, and higher labour rates. There’s also fierce competition among professional painting services, so shop around.
Local tip: In the inner west and North Shore, don’t be surprised if painters in Sydney add a surcharge for weekend or night jobs—city buildings often restrict noisy work to off-peak hours.
Anecdote: I once helped a law firm in the Sydney CBD with a weekend paint job. The access fee and building management paperwork added nearly $700 to the bill, but they were thrilled not to lose a day’s business.
Victoria (Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, etc.)
Melbourne’s rates are a touch below Sydney’s, but still on the higher end for Australia.
- Small office: $900 – $2,000
- Medium office: $2,000 – $5,500
- Large office: $5,500 – $13,000
Melbourne tradies are quick to point out the “four seasons in a day” weather, which can delay jobs (paint doesn’t like humidity or sudden cold snaps!). CBD jobs often have added costs for parking or security.
Local note: Areas like Docklands and Southbank sometimes attract premium rates due to high-rise access or strict strata rules.
Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns)
Queensland’s pricing is generally more affordable, with the exception of high-rise offices in Brisbane CBD or Gold Coast.
- Small office: $800 – $1,800
- Medium office: $1,800 – $4,000
- Large office: $4,000 – $11,000
In coastal areas, salt air and humidity mean surfaces need more prep—if you skimp, the paint peels faster. Some pro painters recommend specialty paints to handle tropical conditions.
Story: One of my favourite jobs was repainting a small marketing firm’s office in South Brisbane. The owners went with a beachy blue—just a subtle nod to the local lifestyle. They saved money by scheduling during the off-peak season, and the painters finished in two days, all smiles.
Western Australia (Perth, Fremantle, Bunbury, Geraldton)
WA rates are somewhere between Queensland and Victoria, but remote locations can really bump up the price.
- Small office: $1,000 – $2,200
- Medium office: $2,200 – $4,800
- Large office: $4,800 – $12,000+
Travel fees for jobs outside Perth can add a few hundred dollars, and finding available painters in the peak mining season can be tough. Always check if travel or accommodation for the painting crew is included.
Pro tip: Offices in older buildings in Fremantle or Perth’s CBD might need extra prep due to heritage requirements.
South Australia (Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Whyalla)
Adelaide and surrounds tend to be a bit friendlier to your budget, but you’ll still see a range depending on location and building age.
- Small office: $850 – $1,900
- Medium office: $1,900 – $4,500
- Large office: $4,500 – $10,500
Older buildings with high ceilings and ornate trims (think old banks or public buildings converted to offices) often need extra attention.
Local story: Helped a not-for-profit in Norwood update their office. The painters gave a discount because they had a gap in their schedule. The result? Bright, cheerful space and happy staff.
Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport)
Tassie is generally the most affordable, if you can find a pro painter with availability!
- Small office: $700 – $1,600
- Medium office: $1,600 – $3,800
- Large office: $3,800 – $9,000
Low demand means prices are a bit softer, but travel fees can apply for rural jobs.
Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)
Canberra sits mid-range, competition keeps prices fair, but government work can push costs up.
- Small office: $900 – $2,200
- Medium office: $2,200 – $4,800
- Large office: $4,800 – $12,000
Security clearances for government or defence buildings can add to labour costs.
Office Painting Price Comparison by State
| State/Territory | Small Office (up to 30m²) | Medium Office (30-60m²) | Large Office (60m²+) |
| New South Wales | $1,000 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $6,000 | $6,000 – $15,000+ |
| Victoria | $900 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $5,500 | $5,500 – $13,000 |
| Queensland | $800 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $4,000 | $4,000 – $11,000 |
| Western Australia | $1,000 – $2,200 | $2,200 – $4,800 | $4,800 – $12,000+ |
| South Australia | $850 – $1,900 | $1,900 – $4,500 | $4,500 – $10,500 |
| Tasmania | $700 – $1,600 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $3,800 – $9,000 |
| ACT | $900 – $2,200 | $2,200 – $4,800 | $4,800 – $12,000 |
| Northern Territory | $1,100 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $6,000 | $6,000 – $14,000 |
What’s Actually Included in an Office Painting Quote?
It can be confusing when comparing quotes. Here’s what’s usually included with professional painting services:
- Consultation: Colour advice, site inspection
- Preparation: Cleaning, patching holes, sanding, protecting floors and furniture
- Painting: Two coats of quality paint on specified surfaces (walls, sometimes ceilings and trims)
- Cleanup: Removal of drop sheets, debris, tidy up
- Warranty: Most reputable painters offer a workmanship guarantee
Always check if doors, window frames, or any feature walls are included, and get it in writing!
Factors That Affect the Price, No Matter Where You Are
- Condition of walls: Damaged or stained? More time, more cost.
- Height of ceilings: High ceilings or mezzanines need ladders or scaffolding.
- After-hours work: If you want the job done outside business hours to avoid disruption, expect a surcharge.
- Paint quality: Standard vs. premium paints, eco-friendly options.
- Special finishes: Feature walls, murals, or textured paint will cost extra.
Ever wondered why some paints cost three times as much as others? Often, it’s not just the brand, it’s durability, washability, and even how easy it is for your team to wipe off scuff marks.
Office Painting Calculator
Office Painting Cost Calculator
Use this office painting calculator to get an estimated painting cost for your office in Sydney. This is a guide only. Final pricing may vary depending on surface condition, access, exact preparation work, working hours, and paint system requirements.
What needs to be painted?
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Quick Story
A business owner in Bondi called us about repainting his open-plan office. He’d been quoted $10,000 by one painter and $6,000 by another for the exact same job! Turned out, the higher quote included three coats of specialty low-VOC paint, ceiling tiles, doors, and even the lunch room, plus after-hours work and a full clean. The cheaper quote? Just walls, business hours only, and the painters weren’t even going to move the desks.
Lesson? Always compare apples with apples, and don’t be afraid to ask what’s included.
Final Thoughts
Painting your office isn’t just about making the space look good, it’s about creating a positive, professional environment for your team and clients. While prices can vary, especially from Sydney to Perth or Darwin to Hobart, knowing what goes into the cost helps you budget (and negotiate!) more confidently.
If you're looking for professional painting services, whether it’s painters in Sydney or anywhere else across Australia, always ask for a clear, itemised quote, check reviews, and look for painters who communicate well. And remember, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your workspace (and your team’s morale).
Thinking about giving your office a makeover? Get in touch with local experts and get a few quotes, it’s the easiest way to see what suits your space and budget. Or, if you’ve got a painting story or tip, drop it in the comments. We’d love to hear how you made your office shine!
