NAICS Code for Painting Contractor
The NAICS code for a painting contractor is 238320, Painting and Wall Covering Contractors. It covers interior and exterior painting and wallpaper on buildings. Parking lot and runway striping is a road construction code (237310), not painting, and that mismatch is common on federal bids. Painting bundled into a larger renovation may be posted under a general construction code.
Related codes to add
Most businesses list several NAICS codes. Use 238320 as your primary if it covers most of your revenue, and add these when they describe work you also do:
| Code | Use it when | Size standard |
|---|---|---|
| 237310 Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction | You paint lines on roads, runways or parking lots (striping). | $45 million or less in receipts |
| 238990 All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | You sandblast building exteriors. | $19 million or less in receipts |
| 238390 Other Building Finishing Contractors | You mainly do caulking, waterproofing or concrete sealing. | $19 million or less in receipts |
| 811121 Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance | You paint vehicles. | $9 million or less in receipts |
Government contracts for this work
How to choose
Your primary NAICS code should match the work that brings in most of your revenue, and it sets which size standard applies to you for most set-aside contracts. Read each code's Census definition before you register. Our guide on how to choose NAICS codes covers the trade-offs. To see whether you count as small under these codes, try the size standard checker.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NAICS code for a painting contractor?
The NAICS code for a painting contractor is 238320, Painting and Wall Covering Contractors. It covers interior and exterior painting and wallpaper on buildings. Parking lot and runway striping is a road construction code (237310), not painting, and that mismatch is common on federal bids. Painting bundled into a larger renovation may be posted under a general construction code.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 238320?
A business counts as small under NAICS 238320 with $19 million or less in average annual receipts, under the SBA's table of size standards. Federal contracts set aside for small businesses under this code are limited to firms that meet it.
Can I list more than one NAICS code?
Yes. In your SAM.gov registration you pick one primary NAICS code and can add as many others as describe work you can actually do. Add every code below that fits, because agencies search and set aside contracts by code.