Some of the best estimates use production rates to calculate man-hours of work and then multiply those man hours by how much a painting business should be charging per hour. But, how much should a painting business charge per hour? We will talk about how to figure that out and how often to revisit doing it. Once a labor rate is established we will look at setting profit goals and how these numbers will allow us to achieve those goals. Fred Yarur is a software developer and educator for the Painter's Estimating Program (PEP).