The Golden Gate Bridge is known for its iconic orange color. But you might be surprised to learn how much it costs to keep the bridge painted each year.
First, let’s clear up a few myths. Some people think that the bridge is painted only every few years. Locals often grumble about sections where the paint is fading, and ask when the bridge will be painted again.
In reality, painting the Golden Gate Bridge is not a one-off exercise; the bridge is painted continuously throughout the year.
That’s because of the harsh environment in which the Golden Gate Bridge stands. Extremely high winds, corrosive salt, and persistent fog make the bridge extremely challenging to maintain.
To keep the bridge looking great, and also to ensure it remains standing for the long term, the entity that owns the bridge employs a crew of 45 painters.
In 2022, they applied 4,193 gallons of paint and primer to the Golden Gate Bridge. They also used 288 tons of blasting abrasive sand, which is used to remove old paint before new paint is applied.
The paint comes specifically from Sherwin-Williams and is a customized color unique to the Golden Gate Bridge.
So, how much does all of that paint cost? According to an analysis by SF Gate, the paint for the Golden Gate Bridge costs an estimated $300,000 per year.
That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of labor for all those painters, as well as the overall cost of maintaining the bridge.
Although there’s no figure specifically for the cost of painting-related labor, the full budget for maintaining and operating the bridge is around $105 million per year.
It turns out that keeping one of the world’s most iconic landmarks in excellent shape is quite a pricey endeavor!
Want to see the bridge in person? Check out our recommendations for the best Golden Gate Bridge bike tours. Cycling over the bridge is one of the best ways to experience its iconic paint and views up close and personal.
