Average Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Salt Lake City

In Salt Lake City, popcorn ceiling removal typically runs between $1 and $6 per square foot, depending on ceiling condition, finish expectations, and whether asbestos is involved.

For a 500-square-foot ceiling, most homeowners see total costs in the $500 to $2,500 range when no complications are present. 

Larger spaces bring more variation. A 1,200-square-foot home often lands between $1,200 and $3,000 for straightforward removal and prep, with finishing costs added separately.

Where numbers climb fast is with: 

• painted texture

• ceiling height over nine feet

• heavy damage

• asbestos

Those factors can turn a simple scraping job into a regulated project with a very different price tag.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Per Square Foot

Most contractors price popcorn ceiling removal by the square foot, but that number only tells part of the story.

In Salt Lake City, standard, unpainted popcorn typically falls in the $1 to $3 per square foot range for basic removal and cleanup. Painted popcorn ceilings usually land higher, around $2.50 to $5 per square foot, because the paint seals the texture and slows removal.

Once you add repairs, skim coating, and paint, full-service projects often end up in the $5 to $9 per square foot range.

Per-square-foot pricing works best for larger, open areas. In smaller rooms, setup and protection costs carry more weight, which is why a bedroom ceiling can feel “expensive” on a per-foot basis.

Total Cost by Ceiling Size & Layout

Small Rooms (Bedrooms, Offices)

Small rooms tend to have the highest cost per square foot. 

A 500-square-foot bedroom ceiling may cost $1,000–$3,000 once removal, repairs, and finishing are included. Setup time, masking, and cleanup don’t scale down just because the room is smaller.

Open Floor Plans

Open layouts are more efficient. Fewer room transitions and uninterrupted ceiling surfaces let crews move faster. A 1,000-square-foot open plan often runs $2,000–$6,000, with lower per-foot pricing than smaller rooms.

Basements & Large Areas

Basements and large ceilings (1,500+ sq ft) usually offer the best per-square-foot value, often $1.50–$4 per square foot for removal. 

That said, tall ceilings or scaffolding can add $0.25–$1 per square foot, especially in vaulted spaces.

Labor Costs for Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Salt Lake City

Labor is the biggest cost driver in popcorn ceiling removal.

In Salt Lake City, professional labor commonly falls in the $90–$120 per hour range for this type of work. Some crews price lower for basic scraping, while higher rates usually reflect experience, containment, and finish quality.

Painted ceilings, heavy texture, and tall ceilings slow production. A job that takes 1–2 hours per 300 square feet on unpainted popcorn can stretch to 3–4 hours once paint or damage is involved.

Materials, Equipment & Disposal Costs

Materials are not the star of this budget, but they matter.

Cost Differences by Texture Type

Not all ceiling textures behave the same during removal:

• Standard popcorn is the baseline at $1–$2.50 per square foot when unpainted.

• Heavy popcorn texture costs more, usually $2–$4 per square foot, because thicker buildup requires multiple passes and longer scraping time.

• Painted popcorn ceilings are the most expensive among common textures, typically $2.50–$5 per square foot, due to added prep and sanding.

By comparison, orange peel or knockdown textures are faster to remove and often cost 30–50% less than popcorn.