Pop. 6.8MCOL: 90%6 month season#27 Market
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

How Much to Charge for Painting in Indiana?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator

With 6.8M residents and a 70.7% homeownership rate, Indiana has approximately 4,797,368 potential painting customers. Plenty of work available at competitive rates. Focus on efficiency and client retention. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable.

Or Use Indiana State Average

Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with Indiana statewide rates.

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Include hallways

sq ft

Wall surface area

$

Suggested: $41/hr based on Indiana wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$1,320

Range: $1,173 - $1,466

$0.88/sq ft - 17.6h estimated

5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer

Cost Breakdown

Labor Cost$647.60
Paint$225.00
Primer$60.00
Supplies$45.00
Total Materials$330.00
Subtotal$977.60
Markup (35%)+$342.40

While you paint, customers call. 62% won't leave voicemail.

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Indiana Painting Market Intelligence

Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Indiana.

Painting Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Per sq ft (interior)$1$2$4
Per sq ft (exterior)$2$3$5
Per room (avg 12x12)$180$360$630
Per hour$32$41$59

Prices adjusted for Indiana cost of living (90% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Indiana?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$2,612/mo
$31,344/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$6,095/mo
$73,140/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$8,708/mo
$104,496/yr

Estimates based on Indiana average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.

Indiana vs Other Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
Indiana$41/hr90%high
National Average$45/hr100%-
Michigan(neighbor)$41/hr90%high
Ohio(neighbor)$40/hr89%high
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Indiana Licensing Requirements

  • No state contractor license required
  • Register with Indiana Secretary of State
  • Local business licenses may be required
  • Workers comp required for employees

This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.

Indiana Painting Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful painting business in Indiana

growth

Lake communities (Lake Michigan, reservoirs) need dock and boat lift cleaning. Specialty services pay well.

marketing

Amish communities in northern Indiana value word-of-mouth. Quality work spreads quickly in tight-knit areas.

Key Insight: Indiana's affordable cost of living means budget-conscious customers — compete on value and reliability.

Painting Demand in Indiana by Month

Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.

Jan
10%
Feb
15%
Mar
35%
Apr
60%
May
85%
Jun
100%
Jul
100%
Aug
90%
Sep
70%
Oct
45%
Nov
25%
Dec
10%
Peak: Jun-Aug
Off-season: Nov-Feb

Plan alternative income sources for the off-season months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I charge for painting in Indiana?

In Indiana, painting rates range from $33-$62/hour, with an average of $41/hour. Indiana's cost of living is 90% of the national average. Major cities like Carmel command higher rates ($47/hr), while smaller markets like Evansville average $37/hr.

What's the Indiana average for painting services?

The Indiana statewide average for painting is $41/hour or approximately $123-$205 per job. This reflects Indiana's 90% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.

Which Indiana cities have the highest painting rates?

In Indiana, Carmel has the highest painting rates at around $47/hour due to its 105% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville.

Do I need a license for painting in Indiana?

Indiana licensing: No state contractor license required Register with Indiana Secretary of State Local business licenses may be required Workers comp required for employees This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.

Is Indiana a good market for painting businesses?

Indiana offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $41/hour. The state's 90% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

Painting pricing data for Indiana is sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau cost of living data, and verified quotes from local service professionals.

Data Sources:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Indiana Labor Department
  • U.S. Census Bureau

Last updated: January 2026