VERY HIGH DEMANDPop. 100K
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

How Much to Charge for Painting in Carmel?2026 Local Rates & Calculator

The Carmel metro area has approximately 39,903 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. This is a premium market where clients expect quality and are willing to pay top dollar for it. Costs in Carmel run 15% above the Indiana state average, supporting higher rates.

Calculate Your Painting Price

Enter Your Details

Include hallways

sq ft

Wall surface area

$

Suggested: $47/hr based on Carmel wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$1,615

Range: $1,435 - $1,794

$1.08/sq ft - 17.6h estimated

5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer

Cost Breakdown

Labor Cost$866.09
Paint$225.00
Primer$60.00
Supplies$45.00
Total Materials$330.00
Subtotal$1,196.09
Markup (35%)+$418.91

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Carmel Painting Market Intelligence

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

Painting Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Per sq ft (interior)$2$3$4
Per sq ft (exterior)$2$4$6
Per room (avg 12x12)$210$420$735
Per hour$37$47$68

Prices adjusted for Carmel cost of living (105% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Carmel?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$3,048/mo
$36,576/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$7,111/mo
$85,332/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$10,159/mo
$121,908/yr

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

Carmel vs Other Indiana Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
Carmel$47/hr105%very high
Evansville(most affordable)$37/hr82%medium
Indiana Average$41/hr90%-

Market Position: Carmel

Carmel is a premium market in Indiana - costs here are above the state average, supporting higher service rates.

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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.

Carmel 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 Carmel?

In Carmel, IN, you should charge $47-$71/hour for painting. This is 5% above the national average because Carmel's cost of living is 105% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $95-$236.

What's the average painting rate in Carmel, Indiana?

The average painting rate in Carmel is $47/hour or $142 per job. Carmel has average demand with a population of 100K. Local pros typically charge $38-$71/hour depending on complexity.

How much do painting companies charge per hour in Carmel?

Painting companies in Carmel charge $38-$71/hour (105% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $38/hour, while complex work commands $71+/hour. The average demand in Carmel supports these rates.

What factors affect painting prices in Carmel?

Key pricing factors in Carmel: (1) Cost of living - 5% above national average at 105%, (2) Market demand - very high in this area, (3) Competition - Carmel's 100K population creates average demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.

Do I need a license for painting in Indiana?

Indiana licensing requirements: No state contractor license required Register with Indiana Secretary of State Local business licenses may be required 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 Carmel a good market for painting businesses?

Carmel shows average demand for painting services. With 100K residents and a 105% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $47-$71/hour. The Indiana market is slightly higher than for service businesses.

How do Carmel painting prices compare to Indiana average?

Carmel painting prices are typically 5% above the Indiana state average. While state average is around $41/hour, Carmel pros charge $47/hour due to the city's 105% cost of living index.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

Painting pricing data for Carmel, 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