How Much to Charge for Painting in Kentucky?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 4.5M residents and a 67.9% homeownership rate, Kentucky has approximately 3,059,463 potential painting customers. An emerging market with room to establish yourself. Build relationships and grow with the community. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $39/hr based on Kentucky wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,111 - $1,388
$0.83/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Kentucky Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Kentucky.
Painting Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per sq ft (interior) | $1 | $2 | $3 |
| Per sq ft (exterior) | $2 | $3 | $5 |
| Per room (avg 12x12) | $174 | $348 | $609 |
| Per hour | $30 | $39 | $57 |
Prices adjusted for Kentucky cost of living (87% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Kentucky?
Estimates based on Kentucky average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Kentucky vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $39/hr | 87% | medium |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Ohio(neighbor) | $40/hr | 89% | high |
| Indiana(neighbor) | $41/hr | 90% | high |
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Kentucky Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license required
- •Local occupational licenses required
- •Workers comp required for employees
- •Some cities have specific service tax requirements
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.
Kentucky Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Kentucky
Horse farm properties in Lexington area pay premium for immaculate grounds. Target equestrian estates.
Limestone buildings in older Kentucky cities require soft washing. Harsh pressure damages historic materials.
Key Insight: Kentucky's mix of urban, suburban, and rural markets allows for diverse service offerings and pricing tiers.
Painting Demand in Kentucky by Month
Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.
Plan alternative income sources for the off-season months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for painting in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, painting rates range from $31-$59/hour, with an average of $39/hour. Kentucky's cost of living is 87% of the national average. Major cities like Lexington command higher rates ($41/hr), while smaller markets like Owensboro average $37/hr.
What's the Kentucky average for painting services?
The Kentucky statewide average for painting is $39/hour or approximately $117-$195 per job. This reflects Kentucky's 87% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which Kentucky cities have the highest painting rates?
In Kentucky, Lexington has the highest painting rates at around $41/hour due to its 92% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green.
Do I need a license for painting in Kentucky?
Kentucky licensing: No state contractor license required Local occupational licenses required Workers comp required for employees Some cities have specific service tax requirements 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 Kentucky a good market for painting businesses?
Kentucky offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $39/hour. The state's 87% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green.
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Kentucky 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
- Kentucky Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026