Trades & Labor Indiana (IN) Rank #33 of 50

Painter Salary in Indiana

The median painter salary in Indiana is $41,124 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$41,124
vs National
$-3,576
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Painter Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Painter salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $41,124 per year, painters in Indiana earn $3,576 less than the national median of $44,700.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $41,124 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $45,693 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $27,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $64,400 — a $36,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Indiana for this role is Carmel, where the median reaches $47,829.

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for painters across the country.

Painter Salary in Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level painter earns around $28,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,720 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,520
$-2,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,720
$-5,280 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $33,120
Median (50th) $41,124
75th Percentile $52,440
90th Percentile $64,400

Painter Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for painters in Indiana include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Indiana

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Indiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Indiana

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Indiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Indiana

How much does a Painter make in Indiana? ▼
The median painter salary in Indiana is $41,124 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $64,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,124, a painter in Indiana earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for painters? ▼
Indiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $28,520, while senior professionals earn $60,720.
How does Indiana compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Indiana's median of $41,124 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($41,571) and New Mexico ($41,571).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level painter in Indiana earns approximately $28,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $41,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $60,720.
What city in Indiana pays painters the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for painters, with a median salary of $47,829. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.