Trades & Labor Kentucky (KY) Rank #47 of 50

Painter Salary in Kentucky

The median painter salary in Kentucky is $38,889 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$38,889
vs National
$-5,811
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Painter Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level painter earns around $26,970, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,420 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,970
$-4,030 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,150
$-5,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,420
$-8,580 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $26,100
25th Percentile $31,320
Median (50th) $38,889
75th Percentile $49,590
90th Percentile $60,900

Painter Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for painters in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$41,124
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$41,571
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$37,548
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$36,654
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$39,336
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Painter in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

Find Painter Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open painter positions in Kentucky:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Painter make in Kentucky? ▼
The median painter salary in Kentucky is $38,889 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $26,100 (10th percentile) to $60,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,889, a painter in Kentucky earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for painters? ▼
Kentucky ranks #47 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $26,970, while senior professionals earn $57,420.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Kentucky's median of $38,889 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($38,889) and Kansas ($38,889).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level painter in Kentucky earns approximately $26,970 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,150. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $57,420.
What city in Kentucky pays painters the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for painters, with a median salary of $41,571. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.