Cost to Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Chicago, IL (2026)
If you’re budgeting a kitchen cabinet painting in Chicago, most projects run $1,471-$8,580, 23% above the $3,800 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Number of Cabinet Doors and Drawers. On its own it can swing the cost by $50-$100 per door, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Paint only the cabinet faces and leave the cabinet boxes their original color - this cuts labor by 30-40% and isn't noticeable once hardware is back on.
In the Midwest (where Chicago sits): Most affordable region for painting labor.
$1,471-$8,580 in Chicago
23% above the national average · 1.23x cost multiplier
In Chicago, a kitchen cabinet painting runs $1,471 to $8,580 on average - about 23% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Chicago
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $327 | $981 | $2,180 |
| Labor | $893 | $3,701 | $6,381 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $1,220+22% vs. national avg | $4,682+23% vs. national avg | $8,561+22% vs. national avg |
Budget
DIY-friendly or basic contractor repaint on a small kitchen (10-15 cabinets). Brush-and-roll application, one coat of primer and one coat of paint using mid-grade cabinet paint. No hardware replacement, no repairs.
Mid-Range
Professional spray finish on a standard 30-linear-foot kitchen. Includes full prep (cleaning, degreasing, light sanding), oil-based primer, two coats of premium cabinet paint, and hardware reinstall. Doors painted off-site for best finish.
Premium
Full professional refinish on a large kitchen (50+ linear feet). Spray-applied factory-like finish, conversion varnish or lacquer topcoat, new hardware, any repairs to door faces or drawer fronts included. Best possible durability.
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Latex Cabinet Paint (Water-Based) | $50-$80/gallon | Low-traffic kitchens, DIY projects, budget jobsLow VOCs, easy cleanup, dries quickly, wide color selection |
| Alkyd/Oil-Based Cabinet Paint | $60-$90/gallon | High-traffic kitchens where durability matters mostExtremely hard finish, self-levels well (fewer brush marks), excellent durability |
| Conversion Varnish | $80-$120/gallon (contractor supply only) | Premium results, heavy-use kitchens, when you want a true factory finishHardest finish available, resists water and household chemicals, professional-grade durability |
| Lacquer | $70-$110/gallon (contractor supply) | Cabinetry shops and professional painters working off-siteFast drying, smooth finish, re-coats easily, very durable when cured |
| Chalk Paint | $40-$60/gallon | DIY projects, farmhouse aesthetic, lower-use kitchensMinimal prep required, matte vintage look, easy DIY application |
Other Projects in Chicago
Chicago Estimate
Typical Range
$1,471-$8,580
vs. National Average
23% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.23x
This 1.23x estimate prices Chicago labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →