How Much to Charge for Painting in Illinois?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 12.8M residents and a 67.3% homeownership rate, Illinois has approximately 8,622,818 potential painting customers. High demand in a budget-conscious market - volume is your best friend here. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $42/hr based on Illinois wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,219 - $1,523
$0.91/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Illinois Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Illinois.
Painting Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per sq ft (interior) | $1 | $2 | $4 |
| Per sq ft (exterior) | $2 | $3 | $5 |
| Per room (avg 12x12) | $186 | $372 | $651 |
| Per hour | $33 | $42 | $60 |
Prices adjusted for Illinois cost of living (93% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Illinois?
Estimates based on Illinois average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Illinois vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $42/hr | 93% | high |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Wisconsin(neighbor) | $42/hr | 93% | high |
| Iowa(neighbor) | $40/hr | 89% | medium |
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Illinois Licensing Requirements
- •No state license for most services
- •Chicago has specific licensing (check BACP)
- •Downstate requirements are simpler
- •Workers comp required for all 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.
Illinois Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Illinois
Illinois winters create salt damage on driveways and walkways. Spring pressure washing removes winter residue.
Downstate Illinois (Springfield, Champaign) has lower prices but also lower costs. Different market than Chicago.
Key Insight: Illinois offers two distinct markets — premium Chicago suburbs and value-focused downstate communities.
Painting Demand in Illinois 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 Illinois?
In Illinois, painting rates range from $34-$63/hour, with an average of $42/hour. Illinois's cost of living is 93% of the national average. Major cities like Naperville command higher rates ($52/hr), while smaller markets like Rockford average $38/hr.
What's the Illinois average for painting services?
The Illinois statewide average for painting is $42/hour or approximately $126-$210 per job. This reflects Illinois's 93% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which Illinois cities have the highest painting rates?
In Illinois, Naperville has the highest painting rates at around $52/hour due to its 115% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville.
Do I need a license for painting in Illinois?
Illinois licensing: No state license for most services Chicago has specific licensing (check BACP) Downstate requirements are simpler Workers comp required for all 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.
Is Illinois a good market for painting businesses?
Illinois offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $42/hour. The state's 93% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville.
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Illinois 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
- Illinois Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026