How Much to Charge for Painting in Chicago?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Chicago metro area has approximately 1,098,555 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. This is a premium market where clients expect quality and are willing to pay top dollar for it. Costs in Chicago run 14% above the Illinois state average, supporting higher rates.
Calculate Your Painting Price
Enter Your Details
Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $48/hr based on Chicago wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,478 - $1,847
$1.11/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Chicago Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Chicago.
Painting Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per sq ft (interior) | $2 | $3 | $4 |
| Per sq ft (exterior) | $2 | $4 | $6 |
| Per room (avg 12x12) | $214 | $428 | $749 |
| Per hour | $37 | $48 | $70 |
Prices adjusted for Chicago cost of living (107% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Chicago?
Estimates based on Chicago average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Chicago vs Other Illinois Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $48/hr | 107% | very high |
| Naperville(most expensive) | $52/hr | 115% | very high |
| Rockford(most affordable) | $38/hr | 85% | medium |
| Illinois Average | $42/hr | 93% | - |
Pricing Zones in Chicago
North Side premium neighborhoods with affluent homeowners.
Diverse neighborhoods with solid, year-round demand.
Affordable areas where competitive pricing builds loyalty.
Your Business Misses 5-10 Calls a Day.
One Is a Hot Lead - Gone to a Competitor.
Every time you can't answer, that caller Googles the next business - and they pick up. 62% won't leave a voicemail. They won't call back. That's $200-500 walking out the door. Stop losing money - let AI answer while you work.
Instant Call Answering
Never miss a lead, even at 3 AM
Smart Scheduling
Books appointments directly to your calendar
SMS Follow-ups
Automatic text confirmations to callers
24/7 Availability
Works while you sleep, holidays included
"My painting crew grew from 2 to 6 people. Managing jobs is easier when Voctiv handles incoming calls."
- George B., Painting Company Owner, Alabama
Setup takes 40 seconds. While you're reading this, someone's trying to call you.
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.
Chicago 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 Chicago?
In Chicago, IL, you should charge $48-$72/hour for painting. This is 7% above the national average because Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $96-$241.
What's the average painting rate in Chicago, Illinois?
The average painting rate in Chicago is $48/hour or $144 per job. Chicago has average demand with a population of 2.7 million. Local pros typically charge $39-$72/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in Chicago?
Painting companies in Chicago charge $39-$72/hour (107% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $39/hour, while complex work commands $72+/hour. The average demand in Chicago supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in Chicago?
Key pricing factors in Chicago: (1) Cost of living - 7% above national average at 107%, (2) Market demand - very high in this area, (3) Competition - Chicago's 2.7 million population creates average demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in Illinois?
Illinois licensing requirements: No state license for most services Chicago has specific licensing (check BACP) Downstate requirements are simpler 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 Chicago a good market for painting businesses?
Chicago shows average demand for painting services. With 2.7 million residents and a 107% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $48-$72/hour. The Illinois market is slightly higher than for service businesses.
How do Chicago painting prices compare to Illinois average?
Chicago painting prices are typically 7% above the Illinois state average. While state average is around $42/hour, Chicago pros charge $48/hour due to the city's 107% cost of living index.
Other Services in Chicago
Other Illinois Cities
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Chicago, 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