Painting
Kitchen cabinet painting: what it costs in Massachusetts
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and materials | $200 | $600 |
| Labor: 25 to 50 hours × $80 to $110 an hour | $2,000 | $5,500 |
| Fees: disposal, permits, supplies | $50 | $300 |
| Total, rounded | $2,250 | $6,400 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.21 an hour, times 2.6 to 3.6 to cover what a contractor bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Materials are a band from basic to high-end. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your home, materials and contractor change the number.
Prep, prime and paint existing kitchen cabinet doors, frames and drawer fronts for a refresh without replacing them.
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What is usually included
- Degrease and sand
- Remove doors and hardware
- Prime and two coats of enamel
- Reinstall hardware
- Protect kitchen
What moves the price
- Number of doors
- Spray vs brush finish
- Wood grain fill
- Color and sheen
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is it sprayed or brushed?
- How long are kitchens out of use?
- What paint is used?
- Are hinges replaced?
Can you do it yourself?
A doable DIY with patience; skipping the cleaning, sanding and primer is what leads to chipping and peeling.
Common questions
Does painted cabinet finish last?
With good prep and a hard cabinet-grade paint, it can last many years. Cheap paint over unprepared wood will chip around handles and edges.
Is it cheaper than new cabinets?
Yes, often by thousands. It works well when the boxes are solid and you like the layout, and only the look needs a refresh.
Can I do it?
Yes, if you have time and patience. Expect days of cleaning, sanding, priming and painting, with doors off, and the finish is hard to get smooth.
How much does kitchen cabinet painting cost in Massachusetts?
A typical range is $2,250 to $6,400. It is an estimate built from labor wages and material prices, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $2,250 to $6,400 |
| New York City area | $2,375 to $6,900 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $2,125 to $6,200 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $2,500 to $6,900 |
| Houston area, Texas | $1,750 to $4,900 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $1,750 to $4,900 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $2,000 to $5,700 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $1,875 to $5,200 |
| Miami area, Florida | $1,875 to $5,400 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $2,250 to $6,400 |