Kitchen cabinets cost in Milwaukee, WI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (25 linear ft)
- $4,200 – $14,400
- Per linear ft
- $149 – $518
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +2%
- US $9,150
- Rank of 300 metros
- #73
- 1 = most expensive
Milwaukee homeowners pay roughly $4,200 to $14,400 to replace kitchen cabinets at 25 linear ft, or $149 to $518 per linear ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Milwaukee is almost level. Carpenters earn a median of $30.73 an hour in the Milwaukee area, 6% above the US median of $29.12.
Estimate your kitchen cabinets cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 25 linear ft in Milwaukee, WI, standard level
$7,250 to $11,300
About $259 to $407 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 52% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3,050 | $4,000 |
| Labor | $3,450 | $6,200 |
| Permits and fees | $780 | $1,150 |
| Total | $7,250 | $11,300 |
Cost breakdown for 25 linear ft in Milwaukee, WI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,350 | $3,500 | $4,700 | 38% |
| Labor | $1,400 | $4,800 | $8,250 | 52% |
| Permits and fees | $480 | $970 | $1,450 | 10% |
| Total | $4,200 | $9,300 | $14,400 | 100% |
Where the Milwaukee price comes from
Labor is 52% of the midpoint bill here, against 48% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is carpenters (80%), electricians (10%), plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Milwaukee the blended ratio comes out at 1.10.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Milwaukee metro is 93.8 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 25 linear ft comes to $3,500, compared with $3,750 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (96.9) and land at $480 to $1,450.
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 3 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Milwaukee is 1.10 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 80%) the local median is $30.73 an hour, which is 6% above the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $26.48 and $39.60 an hour. BLS counts 3,310 of them working in the area, 40.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is about average.
Electricians (47-2111), 10% of the weighting: a median of $37.41 an hour, 23% above the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $27.48 and $47.39 an hour. About 4,490 work in the metro. That is 54.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 48.7 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 10%) the local median is $40.72 an hour, which is 33% above the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $29.98 and $51.92 an hour. BLS counts 2,760 of them working in the area, 33.6 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is about average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($39.60 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $1,050. At the 25th percentile ($26.48) it shrinks by about $510. The total moves by 11.5% or 5.5%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 820,780 jobs in the Milwaukee-Waukesha area. That makes it the 38th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.53% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 80% | $26.48 | $30.73 | $39.60 | $29.12 | 1.06 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $27.48 | $37.41 | $47.39 | $30.38 | 1.23 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $29.98 | $40.72 | $51.92 | $30.67 | 1.33 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.10 | |||||
Specs and site conditions that change a Milwaukee bid
Removal
Taking out the old cabinets is $300-$600, though many installers fold it into their labor price.
Permit
Kitchen remodeling permits are $500-$1,500 where one is needed, usually when you change layout, plumbing or wiring.
Stock, semi-custom or custom
Stock cabinets run $100-$400 per linear foot installed, semi-custom $150-$700, and custom $500-$1,200 (HomeGuide).
Related projects, priced for Milwaukee
Because every project leans on different trades, Milwaukee's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, shower pan runs +11% and front door −3%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | 120 sq ft | $18,100 – $30,800 | −2% |
| Storm door | 1 door | $350 – $940 | −1% |
| Front door | 1 door | $510 – $2,400 | −3% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $4,950 – $24,600 | +6% |
| Shower pan | 1 pan | $1,100 – $3,050 | +11% |
| Kitchen backsplash | 30 sq ft | $310 – $1,550 | +2% |
Milwaukee against nearby metros and the rest of Wisconsin
Same job, same size (25 linear ft), priced for the nearest metros. Rockford is the priciest of the group at $9,950. Racine is the cheapest at $9,100.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WIthis page | $4,200 – $14,400 | $9,300 | |
| Racine, WI10 miles | $4,150 – $14,000 | $9,100 | −2% |
| Kenosha, WI20 miles | $4,450 – $14,600 | $9,500 | +2% |
| Sheboygan, WI55 miles | $4,200 – $14,300 | $9,250 | level |
| Janesville, WI65 miles | $4,400 – $15,500 | $9,900 | +7% |
| Rockford, IL70 miles | $4,350 – $15,500 | $9,950 | +7% |
| Wisconsin (statewide) | $4,150 – $14,100 | $9,150 | −2% |
| United States | $4,250 – $14,000 | $9,150 | −2% |
Across 300 US metros, Milwaukee comes in at #73 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $12,000; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $7,050 (midpoints, 25 linear ft). Statewide, Milwaukee is 2% above the Wisconsin figure.
Other Wisconsin metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, WI | 408,070 jobs | $4,200 – $14,400 | $9,300 | level |
| Green Bay, WI | 174,550 jobs | $4,150 – $14,000 | $9,100 | −2% |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $4,150 – $14,100 | $9,150 | −2% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $4,500 – $16,400 | $10,500 | +12% |
| Eau Claire, WI | 86,060 jobs | $4,100 – $13,900 | $9,000 | −3% |
| La Crosse, WI | 84,380 jobs | $4,100 – $13,800 | $8,950 | −4% |
Cities with a workforce like Milwaukee's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Milwaukee against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City, UT | 826,210 jobs | $4,150 – $13,800 | $8,950 | −4% |
| Jacksonville, FL | 765,930 jobs | $3,950 – $12,700 | $8,350 | −10% |
| Cleveland, OH | 1,031,130 jobs | $4,100 – $13,700 | $8,900 | −5% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | 763,060 jobs | $4,000 – $12,900 | $8,450 | −9% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: kitchen cabinets pricing in Milwaukee
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Milwaukee wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$4,200 to $8,300
Stock cabinets, same layout
Standard
$7,250 to $11,300
Semi-custom with upgraded finishes
Premium
$10,300 to $14,400
Custom cabinetry, new layout
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small galley (15 linear ft) | $2,700 – $5,300 | $4,650 – $7,250 | $6,600 – $9,200 |
| 10x10 kitchen (20 linear ft) | $3,450 – $6,800 | $5,950 – $9,300 | $8,450 – $11,800 |
| average kitchen (25 linear ft) | $4,200 – $8,300 | $7,250 – $11,300 | $10,300 – $14,400 |
| large kitchen (40 linear ft) | $6,450 – $12,700 | $11,200 – $17,400 | $15,900 – $22,200 |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $7,250 to $11,300 for Milwaukee, WI is attached.
Detailed kitchen cabinets report for Milwaukee, WI, $9
The report lays out the kitchen cabinets numbers for Milwaukee, WI line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Kitchen cabinets in Milwaukee: your questions
+How much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets in Milwaukee?
For 25 linear ft, expect $4,200 to $14,400 in the Milwaukee area. A standard-spec job lands at $7,250 to $11,300. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for kitchen cabinets in Milwaukee?
About $149 to $518 per linear ft for materials and labor, plus $480 to $1,450 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $150 to $500.
+Is kitchen cabinets cheaper in Milwaukee or Racine?
Racine is 10 miles away. The midpoint for 25 linear ft there is $9,100, which is 2% less than Milwaukee ($9,300). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Milwaukee?
About 52% at the midpoint, or $4,800 out of $9,300. Materials are 38% and permits 10%. Nationally, labor is 48%.
+What would average kitchen (25 linear ft) cost in Milwaukee?
$4,200 to $14,400. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does kitchen cabinets need a permit in Milwaukee?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $480 to $1,450 for fees in the Milwaukee area (our national range of $500 to $1,500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Milwaukee expensive for kitchen cabinets compared with the rest of Wisconsin?
Milwaukee is 2% above the Wisconsin statewide estimate ($9,150 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Wisconsin; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Milwaukee?
The BLS median is $30.73 an hour in the Milwaukee area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $26.48 to $39.60.
+What do basic and premium kitchen cabinets work cost in Milwaukee?
For 25 linear ft, basic work runs $4,200 to $8,300 and premium work $10,300 to $14,400. Basic means: stock cabinets, same layout. Premium means: custom cabinetry, new layout.
Kitchen cabinets near Milwaukee
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost? (2026 Prices) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Cabinet Installation Cost? (New 2026 Prices) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
Note on derived figures: Materials = installed price minus HomeGuide's labor figure of $50-$300 per linear foot, matched low-to-low and high-to-high. Treat the split as a rough guide: labor swings with the cabinet type.