Kitchen remodel cost in State College, PA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (120 sq ft)
- $18,400 – $31,400
- Per sq ft
- $150 – $249
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- Level
- US $25,000
- Rank of 300 metros
- #87
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a kitchen remodel in the State College area: $18,400 to $31,400 for 120 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint lands close to the US figure. Carpenters earn a median of $26.77 an hour in the State College area, 8% below the US median of $29.12.
Estimate your kitchen remodel cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 120 sq ft in State College, PA, standard level
$22,300 to $27,500
About $180 to $219 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 19% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $17,200 | $21,100 |
| Labor | $4,300 | $5,250 |
| Permits and fees | $770 | $1,150 |
| Total | $22,300 | $27,500 |
Cost breakdown for 120 sq ft in State College, PA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $14,400 | $19,200 | $23,900 | 77% |
| Labor | $3,600 | $4,800 | $6,000 | 19% |
| Permits and fees | $480 | $970 | $1,450 | 4% |
| Total | $18,400 | $24,900 | $31,400 | 100% |
Why State College prices look the way they do
The wage side of the estimate leans on carpenters, who do 45% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $26.77 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for State College is 0.96 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 19% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. State College is at 100.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $19,000 nationally becomes $19,200 here (midpoint, 120 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 96.8: $480 to $1,450.
Data note: 20% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in State College. The wage table below marks each row.
State College against nearby metros and the rest of Pennsylvania
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 120 sq ft range from $23,800 to $25,400 across State College and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| State College, PAthis page | $18,400 – $31,400 | $24,900 | |
| Altoona, PA35 miles | $18,500 – $31,400 | $25,000 | level |
| Harrisburg, PA60 miles | $18,800 – $32,000 | $25,400 | +2% |
| Chambersburg, PA70 miles | $18,300 – $31,200 | $24,800 | −1% |
| York, PA90 miles | $18,800 – $32,000 | $25,400 | +2% |
| Hagerstown, MD95 miles | $17,600 – $30,000 | $23,800 | −4% |
| Pennsylvania (statewide) | $18,600 – $31,600 | $25,100 | +1% |
| United States | $18,500 – $31,500 | $25,000 | level |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, State College ranks #87 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, State College is 1% below the Pennsylvania figure.
Elsewhere in Pennsylvania
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | 2,897,830 jobs | $18,400 – $31,400 | $24,900 | level |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 1,114,490 jobs | $18,800 – $31,900 | $25,400 | +2% |
| Allentown, PA | 377,180 jobs | $18,600 – $31,600 | $25,100 | +1% |
| Harrisburg, PA | 335,010 jobs | $18,800 – $32,000 | $25,400 | +2% |
| Scranton, PA | 255,620 jobs | $18,600 – $31,700 | $25,100 | +1% |
| Lancaster, PA | 252,230 jobs | $18,500 – $31,500 | $25,000 | level |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is State College against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuma, AZ | 68,880 jobs | $17,400 – $29,600 | $23,500 | −6% |
| Traverse City, MI | 68,440 jobs | $17,500 – $29,700 | $23,600 | −5% |
| Wausau, WI | 69,530 jobs | $17,700 – $30,100 | $23,900 | −4% |
| Dover, DE | 68,080 jobs | $17,600 – $29,900 | $23,800 | −5% |
What nearby projects cost in State College
Jobs that often go together with kitchen remodel are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same State College wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, kitchen backsplash comes out highest (+10%) and kitchen cabinets lowest (−4%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinets | 25 linear ft | $4,150 – $13,400 | −4% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $4,750 – $23,500 | +1% |
| Window replacement | 10 windows | $4,450 – $14,900 | −1% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $36,900 – $74,700 | −3% |
| Shower pan | 1 pan | $990 – $2,900 | +4% |
| Kitchen backsplash | 30 sq ft | $340 – $1,650 | +10% |
Specs and site conditions that change a State College bid
Cabinets
In a 10x10 kitchen, cabinets alone are $3,000-$11,000 for stock or semi-custom and up to $26,500 for fully custom.
Counters
New countertops are $50-$150 per square foot installed; HomeGuide gives $1,500-$6,000 for an average kitchen.
Structure
Moving or removing walls can need a structural engineer at $1,900-$3,700+.
Who does the work: State College trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 6 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For State College the blend is 0.96.
Carpenters (47-2031), 45% of the weighting: a median of $26.77 an hour, 8% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.85 and $34.45 an hour. About 350 work in the metro. That is 50.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For electricians (47-2111, weighted 15%) the local median is $27.69 an hour, which is 9% below the national $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $22.32 and $29.74 an hour. BLS counts 180 of them working in the area, 26.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 48.7), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152), 15% of the weighting: a median of $27.67 an hour, 10% below the US median of $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $22.72 and $30.90 an hour. About 130 work in the metro. That is 18.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.0 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
Tile and stone setters (47-2044) carry 10% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the State College metro, so we used the Pennsylvania statewide median: $33.77 an hour against $26.77 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $24.16 and $37.82 an hour.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) carry 10% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the State College metro, so we used the Pennsylvania statewide median: $29.40 an hour against $28.33 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $23.28 and $34.01 an hour.
Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141), 5% of the weighting: a median of $22.39 an hour, 6% below the US median of $23.75. The middle half of them earn between $21.44 and $26.57 an hour. About 90 work in the metro. That is 13.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 14.5 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $590 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $300. That is a swing of roughly 1.2% to 2.4% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
State College has 68,840 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 263rd by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $22.85 | $26.77 | $34.45 | $29.12 | 0.92 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 15% | $22.32 | $27.69 | $29.74 | $30.38 | 0.91 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 15% | $22.72 | $27.67 | $30.90 | $30.67 | 0.90 | metro |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | 10% | $24.16 | $33.77 | $37.82 | $26.77 | 1.26 | state |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | 10% | $23.28 | $29.40 | $34.01 | $28.33 | 1.04 | state |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | 5% | $21.44 | $22.39 | $26.57 | $23.75 | 0.94 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.96 | |||||
Pick a size, pick a tier: kitchen remodel pricing in State College
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to State College. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from small kitchen (100 sq ft) to large kitchen (300 sq ft).
Basic
$18,400 to $23,600
Update: cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting; same layout
Standard
$22,300 to $27,500
Full remodel, mid-range finishes, some layout changes
Premium
$26,200 to $31,400
Large or custom remodel, high-end finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small kitchen (100 sq ft) | $15,400 – $19,800 | $18,700 – $23,100 | $22,000 – $26,400 |
| 10x12 kitchen (120 sq ft) | $18,400 – $23,600 | $22,300 – $27,500 | $26,200 – $31,400 |
| average kitchen (200 sq ft) | $30,400 – $38,800 | $36,700 – $45,100 | $43,000 – $51,300 |
| large kitchen (300 sq ft) | $45,400 – $57,700 | $54,600 – $67,000 | $63,900 – $76,300 |
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 $22,300 to $27,500 for State College, PA is attached.
Take this estimate with you: PDF report, $9
The report lays out the kitchen remodel numbers for State College, PA 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 remodel in State College: your questions
+How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen in State College?
For 120 sq ft, expect $18,400 to $31,400 in the State College area. A standard-spec job lands at $22,300 to $27,500. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for kitchen remodel in State College?
About $150 to $249 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $480 to $1,450 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $150 to $250.
+Is kitchen remodel cheaper in State College or Altoona?
Altoona is 35 miles away. The midpoint for 120 sq ft there is $25,000, which is 0% more than State College ($24,900). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in State College?
About 19% at the midpoint, or $4,800 out of $24,900. Materials are 77% and permits 4%. Nationally, labor is 20%.
+What would average kitchen (200 sq ft) cost in State College?
$30,400 to $51,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does kitchen remodel need a permit in State College?
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 State College area (our national range of $500 to $1,500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is State College expensive for kitchen remodel compared with the rest of Pennsylvania?
State College is 1% below the Pennsylvania statewide estimate ($25,100 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Pennsylvania; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in State College?
The BLS median is $26.77 an hour in the State College area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.85 to $34.45.
+What do basic and premium kitchen remodel work cost in State College?
For 120 sq ft, basic work runs $18,400 to $23,600 and premium work $26,200 to $31,400. Basic means: update: cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting; same layout. Premium means: large or custom remodel, high-end finishes.
Kitchen remodel near State College
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 Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Cost to Renovate: Renovation Labor Report 2026: Where the Money Goes (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
Note on derived figures: Materials = 70% of the low installed price and 85% of the high one, from HomeGuide's statement that professional labor is 15-30% of a kitchen remodeling budget. Cost to Renovate's mid-range kitchen split (45% labor, 50% materials) sits inside that band.