How Much to Charge for Painting in Alabama?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 5.0M residents and a 69.3% homeownership rate, Alabama has approximately 3,481,825 potential painting customers. Plenty of work available at competitive rates. Focus on efficiency and client retention. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. Alabama rates run about 3% lower than neighboring Tennessee - useful context if you serve clients near the border.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $39/hr based on Alabama wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,111 - $1,388
$0.83/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Alabama Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Alabama.
Painting Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per sq ft (interior) | $1 | $2 | $3 |
| Per sq ft (exterior) | $2 | $3 | $5 |
| Per room (avg 12x12) | $174 | $348 | $609 |
| Per hour | $30 | $39 | $57 |
Prices adjusted for Alabama cost of living (87% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Alabama?
Estimates based on Alabama average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Alabama vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $39/hr | 87% | high |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| Tennessee(neighbor) | $41/hr | 90% | very high |
| Georgia(neighbor) | $42/hr | 93% | very high |
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Alabama Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license required for lawn care or cleaning services
- •Local business license required in most municipalities
- •General liability insurance strongly recommended ($1M minimum)
- •Workers comp required if you have 5 or more 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.
Alabama Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Alabama
Target the spring pollen season (March-April) for deck and exterior cleaning — Alabama's pine pollen creates massive demand.
Offer hurricane prep services before storm season (June-November) — shutters cleaning, debris removal, and drainage clearing.
No state license required for landscaping, but local business licenses vary. Check Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville requirements.
Military bases (Fort Novosel, Redstone Arsenal) offer steady commercial contracts. Look into base vendor registration.
Key Insight: Alabama's low cost of living means lower prices but also lower operating costs — focus on volume and efficiency.
Painting Demand in Alabama by Month
Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.
Offer 10-15% off-season discounts to maintain a steady client base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for painting in Alabama?
In Alabama, painting rates range from $31-$59/hour, with an average of $39/hour. Alabama's cost of living is 87% of the national average. Major cities like Huntsville command higher rates ($41/hr), while smaller markets like Mobile average $38/hr.
What's the Alabama average for painting services?
The Alabama statewide average for painting is $39/hour or approximately $117-$195 per job. This reflects Alabama's 87% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which Alabama cities have the highest painting rates?
In Alabama, Huntsville has the highest painting rates at around $41/hour due to its 92% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville.
Do I need a license for painting in Alabama?
Alabama licensing: No state contractor license required for lawn care or cleaning services Local business license required in most municipalities General liability insurance strongly recommended ($1M minimum) Workers comp required if you have 5 or more 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 Alabama a good market for painting businesses?
Alabama offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $39/hour. The state's 87% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville.
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Alabama 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
- Alabama Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026