How Much to Charge for Painting in Mobile?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Mobile metro area has approximately 74,816 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. A growing market - get in early, build your reputation, and watch your client base expand.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $38/hr based on Mobile wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,068 - $1,335
$0.80/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
Mobile Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Mobile.
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) | $168 | $336 | $588 |
| Per hour | $29 | $38 | $55 |
Prices adjusted for Mobile cost of living (84% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Mobile?
Estimates based on Mobile average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Mobile vs Other Alabama Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | $38/hr | 84% | medium |
| Huntsville(most expensive) | $41/hr | 92% | high |
| Alabama Average | $39/hr | 87% | - |
Market Position: Mobile
Mobile sits at the state average for Alabama - price competitively and focus on service quality to stand out.
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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.
Mobile 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 Mobile?
In Mobile, AL, you should charge $38-$57/hour for painting. This is 16% below the national average because Mobile's cost of living is 84% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $76-$189.
What's the average painting rate in Mobile, Alabama?
The average painting rate in Mobile is $38/hour or $113 per job. Mobile has average demand with a population of 187K. Local pros typically charge $30-$57/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in Mobile?
Painting companies in Mobile charge $30-$57/hour (84% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $30/hour, while complex work commands $57+/hour. The average demand in Mobile supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in Mobile?
Key pricing factors in Mobile: (1) Cost of living - 16% below national average at 84%, (2) Market demand - medium in this area, (3) Competition - Mobile's 187K population creates average demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in Alabama?
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) 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 Mobile a good market for painting businesses?
Mobile shows average demand for painting services. With 187K residents and a 84% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $38-$57/hour. The Alabama market is slightly lower than for service businesses.
How do Mobile painting prices compare to Alabama average?
Mobile painting prices are typically 16% below the Alabama state average. While state average is around $39/hour, Mobile pros charge $38/hour due to the city's 84% cost of living index.
Other Services in Mobile
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Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for Mobile, 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