Trades & Labor Alabama (AL) Rank #45 of 50

Painter Salary in Alabama

The median painter salary in Alabama is $38,889 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $44,700.

Median Salary
$38,889
vs National
$-5,811
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Painter Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #45 out of 50 states for painter compensation. Painter salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $38,889 per year, painters in Alabama earn $5,811 less than the national median of $44,700.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $38,889 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $44,700 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: painters at the 10th percentile earn $26,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $60,900 — a $34,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $41,124.

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for painters across the country.

Painter Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level painter earns around $26,970, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,420 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,970
$-4,030 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,150
$-5,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,420
$-8,580 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $26,100
25th Percentile $31,320
Median (50th) $38,889
75th Percentile $49,590
90th Percentile $60,900

Painter Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for painters in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Painter in Alabama

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Alabama

How much does a Painter make in Alabama? ▼
The median painter salary in Alabama is $38,889 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $26,100 (10th percentile) to $60,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,889, a painter in Alabama earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for painters? ▼
Alabama ranks #45 out of 50 states for painter pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level painters earn $26,970, while senior professionals earn $57,420.
How does Alabama compare to other states for painter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for painters is Hawaii at $79,566. Alabama's median of $38,889 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($39,336) and South Dakota ($39,336).
What is the entry-level painter salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level painter in Alabama earns approximately $26,970 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,150. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $57,420.
What city in Alabama pays painters the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for painters, with a median salary of $41,124. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.