Trade directory · Montgomery metro · Alabama

Painting contractors in
Montgomery, Alabama.

A public directory of painting contractor businesses serving greater Montgomery. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Employer Establishments
254
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
March through October - peak exterior work April-June and September-October when humidity is lower
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for initial contact, 3-7 days for detailed estimates
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$22/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ J · OPEN JOBS

Painting jobs in Montgomery

00 OPEN

0 open jobs in Montgomery.

The controlled job pilot is not open yet.

§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

MONTGOMERY-AL · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Interior room painting (12x12)
Typical range based on local interior room painting (12x12) jobs.
$800 – $1,500
Exterior house painting (1500 sq ft)
Typical range based on local exterior house painting (1500 sq ft) jobs.
$3,500 – $7,000
Kitchen cabinet painting
Typical range based on local kitchen cabinet painting jobs.
$1,200 – $2,800
Fence staining/painting
Typical range based on local fence staining/painting jobs.
$600 – $1,800
Pressure washing and painting prep
Typical range based on local pressure washing and painting prep jobs.
$300 – $800
Commercial interior painting (per sq ft)
Typical range based on local commercial interior painting (per sq ft) jobs.
$1 – $3
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

AL
§1

Licensing Requirements

Alabama requires Home Builders License for residential work over $10,000 or Specialty Contractor License. Must pass PSI exam, provide $15,000 surety bond, carry general liability insurance. Commercial work over $50,000 requires General Contractor license. Licenses renew annually by December 31st.

§2

Permit Requirements

Montgomery requires permits for exterior painting involving lead paint (pre-1978 homes). Commercial projects may require building permits. EPA RRP certification required for lead-safe work practices on pre-1978 structures.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Lead-safe work practices subject to EPA inspection. Commercial projects follow Montgomery building department inspection schedule typically at completion phase for certificate of occupancy.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate required for licensing. Workers compensation mandatory if employing others. Professional liability recommended for commercial work.

§ C · ReadyDocs Compliance

Compliance research unavailable

View source dossier

Source status: unavailable · 7/18/2026

Detailed instructions are withheld because the source is not available for verification.

§ M · DoorBase

Local market snapshot

35 ZIPs
Population205,921
Household income$56,642
Home value$155,772
Median rent$1,279
Unemployment0.00%
Job growth-100.00%

Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 8/17/2026.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

7 STEPS
1

Meet Basic Requirements

Must be 19+ years old, provide Social Security number, and have high school diploma or equivalent. No felony convictions related to contracting work.

01/07
2

Complete PSI Exam Application

Submit application to PSI Services with required documentation and $75 exam fee. Schedule exam at approved testing center within 90 days.

02/07
3

Pass Contractor Examination

Pass PSI exam covering business law, construction methods, and Alabama regulations. Minimum 70% score required. Exam results valid for one year.

03/07
4

Obtain Surety Bond

Secure $15,000 surety bond from licensed surety company. Bond must remain active throughout license period.

04/07
5

Provide Insurance Documentation

Submit proof of general liability insurance meeting state minimums and workers compensation if applicable.

05/07
6

Submit License Application

Complete Alabama Home Builders License application with exam results, bond, insurance proof, and $185 licensing fee to Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

06/07
7

Maintain EPA Certification

Complete EPA RRP training for lead-safe work practices if working on pre-1978 structures. 8-hour initial course plus 4-hour refresher every 5 years.

07/07
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Montgomery's painter market stays busy year-round with steady residential demand from the 200,000+ metro population and military installations like Maxwell Air Force Base driving turnover. Competition comes from 254 licensed establishments statewide, but quality contractors separate themselves through proper licensing and lead-safe certifications. Exterior work dominates spring and fall when humidity drops, while interior jobs fill summer and winter gaps. Costs run 10-15% below national averages due to lower labor costs, but high humidity extends dry times and requires quality materials.

Get your Alabama Home Builders License sorted first - that $15,000 bond and PSI exam aren't optional for jobs over $10K. EPA RRP certification is non-negotiable for pre-1978 homes, and Montgomery's got plenty of older housing stock. Book exterior work for April-June and September-October when weather cooperates. Summer interior work keeps crews busy when it's too humid outside. Carry proper insurance and document everything - Alabama's contractor laws have teeth, and the licensing board investigates complaints.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage
    Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
  • Licensed establishments count
    U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
  • Licensing requirements
    Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors
  • Insurance minimums
    Alabama Department of Insurance
  • EPA lead regulations
    Environmental Protection Agency RRP Rule
  • Local permit requirements
    Montgomery Building Department
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What license do I need to paint houses in Montgomery, AL?

Alabama Home Builders License for residential jobs over $10,000, plus EPA RRP certification for homes built before 1978. License requires PSI exam, $15,000 surety bond, and proof of insurance per Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Q/02

How much do painters charge in Montgomery, AL?

Interior rooms run $800-1500, exterior houses $3500-7000 depending on size and prep work needed. Rates average 10-15% below national due to Alabama's median painter wage of $21.50/hour per Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Q/03

When is the best time to schedule exterior painting in Montgomery?

April-June and September-October offer the lowest humidity and most stable weather. Summer humidity above 70% extends drying times significantly, while winter brings unpredictable temperature swings per NOAA climate data.

Q/04

Do I need permits to paint in Montgomery, AL?

Permits required for lead paint work on pre-1978 structures per EPA regulations. Exterior commercial painting may require Montgomery building permits depending on scope and structural changes per city building department.

Q/05

What insurance do painting contractors need in Alabama?

Minimum $300,000 per occurrence general liability required for licensing, plus workers compensation if employing others. Professional liability recommended for commercial work per Alabama Department of Insurance requirements.

§ F · Directory

Painting contractors in Montgomery

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