What this means Our calculation
Elevator installers are the best-paid trade in Alabama at a statewide median of $103,700, and landscapers the lowest at $35,630. Prices vary inside the state: Daphne runs -5% vs. the U.S. average and Dothan -16%, so the same paycheck goes further in Dothan.
Highest-paying trades in Alabama Government data
All 35 trades
Pay is the statewide BLS median for each trade (May 2025). State rank compares the 50 states and DC. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Employed | State rank | Metros |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator Installer | $103,700 | 170 | #24 | 1 |
| Electrical Lineworker | $92,030 | 2,730 | #35 | 11 |
| Construction Supervisor | $64,120 | 13,580 | #50 | 12 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $61,920 | 17,850 | #42 | 12 |
| Building Inspector | $61,300 | 1,420 | #45 | 9 |
| Telecom Line Installer | $60,890 | 1,530 | #34 | 7 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $59,770 | 3,200 | #45 | 11 |
| Plumber | $58,670 | 6,950 | #40 | 12 |
| Rigger | $57,980 | 460 | #28 | 2 |
| Ironworker | $56,640 | 1,740 | #40 | 4 |
| Electrician | $55,690 | 10,900 | #50 | 12 |
| Machinist | $55,560 | 5,170 | #40 | 12 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $52,040 | 1,810 | #26 | 12 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $50,470 | 6,130 | #50 | 12 |
| Appliance Repair Technician | $50,190 | 280 | #22 | 1 |
| Brickmason | $49,710 | 370 | #45 | 2 |
| Insulation Installer | $48,740 | 660 | #25 | 4 |
| Welder | $48,490 | 12,450 | #48 | 12 |
| HVAC Technician | $48,370 | 8,260 | #50 | 12 |
| Carpenter | $48,220 | 5,560 | #48 | 12 |
| Drywall Installer | $48,000 | 650 | #36 | 3 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $47,530 | 1,450 | #47 | 7 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $47,520 | 9,640 | #49 | 12 |
| Septic & Sewer Technician | $47,370 | 400 | #32 | 1 |
| Roofer | $45,670 | 1,010 | #47 | 3 |
| Auto Mechanic | $45,640 | 9,040 | #47 | 12 |
| Tile Setter | $44,800 | 260 | #38 | 2 |
| Concrete Finisher | $44,720 | 2,110 | #50 | 8 |
| Painter | $43,930 | 1,570 | #47 | 10 |
| Maintenance Technician | $43,630 | 16,660 | #48 | 12 |
| Paving Equipment Operator | $41,880 | 700 | #49 | 5 |
| Hazmat Removal Worker | $38,610 | 350 | #49 | 2 |
| Pest Control Technician | $38,410 | 2,540 | #44 | 9 |
| Construction Laborer | $36,900 | 18,400 | #51 | 12 |
| Landscaper | $35,630 | 12,020 | #47 | 12 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Compare Alabama metros Government data
Living costs & job market
Real pay and rent are separate views; prices already include housing.
Licensing in Alabama Official source
The main state licensing office in Alabama is the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Electrical, HVAC and plumbing have their own state boards. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Alabama licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Union membership
In 2025, 6.3% of wage and salary workers in Alabama were union members, below the U.S. rate of about 10% (#31 of 51 states and D.C.), and 7.2% were covered by a union contract. These figures cover all jobs in the state, not only the trades.
BLS Union Members, 2025 (Current Population Survey), table 5.
About the numbers
Statewide and metro wages come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Trades BLS doesn't publish for Alabama are left out, not estimated. Prices: BEA 2024; rent: HUD FY2027; unemployment: BLS 2025. Full methodology.