Alabama Home Repair Guide
In Alabama, the median wage is $28.21 an hour for plumbers and $26.78 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Alabama
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | A residential home builder license is required when the cost of a home construction, repair or improvement job, including labor and materials, exceeds $10,000. Commercial or public work of $100,000 or more falls under the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors instead. | Source |
| Plumber | The Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board certifies journeyman and master plumbers, and plumbing companies must register with the board before bidding on or performing work. | Source |
| Electrician | The Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors licenses electrical contractors and journeyman electricians. Journeymen must work under a master or state-certified electrical contractor. | Source |
| HVAC | The Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors certifies contractors who install, service or repair heating and cooling equipment. Active contractors must carry a $20,000 performance bond. | Source |
| Roofer | A residential roofer needs a license from the Home Builders Licensure Board when the job costs more than $2,500, including when simply replacing a storm-damaged roof. | Source |
Can homeowners do their own work?
Owners acting as their own contractor and providing all material supervision themselves may build or improve a one-family or two-family home for their own occupancy or use, as long as it is not offered for sale. The exemption cannot be transferred, and a sale or offer for sale within one year of completion is presumed evidence the work was done for sale. Source
What common jobs cost in Alabama
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $740 | $2,000 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,200 | $18,900 |
| AC Replacement | $3,750 | $8,850 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,850 | $7,950 |
| Toilet Replacement | $220 | $880 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $940 | $2,950 |
| Drain Cleaning | $90 | $370 |
| Garage Door Repair | $70 | $580 |
Hourly rates in Alabama
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $28.21 | $71 | $127 |
| Electrician | $26.78 | $67 | $121 |
| HVAC Technician | $23.26 | $58 | $105 |
| Handyman | $20.97 | $52 | $94 |
| Roofer | $21.96 | $55 | $99 |
| Carpenter | $23.18 | $58 | $104 |
| Painter | $21.12 | $53 | $95 |
Licensing last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.