Benchmark $645/mo · ranked 14 of 21 · median wage $27,940
Licensed Independent Agent · NPN #22052447 · 21 States
The benchmark premium for a 40-year-old in Alabama is $645 a month for 2026, ranking 14 of 21 states published here. BLS reports a median annual wage of $27,940 for Animal Caretakers in Alabama.
Below the cliff. At this income a single-person household remains eligible for a premium tax credit in 2026.
This occupation is below the cliff in all 21 states reported.
What this figure is. It is the median annual wage BLS reports for Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021) in Alabama. BLS surveys wage and salary workers and excludes the self-employed, so it is a benchmark for the occupation in this state — not the income of a self-employed dog groomer. Premium tax credit eligibility is set by household modified adjusted gross income and household size, not by occupation, so treat this as a reference point rather than a determination of what you qualify for.
Why the cliff is back. The enhanced premium tax credits expired on 31 December 2025. For plan year 2026 the 400% FPL limit applies again, so household income above $62,600 ends premium tax credit eligibility outright.
Benchmark premium and median wage for this occupation, ranked by premium.
| # | State | Benchmark @40 | Median wage | vs cliff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $414 | $35,990 | below |
| 2 | Virginia | $455 | $30,830 | below |
| 3 | Indiana | $474 | $28,800 | below |
| 4 | Nevada | $497 | $29,530 | below |
| 5 | Ohio | $513 | $29,700 | below |
| 6 | Michigan | $523 | $29,730 | below |
| 7 | Colorado | $557 | $35,300 | below |
| 8 | South Carolina | $564 | $29,900 | below |
| 9 | Oklahoma | $604 | $28,370 | below |
| 10 | Wisconsin | $611 | $29,490 | below |
| 11 | Georgia | $615 | $28,880 | below |
| 12 | North Carolina | $638 | $28,900 | below |
| 13 | Utah | $640 | $31,550 | below |
| 14 | Alabama | $645 | $27,940 | below |
| 15 | Illinois | $646 | $34,440 | below |
| 16 | South Dakota | $655 | $29,460 | below |
| 17 | Texas | $661 | $29,810 | below |
| 18 | Kansas | $670 | $27,970 | below |
| 19 | Florida | $683 | $30,380 | below |
| 20 | Nebraska | $710 | $29,970 | below |
| 21 | Arkansas | $774 | $29,370 | below |
This page compares states. For Alabama specifically — county-by-county carriers, plan data and enrollment help — that is published on Coverage by County.
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