A method for preparing AlN powder by catalytic calcination, temperature reduction to a low temperature, and microwave carbon thermal reduction comprises the following steps: (1), aluminum hydroxide and ammonium chloride are mixed, wetly milled, filtered and dried, so as to obtain a mixture of the ammonium chloride and the aluminum hydroxide; (2), the product obtained in step (1) and acetylene black are mixed, aluminum powder is added to the mixture, and the wet milling and the drying are performed, so as to obtain precursor powder with uniform mixed carbon and aluminum; (3), the precursor obtained in step (2) is put into a high-temperature sintering furnace, and the nitrogen is introduced into the furnace, so as to carry out a microwave carbon thermal reduction-nitridation reaction; and (4), the product obtained in step (3) is calcined in dry air, so as to prepare the aluminum powder. The invention has the advantages of simple process, low synthesis temperature, low material cost, simple equipment, short process flow, simple operation, high purity of the product and environmental friendliness. Furthermore, the invention is suitable for the fields of precision ceramics, electrons, aviation / aerospace and the like, can realize mass industrial production, and has good market prospect.