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What is the minimum wage in Alabama?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Alabama has NO state minimum wage law. Workers covered by the federal FLSA receive $7.25/hour.

1. No State Minimum Wage

The Alabama Legislature has never enacted a state minimum wage. Federal FLSA controls for most workers.

2. Federal Rate

  • $7.25/hour under 29 U.S.C. § 206 — unchanged since July 24, 2009.
  • Youth wage: $4.25/hour for workers under 20 in first 90 days.

    • 3. Tipped Workers

    Federal rules: $2.13/hour cash wage + tips bringing employee to $7.25 (29 U.S.C. § 203(m)).

    4. Local Preemption — The Birmingham Saga

    Alabama Code § 25-7-41 (the "Alabama Uniform Minimum Wage and Right-to-Work Act," Act 2016-18, enacted Feb. 25, 2016):

  • Passed in direct response to Birmingham's August 2015 ordinance phasing the city minimum wage to $10.10.
  • Preempts ALL local wage and benefit mandates.
  • Birmingham's ordinance was nullified.

    • 5. Lewis v. Governor of Alabama

    The Birmingham preemption was challenged on Equal Protection grounds (alleging racial animus, since Birmingham's predominantly Black workforce would have benefited). The 11th Circuit held en banc in Lewis v. Governor of Alabama, 944 F.3d 1287 (11th Cir. 2019) (en banc) that the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue the Governor. On the merits in the panel decision (vacated), the court found the law facially neutral. The state preemption stands.

    6. Overtime

    Federal FLSA: 1.5x after 40 hours/week. No state overtime law.

    7. Federal Exemptions

    Standard FLSA white-collar exemptions ($684/week salary), outside sales, agricultural (small farm), seasonal.

    8. No State Wage Payment Law

    Alabama has no general wage payment statute requiring regular paydays or specific timing of final wages. (Limited statutes for some industries.) Workers seeking unpaid wages typically rely on common law breach of contract or federal FLSA.

    9. Right-to-Work

    Alabama is a right-to-work state (Ala. Const. amend. 1014, Ala. Code § 25-7-31 et seq.).

    10. Enforcement

  • Federal: U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division.
  • State: Alabama Department of Labor — primarily handles unemployment, not wage claims.
  • No state private right of action specifically for minimum wage; federal FLSA available.

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your FLSA-covered employer paid below $7.25
    • Your tipped wages don't reach $7.25 with tips
    • You're misclassified as exempt or as an independent contractor
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Ala. Code § 25-7-41
    • Ala. Code § 25-7-31
    • 29 U.S.C. § 206
    • 29 U.S.C. § 207
    • 29 U.S.C. § 203(m)

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.