Alabama minimum wage - 2026

Find the current minimum wage for any state instantly. Includes standard rate, tipped worker rate, youth wage, and annual earnings estimate - updated for 2026.

California Texas Florida New York Washington Illinois Pennsylvania Ohio Georgia Louisiana

Minimum wage lookup - 2026

Select a state to see the current minimum wage, tipped rate, and annual earnings

Minimum wage
Tipped worker rate
Annual earnings (FT)
40 hrs/wk, 52 weeks
Wage details
State
Standard minimum wage
Tipped minimum wage
Youth / training wage
vs. Federal minimum ($7.25)
Last updated
Scheduled increase
Weekly earnings (40 hrs)
gross, before taxes
Monthly earnings
gross, before taxes

Minimum wage rates are updated annually. Some cities and counties have local minimum wages higher than the state rate. Always verify current rates with your state labor department.

Minimum wage by state - all 50 states 2026

Click any state to see full details above

State Min wage Tipped rate vs. Federal Last change

Alabama minimum wage - 2026

Official rates sourced from the Alabama Department of Labor

$7.25/hr
Standard minimum wage
$2.13/hr
Tipped employee rate
No scheduled increase
Next scheduled increase

Alabama minimum wage overview

Alabama is one of five states with no state minimum wage law. All Alabama employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Alabama workers are not without protection - federal law still applies to most employers.

Alabama has repeatedly declined to pass state minimum wage legislation. Without a state law, Alabama workers rely entirely on federal FLSA protections. Local governments in Alabama are also prohibited from setting their own minimum wages.

Governing law

Alabama minimum wage is governed by No state minimum wage law (Federal FLSA applies). This statute establishes the minimum hourly wage that Alabama employers must pay covered employees.

The official authority for minimum wage enforcement in Alabama is the Alabama Department of Labor. For official rate verification or to report a minimum wage violation, contact the Alabama Department of Labor directly.

What if my employer pays less than minimum wage?

If your employer is paying you less than the Alabama minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, you have the right to file a wage claim with the Alabama Department of Labor. You may be entitled to recover back wages plus penalties. Most states allow you to recover unpaid wages going back 2-3 years. You can also file a complaint with the federal U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division which enforces the federal minimum wage under the FLSA.

Official sources for Alabama minimum wage:

Data source: Alabama Department of Labor and Federal FLSA applies. Last verified: Federal rate. Rates change - verify with Alabama Department of Labor before making employment decisions.

Frequently asked questions - minimum wage 2026

What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?
The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour in 2026 - unchanged since 2009, making it the longest period without an increase in history. However, 30+ states have set their own minimum wages above the federal rate. If your state minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, your employer must pay the higher state rate.
Which state has the highest minimum wage in 2026?
Washington state leads at $16.66 per hour, followed by California at $16.50, Connecticut at $16.35, and New Jersey at $15.49. Several states also have scheduled increases built into law, meaning rates continue rising automatically each year tied to inflation indexes.
What is the minimum wage for tipped workers?
The federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13 per hour - but employers must make up the difference if tips do not bring the worker to at least $7.25/hour. Many states require higher tipped wages or require the full minimum wage for all workers regardless of tips. California, Washington, Minnesota, and several others require tipped workers to receive the full state minimum wage with no tip credit allowed.
Can cities have a higher minimum wage than the state?
Yes - many cities and counties set local minimum wages above the state rate. Notable examples include Seattle ($20.29/hr), San Francisco ($18.67/hr), New York City ($16.50/hr), Denver ($18.29/hr), and Chicago ($16.20/hr). If you work in one of these cities, the local rate applies. Always check both your state and local rates.