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Alabama Labor Laws 2025

Alabama labor law primarily follows federal standards with minimal state-specific employment requirements. The state does not have its own minimum wage or overtime laws, relying instead on federal FLSA protections.

Note: Alabama follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Cities and counties are prohibited from setting their own minimum wage rates.

Minimum Wage

Alabama does not have a state minimum wage law and follows federal minimum wage requirements.

Key Requirements

  • No state minimum wage - federal minimum wage applies: $7.25 per hour
  • Tipped employees: $2.13/hour cash wage (with tip credit to reach $7.25)
  • All employers covered by FLSA must pay federal minimum wage
  • Some employees may be exempt from minimum wage (e.g., certain agricultural workers)
  • Local governments are prohibited from setting their own minimum wage

Additional Resources

Overtime

Alabama follows federal overtime requirements under the FLSA with no additional state requirements.

Key Requirements

  • Overtime pay: 1.5x regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek
  • No daily overtime requirement (calculated weekly)
  • Standard FLSA exemptions apply (executive, administrative, professional)
  • No state-specific overtime laws
  • Seven consecutive 24-hour periods constitute a workweek

Additional Resources

Meal and Rest Breaks

Alabama does not require employers to provide meal or rest breaks for employees of any age.

Key Requirements

  • No state law requiring meal breaks
  • No state law requiring rest breaks
  • If breaks are voluntarily provided, federal rules apply
  • Short breaks (5-20 minutes) must be paid if provided
  • Meal periods (30+ minutes) may be unpaid if employee is completely relieved of duties
  • Nursing mothers have right to express milk (federal requirement)

Additional Resources

Payment of Wages

Alabama has specific requirements for wage payment timing and final paychecks.

Key Requirements

  • Employers must designate regular paydays
  • Semi-monthly payment (twice per month) is common
  • Final wages must be paid by the next regular payday
  • No acceleration of final paycheck required upon termination
  • Employers may pay by check, cash, or direct deposit (with authorization)

Additional Resources

Child Labor

Alabama has child labor laws that set restrictions on youth employment, particularly during school hours.

Key Requirements

  • Minors under 14: Generally prohibited from employment except family businesses, entertainment, agriculture
  • Ages 14-15: Limited to 3 hours per school day, 18 hours per week during school
  • Ages 14-15: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week when school not in session
  • Ages 16-17: No hour restrictions, but hazardous occupation restrictions apply
  • Work permits required for minors under 16 in some cases

Additional Resources

Right to Work

Alabama is a "Right to Work" state, which affects union membership and dues.

Key Requirements

  • Employees cannot be required to join a union as a condition of employment
  • Employers cannot require union dues or fees as a condition of employment
  • Protects workers' freedom to choose whether to join or support a union
  • Does not prohibit unions or collective bargaining
  • Protected by both state constitution and statute

Additional Resources

Federal Laws Apply

Since Alabama has minimal state-specific labor laws, employers must focus on federal compliance:

FLSA

Fair Labor Standards Act governs minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and youth employment.

FMLA

Family and Medical Leave Act provides job-protected leave for eligible employees.

ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations.

Title VII

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Alabama as a Right to Work State

Alabama's Right to Work status has important implications:

  • Workers cannot be compelled to join a union or pay union dues
  • Union security agreements are prohibited
  • Protected by both the Alabama Constitution and state statute

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Even in states with minimal additional requirements, Rightwork ensures your schedules comply with all federal labor laws including FLSA overtime and child labor restrictions.

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