Alabama HR laws for employers (2026)
The Alabama rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Alabama employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies) Verify |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $2.13 per hour |
| Overtime | No state overtime law; the federal rule of 1.5x pay after 40 hours in a week applies. |
| Final pay when fired | No state final-pay law; paying by the next regular payday is common practice. Verify |
| Final pay when an employee quits | No state final-pay law; paying by the next regular payday is common practice. Verify |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Not required by state law; depends on the employer's written policy or contract. Verify |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate. |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees (rules apply to minors). |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: No state minimum wage law; the federal $7.25/hour applies. State law blocks cities from setting their own minimum wages.
Verify means we could not confirm that item from an official Alabama or US Department of Labor source, so check it with the state before relying on it.
Other Alabama rules to know
- All employers must verify new hires through E-Verify under the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act (2011).
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Alabama in 2026?
$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies), effective July 24, 2009. No state minimum wage law; the federal $7.25/hour applies. State law blocks cities from setting their own minimum wages.
When is a final paycheck due in Alabama?
If the employer ends employment: No state final-pay law; paying by the next regular payday is common practice. If the employee quits: No state final-pay law; paying by the next regular payday is common practice.
Does Alabama require paying out unused vacation?
Not required by state law; depends on the employer's written policy or contract.
Is paid sick leave required in Alabama?
No statewide mandate.
Sources
HR laws in other states
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.