Calculate Overtime Pay in Alabama
Use the calculator above to determine your overtime pay. Alabama requires overtime pay at 1.5x your regular rate for hours over 40 per week.
Alabama Overtime Rules
Alabama follows federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines. Overtime is required for all hours worked over 40 per week at 1.5 times the regular rate.
Minimum Wage & Baseline Pay
Alabama has a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour (effective 2024). This is the baseline for calculating overtime premiums.
Meal Break Requirements
No state requirement. Employers may provide as per company policy.
Common Overtime Scenarios
Factory Worker with 50-Hour Week
Maria works on an assembly line at a manufacturing facility in Birmingham. She earns $18/hour and works 50 hours this week. Under Alabama law, she qualifies for overtime on 10 hours (50 - 40). Calculation: 40 hours × $18 = $720 regular pay. 10 hours × $27 (1.5 × $18) = $270 overtime pay. Total: $990 for the week.
Retail Manager on Salary
James is a store manager earning $2,200 per month (approximately $550/week at 40 hours). If he works 45 hours in a week, he may or may not qualify for overtime depending on whether he meets the salary exemption threshold (currently $35,568/year federally). If not exempt, his calculation would be based on his effective hourly rate, then overtime would apply to hours over 40.
Nurse at Hospital
Sarah works at a hospital in Montgomery earning $32/hour. She works 42 hours this week. Overtime calculation: 40 hours × $32 = $1,280. 2 hours × $48 (1.5 × $32) = $96. Total: $1,376. Hospital employers often schedule nurses for irregular hours, so overtime is common in healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my salaried position exempt from overtime in Alabama?
Q: Is my salaried position exempt from overtime in Alabama?
Not necessarily. While certain executive, administrative, and professional positions are exempt from overtime, this exemption has strict requirements. The employee must earn at least $35,568 per year (federal threshold) and spend most of their time in exempt duties. Many employees classified as 'salaried' still qualify for overtime if they don't meet these criteria. Always request documentation of your exemption status.
Can an Alabama employer require me to work overtime?
Q: Can an Alabama employer require me to work overtime?
Yes. Employers can generally require overtime work. However, they must pay the required overtime premium (1.5x) for hours over 40. Refusing to work overtime can be grounds for termination in Alabama (an at-will employment state), but employers cannot refuse to pay the overtime premium that's owed.
What should I do if I think I'm owed overtime?
Q: What should I do if I think I'm owed overtime?
Start by gathering documentation: pay stubs, time records, emails about hours worked, and any communications with your employer. Calculate what you believe you're owed. Contact your employer first with written documentation. If they don't respond satisfactorily, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (Alabama office) or consult an employment attorney.
Does Alabama require time-off for meal breaks?
Q: Does Alabama require time-off for meal breaks?
Alabama has no state-specific meal break requirement. However, if an employer provides a meal break that's 20 minutes or less, it must be paid time. Most employers provide breaks as a matter of policy, but you should check your employee handbook or company policies.
Can my employer pay me in cash instead of a check for overtime?
Q: Can my employer pay me in cash instead of a check for overtime?
Cash payment is legally acceptable as long as the full amount owed (including overtime premium) is provided. However, cash payments can create disputes about what was actually paid. It's better to insist on documented payment (check or direct deposit) so you have proof of payment.
Official Resources
For official information, consult these authoritative sources:
- https://labor.alabama.gov
- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/state
Last verified: June 30, 2026