Minimum Wage Preemption: Mobile vs Saraland
How do minimum wage preemption rules compare between Mobile, AL and Saraland, AL?
Mobile has fewer restrictions than Saraland.
Mobile, AL
Mobile County
Mobile cannot set a local minimum wage above Alabama's default. Alabama Code 11-80-11 preempts city wage floors, leaving the federal $7.25 hourly minimum as the operative rate citywide.
View full Mobile rules →Saraland, AL
Mobile County
Alabama Code Section 11-43-26 preempts cities and counties from setting local minimum wage rates, leaving the federal minimum wage as the floor statewide.
View full Saraland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mobile | Saraland |
|---|---|---|
| Operative rate | Federal $7.25 per hour | - |
| State law | AL 11-80-11 preempts city | - |
| State minimum | Alabama has none | - |
| Tipped wage | Federal $2.13 with credit | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mobile FAQ
Can Mobile raise the minimum wage?
No. Alabama Code 11-80-11 preempts local minimum-wage ordinances. Only the Alabama Legislature or federal Congress can raise the wage floor that applies in Mobile.
What about tipped restaurant workers?
Federal FLSA allows a $2.13 cash wage for tipped employees provided tips bring total compensation to $7.25. If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
Saraland FAQ
Can Alabama cities set a higher minimum wage?
No. Code Section 11-43-26 preempts local minimum wage ordinances, keeping the federal rate as the floor.
Does Alabama have its own state minimum wage?
No, Alabama lacks a state minimum wage statute and defaults to the federal 7.25 dollar hourly rate.
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