Alabama vs California: Minimum Wage
California has a higher minimum wage than Alabama by $9.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for minimum wage.
Top 10 States — Minimum Wage
Washington
California
New York
Connecticut
Hawaii
Oregon
New Jersey
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Alabama
Alabama ranks 31st and California ranks 2nd nationally for minimum wage.
Related context
Minimum Wage in Context
A minimum wage only makes sense relative to what things cost and what the local market actually pays.
What this means
Alabama vs California: Minimum Wage in context
California's minimum wage is $16.50/hr, compared with $7.25/hr in Alabama — roughly 2.3× the Alabama figure. State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).
People also ask
Alabama vs California Minimum Wage — common questions
QWhat is Alabama's minimum wage?
Alabama's minimum wage is $7.25/hr.
QWhat is California's minimum wage?
California's minimum wage is $16.50/hr.
QWhich state has a higher minimum wage — Alabama or California?
California has a higher minimum wage than Alabama by $9.
QHow much more minimum wage does California have compared to Alabama?
$9.
More comparisons: Alabama vs California
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