Ala. Code § 36-26-12
After consultation with appointing authorities and the state fiscal officers, the director shall prepare and recommend to the board a pay plan for all employees in the state service. Such pay plan shall include for each class of positions a minimum and a maximum rate and such intermediate rates as the director considers necessary or equitable. In establishing such rates the director shall give consideration to the experience in recruiting for positions in the state service, the prevailing rates of pay for the services performed and for comparable services in public and private employment, living costs, maintenance or other benefits received by employees and the state's financial condition and policies. Such pay plan, after adoption by the board, shall be submitted to the Governor, who shall have the power to revise or alter the plan. Such pay plan shall take effect when approved by the Governor. Amendments thereto may from time to time be made in the same manner. Each employee in the state service shall be paid at one of the rates set forth in the pay plan for the class of positions in which he is employed.
Ala. Code § 36-26-12 (1975)