Alaska Minimum Wage 2026
⚠️Informational only — not legal or tax advice.
Last Updated: February 11, 2026
Last Reviewed: February 11, 2026
Applicable Period: 2026
Jurisdiction: State of Alaska, United States
Update Schedule: Quarterly reviews in 2026; annual reviews thereafter
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Alaska Minimum Wage – 2026 Quick Reference
- Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Alaska
- Current Minimum Wage Rates in Alaska 2026
- Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
- Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Alaska
- Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
- Employer Obligations and Enforcement
- Alaska Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
- Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Information Verification Log
Introduction
The minimum wage in Alaska establishes the lowest hourly compensation that employers must legally provide to covered employees. For 2026, Alaska maintains a minimum wage of $14.00 per hour effective July 1, 2026, with additional scheduled increases to $15.00 in 2027 and annual inflation adjustments thereafter. Alaska does not allow tip credits, meaning all employees—including those who receive tips—must be paid the full state minimum wage.
Minimum wage regulations in Alaska operate under Alaska Statute 23.10.065 alongside federal requirements established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). When state minimum wage rates exceed the federal standard of $7.25 per hour, employers must comply with the higher state rate. Following passage of Ballot Measure 1 in November 2024, Alaska’s minimum wage follows a legislative schedule of increases through 2027, after which it will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers in the Anchorage metropolitan area. Alaska does not permit local jurisdictions to enact separate minimum wage rates.
This page provides an authoritative overview of Alaska minimum wage law for 2026, including current rates, scheduled increases, tipped employee provisions, coverage and exemptions, enforcement procedures, and compliance requirements. All information is compiled from official government sources.
| Alaska Minimum Wage – 2026 Quick Reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Rate | Effective Date | Official Source |
| State minimum wage | $14.00/hour | July 1, 2026 | Alaska Statute 23.10.065 |
| Tipped minimum wage | $14.00/hour | July 1, 2026 | AS 23.10.065 |
| Tip credit allowed | No | — | AS 23.10.065(a) |
| Next scheduled increase | $15.00/hour | July 1, 2027 | Ballot Measure 1 |
| Rate adjustment mechanism | Scheduled through 2027, then CPI-indexed | Annual after 2027 | AS 23.10.065 |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25/hour | Ongoing | U.S. DOL |
| Local minimum wages | No | — | Alaska law |
| School bus driver minimum | $28.00/hour (2× minimum) | July 1, 2026 | AS 23.10.065(b) |
Last verified: February 11, 2026 via Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Alaska
Legal Authority
Alaska minimum wage requirements are established under Alaska Statute 23.10.065, part of the Alaska Wage and Hour Act (AS 23.10.050-23.10.150). The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces minimum wage regulations in Alaska. In November 2024, voters approved Ballot Measure 1, which established a schedule of minimum wage increases through 2027 and mandated annual inflation adjustments beginning in 2028.
Relationship to Federal Law
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum wage establishes a floor of $7.25 per hour for covered employers and employees. Alaska law operates independently of federal minimum wage standards, setting its own rates that exceed the federal minimum. When both state and federal minimum wage laws apply, employers must pay whichever rate is higher.
Because Alaska’s minimum wage of $14.00 per hour (effective July 1, 2026) substantially exceeds the federal minimum, most covered employers must comply with the state rate. Employers not subject to state minimum wage requirements but covered by federal law must comply with FLSA standards at the $7.25 federal rate.
Coverage Scope
Alaska minimum wage law applies to all employers and employees engaged in commerce or business within the state, with specific exemptions detailed in AS 23.10.055. The Alaska minimum wage applies to all hours worked in a pay period, regardless of how employees are compensated—whether by time, piece rate, commission, or other methods. Employers not subject to state minimum wage requirements but covered by federal law must comply with FLSA standards.
Higher Rate Principle
The principle of “higher prevailing rate” requires employers to pay the highest applicable minimum wage—whether federal or state. In Alaska, this means employers must pay the state minimum wage of $14.00 per hour when it exceeds the federal rate of $7.25 per hour. Unlike states with local minimum wage ordinances, Alaska maintains a uniform statewide rate, simplifying compliance for multi-location employers within the state.
Current Minimum Wage Rates in Alaska 2026
Standard Hourly Minimum Wage
As of July 1, 2026, the standard minimum wage in Alaska is $14.00 per hour for covered employees. This rate applies to all non-exempt employees working in Alaska, regardless of employer size or industry. The rate represents the second stage of increases established by Ballot Measure 1, which Alaska voters approved in November 2024.
Alaska adjusts its minimum wage according to a legislative schedule through July 1, 2027, when the rate will reach $15.00 per hour. Beginning January 1, 2028, the state will adjust the minimum wage annually based on the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers in the Anchorage metropolitan area (Urban Alaska CPI-U). The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development calculates and announces the adjusted rate each September 30 for the following calendar year.
Alaska law explicitly prohibits employers from applying tips or gratuities as a credit toward the minimum hourly wage. This means that unlike the federal system or many other states, Alaska employers must pay the full $14.00 per hour minimum wage before any tips are considered, ensuring tipped employees receive substantially higher total compensation than in tip credit states.
School Bus Driver Minimum Wage
Alaska law requires a higher minimum wage for school bus drivers. Under AS 23.10.065(b), persons employed as school bus drivers must receive at least two times the Alaska minimum wage. Effective July 1, 2026, school bus drivers must be paid a minimum of $28.00 per hour ($14.00 × 2).
This special rate recognizes the additional responsibilities and safety requirements associated with transporting students. The school bus driver minimum wage adjusts automatically whenever the standard Alaska minimum wage increases, maintaining the two-times multiplier.
| Scheduled Minimum Wage Increases | ||
|---|---|---|
| Alaska has enacted the following minimum wage increases under Ballot Measure 1: | ||
| Effective Date | Standard Rate | School Bus Driver Rate |
| July 1, 2025 | $13.00 | $26.00 |
| July 1, 2026 | $14.00 | $28.00 |
| July 1, 2027 | $15.00 | $30.00 |
These scheduled increases were established by Ballot Measure 1, which Alaska voters approved in the November 2024 election. Beginning January 1, 2028, the minimum wage will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers for the Anchorage metropolitan area. The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development calculates the adjusted rate each September 30 using 100 percent of the rate of inflation, with the new rate taking effect the following January 1.
Under Ballot Measure 1, Alaska’s minimum wage must also remain at least $2.00 higher than the federal minimum wage. If the federal minimum wage increases to a level where the differential would be less than $2.00, Alaska’s minimum wage will automatically adjust upward to maintain the $2.00 minimum differential.
Exempt Employee Salary Threshold
Employees who qualify for exemption from minimum wage and overtime requirements under AS 23.10.055(b) as bona fide executive, administrative, or professional employees must be compensated on a salary or fee basis at a rate of not less than two times the state minimum wage for the first 40 hours of employment each week.
Effective July 1, 2026, the minimum salary for exempt employees is:
- Weekly: $1,120 ($14.00 × 2 × 40 hours)
- Annual: $58,240 ($1,120 × 52 weeks)
This threshold increases automatically with scheduled minimum wage increases and annual CPI adjustments. Employers must verify that exempt employees meet both the salary threshold and the duties tests established under federal regulations at 29 C.F.R. § 541.
Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
No Tip Credit Allowed
Alaska does not permit employers to take a tip credit against minimum wage obligations. All employees, including those who receive tips, must be paid the full state minimum wage of $14.00 per hour (effective July 1, 2026) before any tips are considered.
According to Alaska Statute 23.10.065(a), “An employer may not apply tips or gratuities bestowed upon employees as a credit toward payment of the minimum hourly wage required by this section. Tip credit as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 as amended does not apply to the minimum wage established by this section.”
This means:
- Tipped employees receive $14.00 per hour as base compensation effective July 1, 2026
- All tips earned are additional compensation beyond the minimum wage
- Employers cannot use customer tips to satisfy minimum wage requirements
- Tips belong entirely to employees and cannot be retained by employers
Tipped Employee Rights
Under Alaska law, tips are defined as amounts of cash or amounts designated as a “tip” by a credit card customer that are determined and freely given by a customer in recognition of an employee’s service. Crucially, a tip must be freely given by the customer—mandatory service charges, gratuities, or other fees charged by the business are not considered tips under Alaska law.
Tip Ownership: All tips received by employees are the property of the employee. According to Alaska Department of Labor regulations, employers cannot keep any portion of tips, require employees to share tips with management, or deduct credit card processing fees from employee tips.
Tip Pooling: Alaska permits tip pooling arrangements among service employees who assist in providing service to customers. However, Alaska Department of Labor regulations prohibit employers from redistributing tipped employees’ tips to non-tipped employees or management personnel. Voluntary tip sharing among employees is permitted and common in many establishments.
Service Charges: Mandatory service charges, automatic gratuities, or other fees added to customer bills by the employer are not considered tips under Alaska law. Employers have complete discretion in how these charges are distributed and are not required to pass them to employees. If an employer chooses to distribute service charges to employees, these amounts are considered wages subject to all applicable wage and hour requirements.
Credit Card Tips: When customers pay tips via credit card, employers must pay out those tips to employees. Under Alaska regulations, employers may wait to pay credit card tips on the next regularly scheduled payday only if the employer provides the service employee a written accounting of accrued tips on each day that tips were given by the customer.
Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Alaska
Alaska law does not authorize cities and counties to enact their own minimum wage rates that differ from the state minimum wage. All employers in Alaska must comply with the uniform statewide rate of $14.00 per hour effective July 1, 2026.
Alaska has established a uniform statewide minimum wage system, preventing municipalities from establishing higher rates or imposing additional wage requirements beyond state law. No cities, counties, or boroughs in Alaska have enacted minimum wages exceeding the state rate. The $14.00 statewide rate (rising to $15.00 on July 1, 2027) applies uniformly across all jurisdictions, from Anchorage and Fairbanks to smaller communities throughout the state.
This uniform approach simplifies compliance for employers operating multiple locations within Alaska, as they need only track the single statewide rate rather than varying local requirements. However, employers with operations in multiple states must still monitor minimum wage requirements in each state where they employ workers.
Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
Employees Covered by Alaska Minimum Wage
Alaska minimum wage law covers all employers and employees engaged in commerce, business, or production of goods or materials in the state. Unless specifically exempted under AS 23.10.055, covered employees include:
- Private sector workers: Full-time and part-time employees of private businesses
- Salaried non-exempt employees: Employees paid on a salary basis who do not qualify for executive, administrative, or professional exemptions
- Hourly employees: Workers compensated on an hourly basis
- Piece-rate and commission employees: Workers compensated based on output or sales
- Temporary and seasonal workers: Employees hired for limited durations
- Minor employees: Workers under age 18, subject to specific hour and occupation restrictions under child labor laws
The Alaska minimum wage applies to all hours worked in a pay period, regardless of payment method. All actual hours worked multiplied by the Alaska minimum wage represents the minimum compensation an employee must receive unless a specific exemption clearly applies.
Exemptions from Minimum Wage Requirements
The following categories of employees are exempt from Alaska minimum wage requirements under AS 23.10.055:
Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employees
Employees performing bona fide executive, administrative, or professional duties may be exempt if they meet both salary and duties tests. For periods after July 1, 2026, exempt employees must receive a minimum salary of $1,120 per week ($58,240 annually), representing twice the minimum wage for 40 hours. Duties tests are defined according to federal regulations at 29 C.F.R. § 541.
Outside Sales Employees
Employees whose primary duty is making sales away from the employer’s place of business and who are customarily and regularly engaged away from the employer’s business location are exempt from minimum wage requirements.
Agricultural Workers
Individuals employed in agriculture, including farming in all its branches and horticultural commodities, are exempt from Alaska minimum wage requirements. This includes employment in cultivating and tilling the soil, dairying, producing and harvesting agricultural or horticultural commodities, and raising livestock, bees, fur-bearing animals, or poultry.
Government Employees
Individuals employed by the United States, State of Alaska, or local governments (political subdivisions) are exempt from Alaska minimum wage requirements. However, these employers typically establish wage schedules that meet or exceed minimum wage levels.
Nonprofit Organization Volunteers
Individuals engaged in nonprofit activities of nonprofit religious, charitable, cemetery, or educational organizations where services are provided on a voluntary basis and the employer-employee relationship does not exist are exempt.
Newspaper Delivery
Individuals engaged in the delivery of newspapers to consumers are exempt from minimum wage requirements.
Watchmen and Caretakers
Individuals employed solely as watchmen or caretakers of plants or properties not in productive use for four months or more are exempt.
Computer Professionals
Individuals employed as computer systems analysts, computer programmers, software engineers, or other similarly skilled workers may be exempt under specific conditions defined in Alaska regulations.
Student Learners
Student learners working under approved programs with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development may be paid at reduced rates. Departmental application and approval are required for this exemption.
Community Health Aides
Employees working as community health aides for local or regional health organizations as defined in AS 18.28.100 are exempt from minimum wage requirements.
Flat-Rate Mechanics
Mechanics primarily engaged in servicing automobiles, light trucks, and motor homes who are employed as flat-rate mechanics may be compensated under special provisions. They must be compensated for all hours worked at an hourly rate not less than the greater of 75 percent of their flat hourly rate or twice the state minimum wage, with time-and-a-half for hours exceeding eight per day or 40 per week.
Motor Vehicle Dealer Employees
Individuals employed by motor vehicle dealers whose primary duty is receiving, analyzing, or referencing requests for service, arranging financing for vehicle sales, or soliciting, selling, leasing, or exchanging motor vehicles may be exempt.
Voluntary Emergency Services
Individuals who provide emergency medical services, serve with full-time fire departments, or provide ski patrol services on a voluntary basis are exempt.
University of Alaska Practicum Students
Students participating in University of Alaska practicum programs described under AS 14.40.065 are exempt from minimum wage requirements.
Independent Contractors
Properly classified independent contractors are not employees and therefore not covered by minimum wage requirements. However, Alaska applies tests to determine independent contractor status, and misclassification may result in penalties, back wages, and other remedies. The Alaska Department of Labor investigates worker classification issues and may reclassify workers determined to be employees rather than independent contractors.
Small Employer Provisions
Unlike some states, Alaska does not provide blanket exemptions based on employer size. All employers, regardless of the number of employees or annual sales volume, must comply with Alaska minimum wage requirements if they employ covered workers. However, employers with fewer than four employees are exempt from Alaska overtime requirements under AS 23.10.060(d), though minimum wage obligations still apply.
Employers exempt from state minimum wage requirements but covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act must still pay at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Most employers in Alaska meet federal coverage requirements based on interstate commerce or annual gross sales exceeding $500,000.
Employer Obligations and Enforcement
Employer Compliance Requirements
Employers subject to Alaska minimum wage law must:
- Pay the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked, calculated by multiplying all hours worked in a pay period by the minimum wage rate
- Maintain accurate payroll records for at least three years, documenting employee names and addresses, hours worked each workday and workweek, wage rates, total wages paid each pay period, and all deductions from wages
- Display required posters informing employees of minimum wage rates and rights under Alaska labor law in a conspicuous location accessible to all employees
- Issue compliant wage statements each payday showing gross wages, deductions, and net pay
- Provide written notice of wage rates at the time of hire, including rate of pay, where payment will be received, and the established payday
- Notify employees of rate changes in writing no later than the payday before the change takes effect
Under AS 23.10.040, employers must establish regular paydays at least once per month. When terminating an employee, employers must pay all wages owed within three working days after termination. When an employee quits, wages must be paid by the next regular payday that is at least three working days after the last day worked.
Enforcement of Minimum Wage Law
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Wage and Hour Division enforces minimum wage requirements in Alaska. The agency:
- Investigates wage complaints filed by employees
- Conducts routine compliance inspections of employers
- Issues citations and orders for wage violations
- Collects unpaid wages and penalties on behalf of employees
- Refers cases for criminal prosecution when appropriate
- Provides education and outreach to employers and employees
Filing a Complaint: Employees who believe they have not been paid proper minimum wage may file a complaint with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development through:
- Online: Through the department’s wage claim process
- Phone: (907) 269-4900
- Email: statewide.wagehour@alaska.gov
- In person: At Wage and Hour offices in Anchorage (1251 Muldoon Road, Suite 113), Fairbanks, or Juneau
Alaska Statute 23.10.105 prohibits retaliation against employees who file wage complaints, cooperate with investigations, or testify in proceedings related to wage and hour violations. Employees who experience retaliation may file additional complaints and may be entitled to remedies including reinstatement and back pay.
Statute of Limitations: Claims for unpaid overtime or minimum wage must be filed within two years from the date the work was performed. Claims for straight-time wages or other promised benefits should be filed within three years from the date work was performed. Employees should file claims as soon as they become aware they may be owed additional wages.
Penalties for Minimum Wage Violations
Employers who violate Alaska minimum wage law may be subject to:
Back Wages: Under AS 23.10.110, employers must pay employees the difference between wages paid and the required minimum wage for all hours worked. The Alaska Department of Labor may take assignments of wage claims and bring legal actions to collect unpaid wages on behalf of employees.
Liquidated Damages: Alaska law authorizes liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid wages. This doubles the employer’s liability and compensates employees for delayed payment of earned wages.
Civil Penalties: Employers who willfully or repeatedly violate minimum wage requirements may be assessed administrative penalties by the Alaska Department of Labor. The amount of penalties varies based on the severity and frequency of violations.
Interest: Unpaid wages may accrue interest from the date wages were due until paid, increasing the employer’s total liability over time.
Additional Remedies: The Alaska Department of Labor may issue cease and desist orders, require employers to post notices of violations, and take other administrative actions to ensure compliance. Employers who violate AS 23.10.105 posting requirements or who hinder department investigations face additional penalties.
Criminal Penalties: Willful violations of Alaska wage and hour laws may result in criminal prosecution under state law, though such prosecutions are reserved for the most egregious cases involving intentional wage theft or repeated violations.
Private Right of Action: Employees may bring private lawsuits under AS 23.10.110(b) to recover unpaid minimum wages and liquidated damages. Employees who prevail in such actions may recover reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs.
Alaska Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
The Federal Minimum Wage Floor
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009. This federal rate sets a floor for minimum wage requirements nationwide and applies to employers engaged in interstate commerce or with annual gross sales exceeding $500,000. The FLSA also permits a tip credit allowing employers to pay tipped employees as little as $2.13 per hour if tips bring total compensation to at least $7.25 per hour.
When State Law Applies
Because Alaska’s minimum wage of $14.00 per hour (effective July 1, 2026, rising to $15.00 on July 1, 2027) substantially exceeds the federal minimum, most employees working in Alaska are entitled to the higher state rate. The federal minimum of $7.25 serves as a fallback only for the limited category of employers covered by federal but not state law.
Significantly, Alaska’s prohibition on tip credits means that tipped employees in Alaska receive $14.00 per hour as base compensation, compared to as little as $2.13 per hour in states that permit the maximum federal tip credit. This represents a substantial difference in compensation structure and total earnings for tipped workers.
Higher Applicable Rate Rule
The fundamental principle governing minimum wage compliance is that employers must pay whichever rate—federal or state—provides employees the highest hourly wage. This rule ensures workers receive maximum protection under applicable law.
Practical Application:
- Identify which minimum wage rates apply (federal and state)
- Determine which rates cover the specific employer and employee based on coverage provisions
- Pay the highest applicable rate
For most employers and employees in Alaska, the state minimum wage of $14.00 per hour clearly exceeds the federal rate of $7.25 per hour, making the state rate applicable. Employers should comply with state law requirements, including recordkeeping, posting, and payment timing rules, as these may differ from federal requirements.
Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
Alaska law requires employers to display an official minimum wage notice in a conspicuous location accessible to all employees. According to AS 23.10.105, employers must post a summary of the Alaska Wage and Hour Act, approved by the commissioner, in a conspicuous location where employees are working.
Where to obtain posters:
- Download from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development website
- Request printed copies by phone: (907) 269-4900
- Email requests to: statewide.wagehour@alaska.gov
- Available in English (additional languages may be available upon request)
Posting locations: The notice must be posted in each workplace location where employees can readily see it, typically near time clocks, in break rooms, or at other prominent locations where employees report for work or take breaks.
Compliance: Failure to display required posters constitutes a violation of AS 23.10.105 and may result in citations and penalties from the Alaska Department of Labor. Employers must update posters when minimum wage rates change. Given the scheduled increases on July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2027, employers should verify they have current posters reflecting these changes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Minimum Wage in Alaska 2026
What is the minimum wage in Alaska in 2026?
The minimum wage in Alaska is $14.00 per hour effective July 1, 2026. This rate applies to all covered employees regardless of employer size or industry. Alaska does not permit tip credits, so tipped employees must also receive $14.00 per hour before tips.
When is the next minimum wage increase in Alaska?
The next minimum wage increase in Alaska is scheduled for July 1, 2027, when the rate will rise to $15.00 per hour. Beginning January 1, 2028, the minimum wage will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers in the Anchorage metropolitan area.
Does Alaska allow tip credit?
No, Alaska does not allow tip credit. All employees, including those who receive tips, must be paid the full minimum wage of $14.00 per hour (effective July 1, 2026) before any tips are considered. Alaska Statute 23.10.065(a) explicitly states that tip credit as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act does not apply to Alaska’s minimum wage.
Are there different minimum wages in different cities in Alaska?
No, Alaska maintains a uniform statewide minimum wage of $14.00 per hour effective July 1, 2026. Local jurisdictions in Alaska have not enacted different rates. The statewide rate applies uniformly in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and all other communities throughout Alaska.
Who is exempt from minimum wage in Alaska?
Common exemptions from Alaska minimum wage include executive, administrative, and professional employees meeting salary and duties tests (minimum $1,120 weekly salary effective July 1, 2026), outside sales employees, agricultural workers, government employees, and individuals working for nonprofit organizations on a voluntary basis. Most hourly workers, including part-time employees, are covered and must receive the full minimum wage.
What happens if an employer pays below minimum wage in Alaska?
Employers who pay below minimum wage face back wage liability for the full amount of underpayment, liquidated damages equal to unpaid wages, and potential civil penalties. Employees can file complaints with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development at (907) 269-4900 or statewide.wagehour@alaska.gov. Alaska law prohibits retaliation against workers who report violations.
Do small businesses have to pay minimum wage in Alaska?
Yes, all employers in Alaska must pay minimum wage regardless of size. Even businesses with one employee must comply with the $14.00 hourly rate effective July 1, 2026. Employers with fewer than four employees are exempt from overtime requirements but must still pay minimum wage.
Is Alaska’s minimum wage higher than the federal minimum?
Yes, Alaska’s minimum wage of $14.00 (effective July 1, 2026) is $6.75 higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Employers in Alaska must pay the higher state rate. Additionally, Alaska prohibits tip credits while federal law permits them, providing substantially greater wage protection for tipped employees.
How often does Alaska increase its minimum wage?
Alaska follows a legislated schedule of minimum wage increases through July 1, 2027. The rate increases to $14.00 on July 1, 2026, and to $15.00 on July 1, 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028, Alaska will adjust its minimum wage annually based on inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers in the Anchorage metropolitan area. The Alaska Department of Labor calculates and announces the new rate each September 30.
What is the minimum wage for school bus drivers in Alaska?
School bus drivers in Alaska must be paid at least two times the standard minimum wage under AS 23.10.065(b). Effective July 1, 2026, school bus drivers must receive a minimum of $28.00 per hour. This rate adjusts automatically when the standard minimum wage increases.
How to file a minimum wage complaint in Alaska
Employees who believe they have not received proper minimum wage compensation may file a wage complaint with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Filing methods include:
- Phone: (907) 269-4900
- Email: statewide.wagehour@alaska.gov
- In-person: Wage and Hour offices in Anchorage (1251 Muldoon Road, Suite 113), Fairbanks, or Juneau
- Mail: P.O. Box 111149, Juneau, AK 99811
The Alaska Department of Labor will investigate complaints and may recover unpaid wages on behalf of employees. Alaska law prohibits employer retaliation against workers who file wage complaints or participate in investigations.
Do remote workers in Alaska get the Alaska minimum wage?
Generally, the minimum wage of the jurisdiction where the employee physically performs work applies. Remote workers physically located in Alaska while performing work are entitled to Alaska’s minimum wage of $14.00 per hour effective July 1, 2026, even if their employer is based in another state. Employers should consult the Alaska Department of Labor for guidance on specific remote work arrangements.
Information Verification Log
All information on this page has been compiled from official government sources and verified for accuracy as of the dates below.
| Source | Last Verified | Full URL |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Statute 23.10.065 | February 11, 2026 | https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#23.10.065 |
| Alaska Statute 23.10.055 (Exemptions) | February 11, 2026 | https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#23.10.055 |
| Alaska Department of Labor – Wage and Hour | February 11, 2026 | https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/whhome.htm |
| Alaska Department of Labor Press Release | February 11, 2026 | https://labor.alaska.gov/news/2025/news25-11.htm |
| Ballot Measure 1 (2024) | February 11, 2026 | https://www.elections.alaska.gov/petitions-and-ballot-measures/petition-status/petition_id/23amls/ |
| Alaska Wage and Hour FAQ | February 11, 2026 | https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/whfaq.htm |
| Summary of Alaska Wage and Hour Act | February 11, 2026 | https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/forms/Summary_of_Alaska_Wage_and_Hour_Act-01-2025.pdf |
| Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) | February 11, 2026 | https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage |