Alaska HR laws for employers (2026)
The Alaska rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Alaska employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $14.00 per hour |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | Full minimum wage, no tip credit. |
| Overtime | Yes: 1.5x pay after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Overtime rules do not apply to employers with 3 or fewer employees; an approved voluntary flexible plan allows 10-hour days. |
| Final pay when fired | Within three working days after termination (not counting the termination day, weekends, or holidays). |
| Final pay when an employee quits | By the next regular payday that is at least three days after the employer receives the resignation notice. |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Not required unless the employer has promised it by policy or agreement; the state enforces the employer's own rules. |
| Paid sick leave | Yes, since July 1, 2025: 1 hour per 30 hours worked; accrual and use capped at 40 hours/year (fewer than 15 employees) or 56 hours/year (15 or more). Unused leave carries over. |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees (minors 14-17 get a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours). |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement; breaks the employer allows that are under 20 minutes must be paid. |
Minimum wage note: Rose from $13.00 (July 1, 2025) to $14.00 on July 1, 2026 under Ballot Measure 1. Scheduled to rise to $15.00 on July 1, 2027, then adjust annually for inflation starting January 1, 2028. No local minimum wages.
Other Alaska rules to know
- Salary threshold for exempt employees is $1,120/week from July 1, 2026, rising to $1,200/week on July 1, 2027.
- Employers may request a doctor's note only for sick absences longer than three consecutive workdays.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Alaska in 2026?
$14.00 per hour, effective July 1, 2026. Rose from $13.00 (July 1, 2025) to $14.00 on July 1, 2026 under Ballot Measure 1. Scheduled to rise to $15.00 on July 1, 2027, then adjust annually for inflation starting January 1, 2028. No local minimum wages.
When is a final paycheck due in Alaska?
If the employer ends employment: Within three working days after termination (not counting the termination day, weekends, or holidays). If the employee quits: By the next regular payday that is at least three days after the employer receives the resignation notice.
Does Alaska require paying out unused vacation?
Not required unless the employer has promised it by policy or agreement; the state enforces the employer's own rules.
Is paid sick leave required in Alaska?
Yes, since July 1, 2025: 1 hour per 30 hours worked; accrual and use capped at 40 hours/year (fewer than 15 employees) or 56 hours/year (15 or more). Unused leave carries over.
Sources
HR laws in other states
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.