Alaska · updated 2026-10
Alaska Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek and after 8 hours a day.
Overtime
8h / day · 40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek and after 8 hours a day.
AS 23.10.060 sets 1.5x after 8 hours/day and after 40 hours/week. Daily overtime hours are not counted again toward the weekly 40. Does not apply to employers with fewer than 4 employees (they follow the FLSA's 40/week only). An approved voluntary flexible work-hour plan, filed with the department, allows up to 10 hours/day and 40/week before overtime. Other exemptions include agriculture, seafood processing, hospital medical staff and seamen.
Meal break
Not required
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Alaska; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Rest breaks
Not required
Alaska law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$14.00
$14.00 an hour (since 2026-07-01). Ballot Measure 1 (2024) schedule: $15.00 on 2027-07-01, then indexed to inflation from 2028. No tip credit: tipped workers get the full rate. School bus drivers must get 2x minimum wage.
Alaska time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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Alaska pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Alaska?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek and after 8 hours a day. AS 23.10.060 sets 1.5x after 8 hours/day and after 40 hours/week. Daily overtime hours are not counted again toward the weekly 40. Does not apply to employers with fewer than 4 employees (they follow the FLSA's 40/week only). An approved voluntary flexible work-hour plan, filed with the department, allows up to 10 hours/day and 40/week before overtime. Other exemptions include agriculture, seafood processing, hospital medical staff and seamen.
Are lunch breaks required in Alaska?
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Alaska; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Are rest breaks required in Alaska?
Alaska law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in Alaska?
$14.00 an hour (since 2026-07-01). Ballot Measure 1 (2024) schedule: $15.00 on 2027-07-01, then indexed to inflation from 2028. No tip credit: tipped workers get the full rate. School bus drivers must get 2x minimum wage.
Workers under 18 in Alaska
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Alaska teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Wage and Hour Administration.