According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Alaska is $35.65. Wages vary by occupation, industry, and location.
A guide to hourly labor laws in Alaska
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Adults: No state or federal law requiring meal breaks. Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bona-fide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. § 785.19) (DoL).
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Minors: Employees under 18 who work 5+ hour shifts earn a 30+ minute break. Minors scheduled for 6+ hour shifts earn a 30+ minute break.
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Termination: Within three working days.
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Resignation: By the next regular payday, at least three days after resignation (Alaska Stat. § 23.05.140).
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School holiday: 40 hours per week up to six days per week.
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School session: Nine hours per day of school and work combined; maximum three hours worked per week.
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Hours: Between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
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Location restrictions: Children under 16 are barred from working in establishments that serve alcohol.
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Federal law: Limits children under 16 to three hours per day on school days and eight hours per day on non-school days, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Work times are extended until 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day. (29 C.F.R. 570.35) (FLSA).
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
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