Hourly Minimum Wage in Alaska

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The state-wide minimum wage for Alaska is $10.85 per hour as of January 01, 2023.

View all Alaska minimum wage values

Hourly Minimum Wage for Alaska and neighboring states in 2023

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Alaska minimum wage rate is $10.85 per hour in 2023. Workers receive a higher minimum wage in Alaska that exceeds the Federal Minimum Wage of $7.25. The Alaska minimum wage applies to most employees, with limited exceptions, including certain tipped employees, students or part-time workers, and other exempt occupations. The top 5 minimum wage states in the U.S. are District of Columbia, Washington, California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour and has not increased since 2009. Demand for a living wage that is fair to workers is rising. In response to this rising demand, numerous states, cities, and other localities have already enacted or will change minimum wage levels. In the few states with no established minimum wage, the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour will continue to apply.
Based on local legislation, many states have already enacted minimum wage increases or approved increases due for implementation at a future date.
These ever-changing laws, effective dates, and methodologies result in minimum wages that may change at different times or differ dramatically within a state or region. Minimum wage changes can be triggered for a location when these pre-determined conditions change and require careful monitoring to ensure compliance to the latest wage levels.
Salary.com continuously tracks all these complex changes. We can help to keep you informed about future changes and stay up to date on the latest minimum wage levels in your essential locations. Show me more data to view U.S. state minimum wages for future years.

Browse Minimum Wage by Year, and Forecast Minimum Wage Increase Trends in Alaska

The minimum wages in some states are higher than the federal minimum wage in 2023, including District of Columbia, Washington, California, Connecticut, and others. Many of the minimum wage increases were effective on January 01, 2023. Some states have effective dates occurring at different months of the year. Check the chart to stay up to date on the hourly minimum wage in Alaska.
View upcoming minimum wage changes to be on top of future changes to the minimum wage in your location.
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Hourly Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees in Alaska

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The tipped minimum wage is the lowest amount employers can pay an employee in occupations such as a bartender or server, that regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips. In some states, the tipped minimum wage may be lower than the non-tipped minimum wage because employers can claim a tip credit.
It is important to note that the tipped minimum wage can vary depending on where your business is and the size of the business. In some states, the tipped minimum wage is equal to the overall minimum wage for that state. In some locations, the federal tipped minimum wage applies. In other locations, the state-tipped minimum wage is set above the federal minimum. Tipped minimum wages may vary from state to state and can be frequently adjusted, making it essential to stay informed about the latest wage levels.
In Alaska, the tipped minimum wage is the same as the state minimum wage. It may be subject to adjustment based on other criteria, such as the size of the business.
See tipped data learn more about tipped and non-tipped minimum wage in Alaska.

What is the minimum wage in Alaska in 2023?

Alaska minimum wage in 2021: US$10.34 (effective January 1, 2021)

Alaska minimum wage in 2020: US$10.19

Alaska minimum wage in 2000: US$5.65 ($8.70 after inflation adjustment)

Alaska minimum wage in 1980: US$3.60 ($12.06 after inflation adjustment)

People's Opinions on Minimum Wage in Alaska

In addition to any Alaska-specific minimum wage exemptions described above, the Federal Fair Labor Standards act defines special minimum wage rates applicable to certain types of workers.

09/21/2021

Also, certain exempt employees must be paid on a salary basis of not less than twice the current Alaska minimum wage based on a 40-hour work week in order to maintain their exempt status.

08/15/2021

An employer is required to submit an application with Alaska’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development to receive permission to pay student learners less that the standard minimum wage.

08/10/2021

The least an employer can pay an employee is equal to all actual hours worked in a pay period multiplied by the Alaska minimum wage, unless an employer can demonstrate a specific exemption.

08/06/2021

Alaska minimum wage laws allow employers to pay less than minimum wage to individuals impaired by physical or mental deficiency, age, or injury that otherwise limits their ability to perform work.

08/03/2021

In addition employees that are exempt must be paid on a salary basis of not less than twice the current Alaska minimum wage, based on a 40 hour work week to keep their exemption status.

07/30/2021

To be able to pay an individual with a disability less than minimum wage, an employer must file an application with Alaska’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development and receive approval.

07/29/2021

The reason behind the small increases to Alaska’s minimum wage each year is because they adjust their minimum wage (Alaska law) based on inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

07/25/2021

If the minimum wage determined under Section 3 is less than one dollar over the federal minimum wage, the Alaska minimum wage shall be set at one dollar over the federal minimum wage.

07/04/2021

Alaska minimum wage laws permit employers to require employees to participate in tip or gratuity pools, subject to the rules and regulations established under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

06/28/2021

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Minimum Wage by State in 2023