Alaska Overtime Laws
Alaska has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
8 hrs
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$13.00
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Hours over 8 in a day paid at 1.5x |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Outside salespeople
Important Notes
Alaska requires overtime for hours worked over 8 in a day AND over 40 in a week.
Minimum wage increased to $13.00 on July 1, 2025 due to Ballot Measure 1.
State Labor Department
Alaska Economy and Workforce
Alaska's economy produced $54.9 billion in real GDP in 2024, with oil and gas accounting for approximately 35% of the state's economic output. The fishing and seafood industry is the state's leading export category at $2.09 billion, while tourism employs one in eight Alaskan workers and generates $2.42 billion in direct visitor spending.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Alaska industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Oil and Gas
North Slope operations run continuously, with workers often on rotational schedules (2 weeks on, 2 weeks off) that involve extended daily hours. Oil field workers frequently exceed both daily and weekly overtime thresholds.
Fishing and Seafood Processing
Alaska produces 50% of U.S. salmon catch. During peak fishing seasons, cannery and processing workers often work 12-16 hour days to handle the catch before spoilage.
Healthcare
Remote locations and healthcare worker shortages lead to regular overtime for nurses and medical staff, especially in rural communities.
Tourism and Hospitality
The concentrated summer tourist season (May-September) creates intense demand, with hotel, cruise, and tour operation workers frequently logging overtime hours.
Construction
The short building season and major infrastructure projects drive overtime, with construction adding 1,100 jobs in 2024 due to North Slope oil and gas projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Alaska is one of the few states with daily overtime requirements. Employers must pay 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 8 in a single day AND over 40 in a single week, whichever results in higher pay for the employee.
No. Giving compensatory time off instead of overtime wages is not lawful in Alaska for private employers. You are entitled to overtime pay on your paycheck when you work overtime hours.
Yes. Employers with only 3 or fewer total employees can pay straight time for all hours worked. Once a business has 4 or more employees, overtime pay requirements apply.
How to File a Wage Claim in Alaska
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Gather documentation including timesheets, pay stubs, and records of hours worked.
File a wage claim with the Alaska Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Administration.
Submit your complaint online, by mail, or in person at the Anchorage office (1251 Muldoon Road, Suite 113).
A wage and hour investigator will review your claim and work with you and your employer toward resolution.
Contact the department at (907) 269-4900 or [email protected] for assistance.
Important Alaska Consideration
Alaska requires salaried exempt employees to earn at least 2 times the state minimum wage for 40 hours per week. As of July 1, 2025, this means exempt employees must earn at least $1,040 per week ($54,080 annually), which is significantly higher than the federal threshold of $684 per week.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.