Alaska Overtime Laws

  Alaska provides stronger overtime protections for employees than many other states, thanks to the Alaska Wage and Hour Act (AWHA). This law goes beyond federal standards set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), ensuring fairer compensation for overtime work.

Key Features of Alaska Overtime Law:

  • Daily Overtime: Unlike federal law, Alaska requires overtime pay for hours worked over 8 in a single day, not just for exceeding 40 hours in a week.
  • Overtime Rate: Overtime is calculated at 1.5 times the regular rate of pay for hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week.
  • Enforcement: The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD) actively investigates and enforces state overtime laws.

Need Help?

  If you believe your employer has violated Alaska overtime laws, it’s essential to seek legal counsel. Our experienced overtime attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue a claim for unpaid wages.

Minimum Wage in Alaska:

  Alaska’s minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage. In 2024, it was $11.73 per hour, and it’s set to increase to $11.91 in 2025. The state adjusts its minimum wage annually based on the consumer price index for the Anchorage metropolitan area.

Statute of Limitations for Overtime Claims:

  Under the Alaska Wage and Hour Act (AWHA), the statute of limitations for unpaid overtime claims is 2 years. Unlike federal law, there’s no provision to extend this period for willful violations.

Overtime Exemptions in Alaska:

  Alaska does not automatically adopt FLSA exemptions. Courts in Alaska make independent determinations on exemption issues, potentially providing broader coverage for employees compared to federal standards.

Key Points:

            • Alaska does not automatically follow federal overtime exemptions.
            • Alaska courts conduct independent reviews of exemption claims.
            • This can lead to broader overtime protection for Alaska workers.
            • Employees misclassified under federal law may still be entitled to overtime in Alaska.