Alaska Minimum Wage 2026

Current minimum wage rate: $11.91/hour. Tipped employee rate, annual salary equivalent, and your rights as a Alaska worker.

Last updated: April 2026 · Data: IRS, BLS, state sources

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. Minimum wage rates change. Always verify the current rate with the Alaska Department of Labor or official state sources.

Alaska Minimum Wage at a Glance

CategoryRate (2026)
Standard Minimum Wage$11.91/hour
Tipped Employee Cash Wage$11.91/hour
Federal Minimum Wage$7.25/hour
Annual Equivalent (40 hrs/week)$24,773/year
Tipped Annual Equivalent$24,773/year (cash wages only)

Alaska vs. Federal Minimum Wage

Alaska sets its own minimum wage of $11.91/hour, which is $4.66 above the federal minimum of $7.25/hour.

Alaska does not permit tip credits. All employees receive the full minimum wage.

The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour has not changed since 2009. States with higher minimums provide greater worker protections. When state and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the higher rate.

Tipped Employee Rules in Alaska

Tipped employees in Alaska have a cash minimum wage of $11.91/hour. No tip credit allowed -- tipped employees earn full minimum wage.

Since Alaska does not allow tip credits, employers must pay the full minimum wage regardless of tips received.

Tipped employees must be informed of the tip credit before it is applied. Employers who take a tip credit must allow employees to keep all tips, except in valid tip pool arrangements.

Minimum Wage Exemptions

Certain workers may be paid less than the standard minimum wage under federal or state exemptions:

  • Youth minimum wage: The federal government allows employers to pay workers under 20 years old $4.25/hour for the first 90 days of employment. Some states do not follow this rule.
  • Student workers: Full-time students working in certain industries may be paid 85% of the minimum wage under federal law, with a special certificate from the Department of Labor.
  • Workers with disabilities: Under Section 14(c) of the FLSA, employers with special certificates may pay workers with disabilities subminimum wages. Many states have eliminated this practice.
  • Apprentices: Some states allow reduced wages for apprentices during a training period.

Minimum Wage Annual Income Comparison

Hours per WeekWeeks per YearAnnual Income at $11.91/hr
20 (part-time)52$12,386
3052$18,580
40 (full-time)52$24,773
40 (full-time)50 (2 wks unpaid)$23,820

Alaska Minimum Wage Calculator

Use our free minimum wage calculator to compute annual income, overtime pay, and take-home pay estimates for Alaska workers.

Open Alaska Minimum Wage Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Alaska in 2026?

The Alaska minimum wage in 2026 is $11.91/hour. This is $4.66 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Working 40 hours per week at this rate earns approximately $24,773 per year before taxes.

What is the minimum wage for tipped workers in Alaska?

Tipped employees in Alaska may be paid a cash minimum wage of $11.91/hour. No tip credit allowed -- tipped employees earn full minimum wage. If tips do not bring the employee's total hourly compensation to $11.91/hour, the employer must pay the difference.

Is Alaska minimum wage going up?

Alaska does not permit tip credits. All employees receive the full minimum wage. Check the Alaska Department of Labor website for the most current rate information, as minimum wages frequently change through legislation or automatic inflation adjustments.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal, or professional advice. Data is sourced from IRS publications, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and official state sources as of April 2026. Always consult a qualified licensed professional before making financial or legal decisions.