Resist Now Resist Now Built for Action Take Action

Alaska Minimum Wage 2026 and the $15 Raise

Alaska workers have earned at least $14.00 an hour since July 1, 2026. The rate rises to $15.00 next July under a 2024 ballot measure, and tips can never count toward it.

By Resist Now Published How we verify

Alaska Minimum Wage 2026

Alaska’s minimum wage is $14.00 an hour, in effect since July 1, 2026. It applies however a worker is paid, by the hour, the piece or commission (AS 23.10.065).

Key facts

  • The rate rises to $15.00 on July 1, 2027.
  • After that, it follows inflation in Anchorage each year, rounded up to the nearest 10 cents.
  • Employers may not count tips toward the minimum wage.
  • A full-time year at $14.00 is about $29,120 before taxes.
$14.00
Alaska minimum wage since July 1, 2026
$15.00
Alaska minimum wage from July 1, 2027
$7.25
Federal minimum wage

At $14.00, a full-time worker earns about $14,040 more a year than at the federal minimum, which applies only where a state sets no higher rate. Our minimum wage explainer compares every state.

Alaska Minimum Wage in 2027

On July 1, 2027, Alaska’s minimum wage rises $1.00 to $15.00 an hour, the last step written into the law. From then on, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development sets each new rate every September 30, based on Anchorage prices (AS 23.10.065).

Alaska's minimum wage schedule under AS 23.10.065

  1. July 1, 2025 $13.00 an hour The first step after the 2024 vote.
  2. July 1, 2026 $14.00 an hour The current rate.
  3. July 1, 2027 $15.00 an hour The last fixed step.
  4. After 2027 Inflation adjustment Set each September 30 and rounded up to the nearest 10 cents.

A full-time year at $15.00 comes to about $31,200.

Tipped Workers in Alaska

Alaska employers must pay tipped workers the full $14.00 an hour before tips. The law says an employer “may not apply tips or gratuities” as a credit toward the minimum wage (AS 23.10.065).

Alaska workers earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. At employers with 15 or more employees, that can reach 56 hours a year; at smaller employers, 40 hours (AS 23.10.066).

Alaska paid sick leave by employer size

Employer sizeHow leave buildsYearly cap
15 or more employees1 hour per 30 hours worked56 hours
Fewer than 151 hour per 30 hours worked40 hours

Source: Alaska Statutes 23.10.066

Alaska’s 2024 Wage Vote

Voters set this schedule through Ballot Measure 1 in November 2024, which passed 183,744 to 133,162, or 57.98% (Alaska Division of Elections, official results). The paid sick leave rules are in the same chapter of state law.

Alaska Minimum Wage Questions

What is the minimum wage in Alaska in 2026?

$14.00 an hour, in effect since July 1, 2026. It rises to $15.00 on July 1, 2027.

What happens to Alaska's minimum wage after 2027?

It follows inflation. Each September 30, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development sets the next rate from Anchorage prices, rounded up to the nearest 10 cents.

Can Alaska employers count tips toward the minimum wage?

No. Alaska law bars any tip credit, so tipped workers get the full $14.00 an hour before tips.

Does Alaska require paid sick leave?

Yes. Workers earn one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours a year at employers with 15 or more employees and 40 hours at smaller ones.

What You Can Do

  1. Check your pay stub against $14.00 an hour, and keep a record of your hours.
  2. File a wage claim with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Wage and Hour office if you are paid less.
  3. Track your sick leave at one hour for every 30 hours worked.
  4. Ask your members of Congress where they stand on the $7.25 federal minimum. Our letter-writing guide shows how.