State of Alaska > DOLWD > Labor Standards & Safety > Wage and Hour Administration

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS--Ages 14 through 17

The CHILD LABOR LAWS protect your health and future welfare, and protect you from unsafe activities or exploitation while working.

Alaska Minimum Wage is $7.25 per hour for all hours worked, effective July 24, 2009. Effective January 1, 2010 the Alaska Minimum Wage will change to $7.75 per hour for all hours worked.

• Tips or gratuities may not be used to satisfy the minimum hourly wage.
• Tips belong to the employee and may not be taken by the employer.
  

Youth under 14 may not work except in:

• Newspaper sales and delivery, babysitting, handiwork and domestic employment in or about private homes.
• The entertainment industry as a performer, subject to regulation by the Department of Labor.**

Work Permit

• All minors 14, 15, 16 years of age must have a work permit. Some employers may also require permits for 17 year olds under federal law.
• A new work permit must be obtained for each new job.
• If the duties approved on a work permit change, it may no longer be valid.
• A parent or legal guardian authorizes a minor to work. If they revoke this authorization the work permit is invalid.

Youth 14/15 Years of Age May Work:

• Only between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. (under state law)**
• No more than six days per week.
• A total of nine hours of school and work combined in one day.
• A total of 23 hours per week outside of school hours (except for domestic work and babysitting).
• Not where alcoholic beverages are served.

Youth 16/17 years of Age May Work:

• No more than six days a week. (Some exemptions are allowed-call the nearest Wage and Hour Office).
• No other time or day requirements for this age employee.

Working Around Alcohol**

• Youth between 16 and 17 may not be employed where alcohol is served unless the employer has the appropriate license from the Alcohol Beverage Control Board.
• Youth between 16 and 17 must have written authorization, such as a work permit, to work on premises licensed to sell alcohol.

Benefits

• An employee under 18 years of age who is scheduled to work six consecutive hours is entitled to a 30-minute break during the work day.**
• A youth under 18 who works five consecutive hours is entitled to a 30-minute break before continuing to work.
• An employer is not required by law to pay for Holidays, Sick Leave or Vacation. These benefits may be offered as fringe benefits by the employer.

Be Aware

• Employers may raise or reduce an employee's pay with proper notice.
• An employee should keep records of the daily and weekly hours that s/he works.
• The employer must give employees written notice of their pay rate.
• An employee must receive a statement of earnings and deductions listing all deductions from his/her wages each pay day.
• An employee must be paid at least once a month.
• An employer may not make deductions for cash shortages.
• An employee is entitled to overtime if s/he works over eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week.**

Back to Wage and Hour Administration