Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in Alaska
What is the minimum age to be employed in Alaska? The legal age to work in Alaska is 14, but governed by state and federal child labor laws and varies based on:
- The type of work (e.g., agricultural or non-agricultural)
- Whether the job is considered hazardous or has prohibited duties.
- Whether school is in session.
- The legal status of the minor (e.g., emancipated minors).
- Whether the job is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
According to Federal Law (FLSA), a minor must be at least 14 years old to work for an employer (e.g. retail stores, food service establishments and gasoline service stations), with an exception for minors working for a parent or legal guardian who owns the business. This is the reason why you will never see job postings for children under the age of 14.
Age Restrictions
- None: For: Newspaper sales and delivery. Babysitting, handiwork and domestic employment in or about private homes. Occupations in the entertainment industry, with an approved work permit from the Alaska Wage and Hour Administration.
- 14: No dangerous or hard work; Maximum 9 hours per day (school + working); Working is prohibited from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. ; Maximum 23 working hours per week; During school vacations, work hours will be limited to 40 hours per week between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
- 16: All minors 16 and under must have a work permit on file with the department. If the employer has a restaurant designation and is licensed to sell alcohol, then all minors 17 years of age must also have an approved work permit
- 18: Unrestricted
- 19: Selling tobacco or tobacco products
- 21: Selling, stocking or serving alcoholic beverages.
Minimum age to drive motor vehicles (cars and small trucks) on public roads as part of jobs is basically 17 years old, with certain requirements.
Minimum age to serve and bartend alcohol in Alaska:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Bartend | 21 | 21 | 21 |
Work Hours
See federal law
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for minors ages 14 and 15:
6-day week school day/week: 9 (Combined hours of work and school) - 23
Nightwork prohibited for minors ages 14 and 15:
9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for ages 16 and 17:
6-day week
Nightwork prohibited for ages 16 and 17:
Not regulated
Work Permit
Under 17 must have an approved work permit (https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/forms/workpermit.pdf). Youth 16 and 17 years old must have an approved work permit to work on premises licensed to sell alcohol. Age certificate is not issued.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in Alaska is $10.34. FLSA allow employers to pay a youth minimum wage of not less than $4.25 an hour to employees who are under 20 years of age during the first 90 consecutive calendar days after initial employment.