Dealing With Unpaid Wages in Alaska
My employer hasn't paid me — here's what Alaska law says and what to do next.
Statute: Alaska Stat. § 23.05.140
Deadline: 3 days
Penalty: Employer may be liable for waiting time penalties equal to the employee's daily rate for each day wages remain unpaid, up to 90 days
What is dealing with unpaid wages?
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Your employer must pay you at least this amount for every hour you work. Many states and cities have higher minimum wages — you're entitled to whichever is higher.
Tipped employees have a lower federal minimum ($2.13/hr), but your tips plus wages must equal at least $7.25/hr. If they don't, your employer must make up the difference.
What to Do If Your Employer Pays Below Minimum Wage
Step 1: Know your rate. Check your state and city minimum wage — it's often higher than the $7.25 federal rate.
Step 2: Calculate your actual hourly pay. Divide your total weekly pay by total hours worked. If it's below the minimum, you have a claim.
Step 3: Document everything. Save pay stubs, schedules, and any records of hours worked.
Step 4: File a complaint. Contact the DOL Wage and Hour Division or your state's labor department. Many employment attorneys handle wage cases on contingency.
How Alaska differs from federal law
Alaska has a minimum wage higher than the federal level, with scheduled increases under Ballot Measure 1 (approved November 2024):
- $14.00/hr effective July 1, 2026, rising to $15.00/hr on July 1, 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028, the rate adjusts annually based on CPI for the Anchorage metropolitan area.
- Alaska does not allow a tip credit — tipped employees must be paid the full state minimum wage
- There is no separate youth or training wage in Alaska
- Ballot Measure 1 (2024) also established mandatory paid sick leave for Alaska workers
- No local jurisdictions have enacted higher minimums
Additional steps in Alaska
File wage complaints with the Alaska Department of Labor, Wage and Hour at (907) 269-4900 or labor.alaska.gov.
What you should NOT do
Don't accept illegal deductions. Your employer cannot deduct for cash register shortages, breakage, or uniforms if it would bring your pay below minimum wage.
Don't ignore tip credit violations. If you're a tipped employee and your tips + base pay don't reach $7.25/hr, your employer must pay the difference.
Don't sign away your rights. Any agreement to work for less than minimum wage is unenforceable under federal law.
Don't wait — the clock is ticking.
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Generate your unpaid wages →This page is general legal information for Alaska, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.