United States · Alaska · Minimum wage
Alaska minimum wage 2027.
The Alaska minimum wage for 2027, what changed from 2026 and what it pays by the week, month and year.
Short answer: Alaska's minimum wage is $14.00 an hour through June 30, 2027, and rises to $15.00 an hour on July 1, 2027. Unlike most states, the 2027 change comes in the middle of the year, so a worker's 2027 pay rate depends on the date. Effective: July 1, 2027.
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The Alaska minimum wage in 2027
Alaska's minimum wage is $14.00 an hour through June 30, 2027, and rises to $15.00 an hour on July 1, 2027. Unlike most states, the 2027 change comes in the middle of the year, so a worker's 2027 pay rate depends on the date.
| Period | Minimum wage |
|---|---|
| January 1 to June 30, 2026 | $13.00 |
| July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 | $14.00 |
| From July 1, 2027 | $15.00 |
| From January 1, 2028 | Adjusted each year for inflation |
What changed from 2026
The 2027 increase is $1.00, from $14.00 to $15.00, effective July 1, 2027. In the first half of 2027 the rate does not change. After July 1, 2027 the minimum wage is adjusted annually for inflation, starting January 1, 2028, according to the state labor department.
Exempt salary floor and mid-year pay
Salaried executive, administrative and professional employees who are exempt under Alaska Statute 23.10.055(b) must earn a salary equal to twice the minimum wage for the first 40 hours worked. The 2025 release put that at $1,040 a week when the minimum was $13.00, so at $15.00 the same rule gives $1,200 a week (that figure is calculated here from the rule, not quoted from a 2027 notice). For payroll that straddles July 1, pay hours before July 1 at $14.00 and hours from July 1 at $15.00.
How the rate is set
Ballot Measure 1, which Alaska voters passed in November 2024, set the schedule: $13.00 on July 1, 2025, $14.00 on July 1, 2026 and $15.00 on July 1, 2027. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development says the minimum wage applies to all hours worked in a pay period, however the employee is paid, whether by time, piece or commission, and the minimum pay equals actual hours worked multiplied by the minimum wage unless an exemption clearly applies.
Worked example (2027)
A full-time worker at the Alaska 2027 minimum of $15.00 an hour, 40 hours a week, earns $600.00 a week, $1,200.00 every two weeks, $2,600.00 a month and $31,200.00 a year (2,080 hours) before tax. Because the rate steps up on July 1, calendar 2027 at 40 hours a week is 26 weeks at $14.00 plus 26 weeks at $15.00, which is $30,160.00 (the 26 and 26 week split is an assumption of this page). Part-time at 25 hours a week is $375.00 a week and $19,500.00 a year.
Common mix-ups
- Alaska's 2027 increase is not on January 1. The rate changes on July 1, 2027, so the first six months of the year stay at $14.00.
- The $15.00 rate is not the end of the schedule. After July 1, 2027 the rate is adjusted for inflation each January 1, starting in 2028.
- A salary is not automatically exempt from the minimum. Exempt salaried employees must earn twice the minimum wage for the first 40 hours, so the floor rises with the rate.
- Annual pay at the new rate is not 2027 pay. Calendar 2027 pay at 40 hours a week blends both rates and is below the annual figure at $15.00.
Method
The converter multiplies the hourly rate by your hours per week for weekly pay, doubles it for two weeks, multiplies by 52 weeks (2,080 hours at 40 a week) for annual pay and divides the annual figure by 12 for a month. It is gross pay before tax. The calendar 2027 line assumes 26 weeks at each rate. Figures were read from the sources below on November 9, 2026.
What this does not cover
- Overtime, which is a separate rule, and unpaid time off.
- Local minimum wages that are higher than the state rate. Check the city or county where the work is done.
- Special rates for students, trainees, small employers or other exemptions not named on this page.
- Taxes and deductions: Alaska pay here is gross pay before tax.
Figures read from the sources below on November 9, 2026. Last updated November 9, 2026.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Alaska in 2027?
Alaska's minimum wage is $14.00 an hour until June 30, 2027 and $15.00 an hour from July 1, 2027, under Ballot Measure 1.
When does the Alaska minimum wage go up to $15.00?
On July 1, 2027, according to the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Will Alaska's minimum wage rise with inflation?
Yes. After July 1, 2027 it will be adjusted annually for inflation starting January 1, 2028.
How much does a full-time worker earn at $15.00 in Alaska?
At 40 hours a week for 52 weeks, $31,200 a year before tax, or $600 a week.
How much is calendar year 2027 pay with the July 1 step?
For 40 hours a week, 26 weeks at $14.00 and 26 weeks at $15.00 comes to $30,160.00 before tax.
What salary do exempt employees need in Alaska?
Twice the minimum wage for the first 40 hours: $1,040 a week at $13.00 per the 2025 release, which works out to $1,200 a week at $15.00.
Where is the official notice?
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development press release 25-11, linked in the sources section.
Not legal advice
This page is general information from an unofficial guide, not legal, payroll or tax advice. Wage laws change and exemptions apply to some workers. Confirm the rate with the state labor agency before you set pay. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.