Alaska Paid Sick Leave Laws

Various states, cities, and municipalities have enacted legislation requiring employers to provide paid time off (PTO) for employees to use when they are sick. Learn more about this type of leave, called paid sick leave, and what’s required in the state of Alaska.

What is Paid Sick Leave?

Paid sick leave is a benefit that allows employees to take time off from work due to illness, injury, or other health-related issues without foregoing pay. The purpose of paid sick leave is to ensure that employees can recover from illness without the financial pressure of losing income. It also helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases in the workplace by encouraging sick employees to stay home.

There are no federal laws in place that mandate the provision of paid sick leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows qualified employees to take unpaid leave for certain health conditions.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) enacted temporary requirements for certain employers, granting up to two weeks of paid sick leave to employees who couldn’t work due to COVID-19 (diagnosis, symptoms, required quarantine, etc.) However, this legislation expired at the end of 2020.

Does Alaska Have Paid Sick Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Paid Sick Leave Laws?

In November 2024,  Ballot Measure 1 was passed by a majority of voters, requiring applicable Alaska employers to provide paid sick leave to eligible employees. It went into effect July 1, 2025. On January 1, 2026, final rules went into effect that further clarified the paid sick leave law. The information below reflects the final regulations.

Employers must include the current paid sick leave balance and any paid sick leave used during the current accrual year on all pay stubs.

Are There Requirements to be Eligible for Paid Sick Leave in Alaska?

Employers operating in Alaska must provide paid sick leave to most employees. Exceptions are listed below.

Employers must include the following information on a written notice provided to employees at the time of hire or at the start of the accrual year:

• Entitlement to paid sick leave
• Accrual rate for paid sick leave
• Authorized reasons for using paid sick leave
• Requirements around providing notice or verifying the use of paid sick leave
• A notice that retaliation by the employer against an employee using paid sick leave is prohibited by state law

Is There a Minimum Amount of Paid Sick Time Required in Alaska?

The accrual rate for paid sick leave in Alaska is 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. Employees must be able to accrue 40 hours per year (small employers with fewer than 15 employees) or 56 hours per year (employers with 15+ employees).

What Can PSL be Used for in Alaska?

Employees may use their paid sick leave to attend to their own injury or illness, or to care for a family member. They may also use it for seeking care or legal assistance related to stalking, domestic violence, or sexual assault.

Is Paid Sick Leave Required to be Carried Over Each Year in Alaska?

An eligible employee may carry over up to 40 hours (small employer) or 56 hours (employers with 15+ employees) of paid sick leave from year to year. If an employer frontloads the full amount of paid sick leave at the start of the accrual year, carryover is not required.

Employers may establish consecutive 52-week periods as accrual years (does not have to be a calendar year).

Is Paid Sick Leave (PSL) Different from Paid Time Off (PTO) in Alaska?

Yes, paid sick leave is a requirement under Ballot Measure 1. Paid time off is a voluntary benefit for employers to offer.

Common Alaska Paid Sick Leave Laws FAQs

How much paid sick leave am I entitled to take and be paid for in Alaska?

Eligible employees are entitled to earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 (small employers) or 56 hours (employers with 15+ employees) per year.

Does paid sick leave apply to all employees who work in Alaska?

Some exceptions apply (see below).

Which employees are exempt or partially exempt from the paid sick leave law in Alaska?

The following workers are exempt from the paid sick leave law:

• Minors (under age 18) working fewer than 30 hours per week
• Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement that waives the right to sick leave
• Apprentices receiving minimum wage exemptions
• Employed prisoners
• Student learners (approved by the Commissioner of the Department)
• Work therapy patients at residential alcoholism or residential drug abuse programs
• Seasonal employees of non-profit residential summer camps
• Employees in domestic service, aquaculture, and agriculture
• Federal and state government employees

Do I have to notify my employer before taking sick leave in Alaska?

The requirement to notify an employer before taking sick leave is based on company policy.

Can I be disciplined for taking a sick day or using paid sick leave in Alaska?

An employer is not permitted to deny an employee’s use of sick leave, penalize an employee for using sick leave, or require an employee to arrange coverage for their missed shift. However, employees found to be misusing paid sick leave or violating company rules may face discipline.

WorkforceHub, a time and labor platform, can help your company manage any requirements associated with accruals. Learn more and try it for free today.

Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Ballot Measure 1 FAQ

Alaska Paid Sick Leave Final Legislation