Alaska Pay Period and Frequency Laws

Various labor laws and regulations are in effect across the United States. Some federal laws apply to all states, but no law is in place around pay period and frequency on a nationwide level. Explore the requirements around the schedule for paying employees in Alaska.

Does Alaska Have Pay Period and Frequency Laws That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, the state of Alaska has a pay frequency requirement whereas there are no federal laws regarding pay periods.

How Often Do Employers Need to Pay Employees in Alaska?

Alaska’s wage statute says employees must be paid at least monthly. Employees may decide if they want to be paid monthly or semi-monthly. 

Are There Designated Alaska Payday Limit Requirements?

There are no payday limit requirements.

How Long After a Pay Period Must Wage be Paid in Alaska?

Alaska has no legal requirements regarding pay timing.

What Are the Penalties to Employers for Late Paychecks in Alaska?

A penalty applies to late paychecks for terminated employees. If an employer violates the paycheck requirements listed below, they may be required to pay the employee’s regular wage or salary for the time from termination to the request, or up to 90 days, whichever is less. 

What Are the Paycheck Requirements for An Employee Whose Employment Has Been Terminated?

Alaska state law says terminated employees must be paid any wages owed no more than three working days after the last day of work (excluding weekends and holidays). Employees who quit must be paid on the next regular payday that is at least three working days after the final day of work.

Are There Any Municipalities or Cities in Alaska That Have Differing Pay Period or Pay Frequency Laws?

Pay period and frequency laws apply statewide.

Are There Any Other Laws in Alaska Regarding Pay Periods and Pay Frequency?

Upon hiring, employers must provide an employee in writing three items: day and place of pay and pay rate. Any change to these three must be given in writing before the next pay period.

For each pay period, employers in Alaska must provide a pay stub that includes the following information:

• Dates of the pay period
• Number of straight time and overtime hours worked
• Rate of pay
• Gross wages
• Deductions for taxes
• Other authorized deductions

Employers must also keep payroll records for at least three years.

Accurate hours are critical to accurate paychecks. An automated time and labor platform like WorkforceHub streamlines how you collect employee time data. Integrations with top payroll platforms ensure that employees receive the proper pay for hours worked. Plus, you can set up pay periods within the platform that comply with Alaska regulations.