Alaska Overtime Calculator 2026

Does Alaska Have Daily Overtime? (The 8-Hour Rule)

Yes, and it is one of the most strictly enforced daily overtime laws in the United States. Under Alaska state law (AS 23.10.060), employers must pay you time-and-a-half (1.5x) for any hours worked over 8 in a single day.

Unlike standard federal FLSA which only kicks in after 40 hours in a week, Alaska protects workers on long, gruelling shifts—common in local industries like fishing, oil, and logging.

"If you work a single 12-hour shift in Alaska and take the rest of the week off, your total weekly hours are only 12. However, under Alaska state law, you are still owed 4 hours of overtime pay."

A visual flowchart explaining the Alaska 8-hour overtime rule. It shows a worker clocking a 12-hour shift. The first 8 hours are shaded in blue as 'Regular Pay', and the final 4 hours are highlighted in bright red as '1.5x Overtime Pay', even though their total weekly hours are only 12. — Alaska's 8-hour rule ensures that long, exhausting shifts are always compensated at a premium rate, regardless of your weekly total.

The "Greater Of" Rule: Daily OT vs Weekly OT

In Alaska, employers must calculate your overtime using both the daily method (hours over 8) and the weekly method (hours over 40). However, the law prohibits "pyramiding" (getting paid double overtime for the exact same hour of work).

Instead, the employer must pay you whichever calculation results in the greater number of overtime hours. Our Alaska overtime calculator automatically compares your daily excess against a standard weekly overtime calculation and selects the one that puts the most money in your paycheck.

**Scenario: Working three 12-hour shifts (36 total hours)**
Calculation Method	Regular Hours	Overtime Hours (1.5x)
Standard Federal FLSA (Weekly > 40)	36 Hours	0 Hours
Alaska State Law (Daily > 8)	24 Hours	12 Hours (3 shifts x 4 OT hrs)

Exemption: The Alaska Flexible Work Hour Plan

There is a specific exemption to the 8-hour rule in Alaska. Employers and employees can voluntarily agree to a "Flexible Work Hour Plan" (often a 4-day, 10-hour schedule). If this written agreement is signed and filed with the Alaska Department of Labor, the daily 8-hour overtime rule is waived for those scheduled 10 hours.

If you have signed a flex plan, simply check the exemption box in our calculator above. It will bypass the daily rule and only calculate overtime if your total weekly hours exceed 40.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the overtime rule in Alaska?

Under Alaska state law (AS 23.10.060), employers must pay time-and-a-half (1.5x) for any hours worked over 8 in a single day, AND for any hours worked over 40 in a single workweek.

2. Do I get both daily and weekly overtime paid together?

No. You do not get double overtime for the same hours. Employers must calculate the overtime owed under the daily 8-hour rule, then calculate the overtime owed under the weekly 40-hour rule, and pay you whichever amount is greater.

3. What is an Alaska Flexible Work Hour Plan?

Alaska law allows employees to voluntarily agree to a "Flexible Work Hour Plan", commonly a 4-day, 10-hour schedule (4/10). If this agreement is signed and filed with the state, the daily 8-hour overtime rule is waived for those scheduled 10 hours.

4. Does Alaska have a higher minimum wage than the federal rate?

Yes. Alaska consistently maintains a higher minimum wage than the federal $7.25 rate, adjusting it annually for inflation. For 2026, ensure you are being paid at least the current Alaska state minimum.

Alaska Overtime Calculator (8-Hour Rule)