Depending on the time of year and where in the state you live, teens in Alaska may experience up to 19 hours of daylight. These long days certainly help Alaskan teenagers feel they can earn money while not missing out on time outdoors, especially during the summer. A part-time or summer job is a great opportunity for teenagers to not just earn their own money, but to gain valuable life experience.

Alaska Child Labor Laws

Teens in Alaska who are interested in pursuing paid employment can do so by the age of 14; in Alaska, a minor can begin to work at the age of 14 with an approved work permit. An approved work permit is required to be on file at the Alaska Department of Labor for all minors under the age of 17. If the employer is a restaurant and licensed to sell alcohol, than all minors 17 years of age must have a work permit on file as well. Click here for more information on teen labor laws in Alaska.

Child Labor Laws in Alaska For Minors Under 14

The Alaska Child Labor Law prevents children younger than 14 from working so “the health, morals, education, and welfare of children will be protected, and the abuse or unjust exploitation of children will be prevented.” Current Alaska Child labor law indicates that minors under the age of 14 may not be employed in any occupation except the following:

Domestic employment
Baby-sitting
Handiwork in private homes

Newspaper delivery or sales
Canneries casing cans under competent supervision
In the entertainment industry with an approved work permit from the Alaska Wage and Hour Administration.

Child Labor Laws in Alaska For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

Minors in this age group are allowed to work in a variety of occupations but remain restricted from hazardous job areas. Among the areas that they are prohibited from working are manufacturing, mining, and processing, commercial fishing boat (unless it is owned and operated by a parent), and in a cannery (without proper supervision). They are also prohibited from selling tobacco, tobacco products, or pull-tab lottery tickets.

A work permit is required prior to employment. The Child Labor Law outlines the restrictions for this age group, including,

When public school is in session:

May not work for more than a total of nine hours school attendance and employment in a single day
May not work more than 23 hours in a week
May not work more than six consecutive days

May work only between 5am and 9pm
Must have a 30-minute break when working at least five consecutive hours
May not work in an establishment that serves alcohol

When public school is not in session:

May work a maximum of eight hours per day

May work up to 40 hours in a week
May work only between 5am and 9pm
May not work more than six consecutive days

Must have a 30-minute break when working at least five consecutive hours
May not work in an establishment that serves alcohol

Child Labor Laws in Alaska For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

Those 16-17 are not allowed to work in manufacturing, mining, or processing. They may not work in an establishment that serves alcohol unless the employer has a restaurant designation and is licensed to sell alcohol, in which case an approved work permit from the Alaska Wage and Hour Administration must be on file. They are also prohibited from selling tobacco, tobacco products, or pull-tab lottery tickets.

A work permit is required prior to employment. The Child Labor Law details the guidelines, including,