How many hours can a 15 year old work in Alaska during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 15-year-old in Alaska can work up to 9 hr per day and 40 hr per week, time window 05:00 – 21:00.

Does a 15 year old need a work permit in Alaska?

Yes. Alaska requires a work permit for 15-year-olds. Every minor under 18 must obtain a Work Permit from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development before starting work. The minor's parent or guardian completes the application along with the employer's signed offer. Permits are job-specific and reissued for each new employer.

AK · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 15 year old do in Alaska?

Q: What jobs can a 15 year old do in Alaska?

Yes — a 15-year-old can work in Alaska with the following limits during the school year: 9 hr per school day, 23 hr per week, time window 05:00 – 21:00. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 15-year-olds in Alaska — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from Alaska state labor code.

Updated: 2026-05-26

Quick answer

Can a 15-year-old work?: Yes
Work permit: Required
Minimum work age: 14+

Legal work hours

Alaska sets different hour caps depending on whether school is in session.

During the school year

Hours per day: 9 hr
Hours per week: 23 hr
Time window: 05:00 – 21:00

Alaska caps combined school + work at 9 hours per day. School-week cap of 23 hours total. No work during school hours.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 9 hr
Hours per week: 40 hr
Time window: 05:00 – 21:00

Summer hours apply when school is not in session. 9-hour daily cap remains.

Common allowed jobs for a 15-year-old

General age-appropriate jobs under federal FLSA. Alaska adds its own restricted-occupations list below — check that before accepting any job.

Lifeguard at a non-elevated traditional swimming pool
Alaska mirrors the federal 15+ threshold; elevated pools, water parks, and natural water stay 16+. AK Work Permit still required.
Retail cashier or sales clerk (with AK Work Permit)
Counter food-service or drive-thru (no flame cooking)
Office or clerical work
Tutoring younger students
Park, recreation, or community-center program assistant
Hand-tool yard work for neighbors
Newspaper delivery on a regular route

Restricted in Alaska

All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17(29 CFR Part 570)
Operating power-driven meat-processing machines(HO-10)
Roofing operations and work on or about a roof(HO-16)
Commercial fishing and crab-pot retrieval for minors under 16(AS §23.10.350)
Sale or service of alcohol for minors under 21(AS §04.16.049)

Other ages in Alaska

Same age, other states

Read the full Alaska rules

This page summarizes the rules for 15-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

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