How many hours can a 16 year old work in Alaska during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 16-year-old in Alaska can work up to No state limit per day and No state limit per week, time window No state limit.

Does a 16 year old need a work permit in Alaska?

Yes. Alaska requires a work permit for 16-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 16 year old do in Alaska?

Q: What jobs can a 16 year old do in Alaska?

Yes — a 16-year-old can work in Alaska with the following limits during the school year: No state limit per school day, No state limit per week, time window No state limit. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 16-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 16-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: No state limit
Hours per week: No state limit
Time window: No state limit

No state hour or time-of-day restriction on 16-17-year-olds. Federal FLSA hazardous-occupation rules still apply.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: No state limit
Hours per week: No state limit
Time window: No state limit

Common allowed jobs for a 16-year-old

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

Cooking and baking with grills and deep fryers (with AK Work Permit)
Distinctive Alaska rule: 16-17-year-olds still need an AK Work Permit issued by AK DOL Wage and Hour Administration under AS § 23.10.350. Alaska's hour cap for 16-17 follows the federal floor (no daily/weekly cap) but the permit requirement extends through 17.
Lifeguard at any pool, water park, or beach (with certification)
Cashier, sales associate, or stocker at any retail establishment (non-alcohol)
Distinctive Alaska rule: AS § 04.16.049 sets the minimum age to sell, serve, or be employed in places that sell or serve alcoholic beverages at 21 — well above the typical 18 floor in most states. 16-year-olds may stock and cashier non-alcohol retail but cannot work in any bar, restaurant, or store where alcohol is sold or served until 21.
Office assistant, receptionist, or data-entry clerk
Park, recreation, and camp staff
Warehouse jobs without power-driven hoists (HO-7) or forklifts
Hotel and hospitality front-of-house roles (no alcohol-licensed premises)

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 16-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

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