No, child labor under 14 is not legal in Alaska under state or federal law. Alaska aligns with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which prohibits employment for minors under 14 except in limited exemptions like babysitting or newspaper delivery. Violations trigger enforcement by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Alaska
- Employment Ban: Minors under 14 cannot work in any non-exempt occupation, per Alaska Stat. § 23.10.350 and 29 C.F.R. § 570.35. Exemptions include casual babysitting, delivering newspapers, or working for parents in family-owned businesses.
- Work Permit Requirements: Minors aged 14–17 must obtain a work permit from the DOLWD before employment, though permits are unavailable for those under 14. Employers risk penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to $11,000 per violation under FLSA.
- Industry Restrictions: Even for permitted minors, hazardous occupations (e.g., mining, logging) are off-limits. The DOLWD’s 2026 regulatory updates emphasize stricter parental consent and school-day work hour limits for 14–17-year-olds.