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Cost of hiring an employee in Alaska

A full-time hire at $18/hour costs about $41,155 a year before benefits — $20.58 per hour actually worked with 10 days off.

Last updated October 28, 2026 · 2026 rates

SUTA new-employer rate
1%
verified
SUTA wage base
$54,200
verified
Minimum wage
$14.00
verified
Workers' comp (typical)
$1.16/$100
rank 20/51 (1 = priciest)

1About the hire

Adjust tax rates (from your notices or quotes)

2What this employee costs you

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to hire an employee in Alaska?

A full-time worker at $18.00/hour ($37,440 a year) with 10 PTO days costs about $41,155 a year before benefits: employer payroll tax $2,864, FUTA $42, Alaska unemployment $374 and typical workers' comp $434. That's $20.58 per hour worked.

What is the Alaska SUTA rate for new employers in 2026?

1% on the first $54,200 of each employee's wages (U.S. DOL, January 2026).

What is the Alaska minimum wage in 2026?

$14.00 per hour.

How much is workers' comp in Alaska?

The 2024 Oregon premium-rate study puts Alaska's all-industry index rate at $1.16 per $100 of payroll (rank 20 of 51; national median $1.09). Your real rate depends on job class and claims history.

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