Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Unemployment rate
1990–2024BLS state series.
Employment
Alaska's labor market is highly seasonal, with employment peaking each summer due to fishing, construction, and cruise-tourism activity.
Total nonfarm payroll jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED AKNA).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Rate (%) | 95.4 | 95.9 |
- •Summer employment in Alaska can be thousands of jobs higher than in winter months.
- •Fishing and seafood processing employ tens of thousands seasonally.
Unemployment
Alaska's unemployment rate was 4.6% in 2024, higher than the national average, reflecting seasonal industry cycles and remote labor market challenges.
Unemployment rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average of seasonally adjusted months (FRED AKUR).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate (%) | 4.6 | 4.1 |
- •Unemployment in Alaska typically rises each winter as seasonal jobs end.
- •Rural and Alaska Native communities often see unemployment rates well above the state average.
Labor Force
Alaska's civilian labor force totals roughly 345,000 workers, with labor force participation lower than the national average.
Civilian labor force
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED AKLF).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Force Participation (%) | 63.4 | 62.5 |
- •Labor force participation in Alaska trails the national average by several points.
- •Remote communities without road access often have fewer local job opportunities.
Occupations
Top occupations in Alaska include oil and gas extraction workers, commercial fishers, healthcare workers, government employees, and seasonal tourism staff.
Workers in management, business, science and arts occupations
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian employed 16+, C24010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Union Membership (%) | 17.4 | 9.9 |
- •Commercial fishing remains one of Alaska's most iconic and economically important occupations.
- •Alaska has one of the highest union membership rates of any state at 17.4%.
Salaries
Alaska's median annual salary of $52,900 is close to the national figure, while the state's minimum wage of $11.91 exceeds the federal minimum.
Average weekly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU02000000500000011).
Average hourly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU02000000500000003).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage ($) | 11.91 | 7.25 |
- •Alaska's minimum wage automatically adjusts for inflation each year.
- •High-paying oil and construction jobs help offset a challenging cost of living.
Remote Work
Remote work adoption in Alaska is limited by the prevalence of hands-on industries like fishing, construction and oil extraction, though government and professional roles allow more flexibility.
Workers who work from home
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of workers 16+, B08301 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute (min) | 19.5 | 26.8 |
- •Alaska's average commute time is well below the national average.
- •About 82% of Alaska communities have no road access, shaping how and where people work.
Workforce Participation
Alaska's workforce participation rate of 63.4% slightly exceeds the national average, buoyed by a young population and strong public-sector employment.
Labor force participation rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED LBSSA02).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Workforce Participation (%) | 63.4 | 62.5 |
- •Alaska has one of the youngest median ages among US states.
- •Government employment, including federal and military jobs, is a major share of the workforce.