Starting a cleaning business in Alaska typically costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your business structure and insurance needs. Each state has different rules for registration, taxes, and workers' compensation. This guide covers everything you need to start a cleaning business in Alaska, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.
Why Start a Cleaning Business in Alaska?
Alaska has no state income tax. You keep more of what you earn. This gives you a big edge over owners in most other states.
Alaska also has no statewide sales tax. Cleaning services are not taxed at the state level. This means fewer forms and less hassle for you.
The state has a small population spread across a huge area. Many communities have few or no cleaning services. This creates strong demand for reliable cleaners.
This guide covers every Alaska-specific step. You will learn about registration, taxes, insurance, and more.
Read our general How to Start a Cleaning Business guide first. This Alaska guide adds the state-specific steps on top of those basics.
How Do You Choose a Business Structure?
Your first decision is how to set up your business. Alaska offers two main choices for new cleaning companies.
Sole Proprietorship
This is the simplest way to start. You begin doing business right away. No state formation filing is needed.
If you want a different business name, file a trade name. You do this through the Division of Corporations. This lets you use a name other than your own.
The downside is no personal protection. Your personal savings are at risk if something goes wrong.
Limited Liability Company
A limited liability company is the better choice. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If a client sues, your personal savings stay protected.
File your Articles of Organization with the Division of Corporations. Visit commerce.alaska.gov to file online. The filing fee is $250.
Alaska has one of the most expensive filing fees in the country. However, the protection is worth the cost. You enter people's homes every day.
You must also file a biennial report every two years. The biennial report costs $100. Your initial report is free and due within six months.
Choose a limited liability company. The $250 filing fee is worth the protection. You work inside homes and offices every day.
The liability shield protects your personal assets.
- commerce.alaska.gov — Division of Corporations — business registration and formation
How Do You Get an Employer Identification Number and Tax Accounts?
An Employer Identification Number is a free number from the federal government. You need it to open a bank account and file taxes. Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website.
You get your number right away when you apply online.
No State Income Tax
Alaska has no state income tax. This is a major advantage over most states. You do not file a state income tax return.
This saves you time and money every year.
No Statewide Sales Tax
Alaska has no statewide sales tax either. This is rare among all fifty states. Cleaning services are not taxed at the state level.
However, some cities and boroughs charge local sales tax. Check with your local government to see if your area taxes services. Anchorage does not charge local sales tax.
The Permanent Fund Dividend
Alaska pays residents an annual Permanent Fund Dividend. This is a unique benefit of living in the state. The payment is taxable at the federal level.
This extra income can help fund your business startup costs.
- irs.gov — Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (never pay for this)
- tax.alaska.gov — Alaska Department of Revenue — Tax Division
What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?
Alaska requires a state business license for all businesses. This is different from your business formation filing. You need both.
State Business License
Every business in Alaska must have a state business license. The cost is $100 per year or $200 for two years. Sole proprietors age 65 and older pay just $50 per year.
Apply through the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. You can apply online at commerce.alaska.gov. Disabled veterans also qualify for the $50 rate.
Local Business Licenses
Your city or borough may require a local business license. Check with your local government office. Fees vary by location.
Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau each have their own rules.
No Special Cleaning License
Alaska does not require a special janitorial license. There is no state-level cleaning permit needed. This makes it easier to start your cleaning business.
- commerce.alaska.gov — State business license application — $100 per year
What Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance protects your business from one bad day. Alaska has specific rules about workers' compensation. Here is what you need.
- General liability insurance — Covers damage and injuries at a client's home or office. Costs $400 to $1,200 per year. Every cleaning business needs this
- Workers' compensation insurance — Required if you have one or more employees. Alaska uses a competitive system. You buy this from private insurance carriers
- Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by law but highly recommended. Costs $100 to $500 per year
- Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Get coverage that protects you while driving to client homes
Alaska requires workers' compensation for all employers with one or more employees. The penalty for not having coverage is up to $1,000 per employee per day. If you cannot find a private carrier, use the assigned risk pool. It is run by the National Council on Compensation Insurance.
For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.
- labor.alaska.gov — Alaska Workers' Compensation Division
What Are Alaska Labor Laws?
Alaska has strong worker protections. A new law takes effect in July 2025. If you plan to hire, you must follow these rules from day one.
Minimum Wage
The Alaska state minimum wage is $13.00 per hour. This rate took effect in July 2025. It rises each year under the new law.
The wage goes to $14.00 per hour in July 2026. It then rises to $15.00 per hour in July 2027. After that, it adjusts based on the cost of living each year.
Alaska does not allow a tip credit. You must pay the full minimum wage to all workers. Tips cannot count toward the minimum rate.
Paid Sick Leave
Alaska passed Ballot Measure 1, which creates mandatory paid sick leave. This law takes effect in July 2025. It applies to all employers.
Employees earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Businesses with 15 or more employees must allow up to 56 hours per year. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees cap at 40 hours per year.
Unused sick leave carries over to the next year. You cannot punish employees for using their sick time. No doctor's note is required.
Ballot Measure 1 is new for Alaska. Build paid sick leave costs into your pricing from the start. Track hours carefully so you stay in full compliance.
Unemployment Insurance
The Alaska Department of Labor handles unemployment insurance. You pay into this fund for each employee. The rate depends on your industry and experience.
Register through the Department of Labor website.
- labor.alaska.gov — Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
- labor.alaska.gov — Ballot Measure 1 — paid sick leave and minimum wage information
What Safety Rules Apply in Alaska?
Alaska has its own state workplace safety program. It is called Alaska Occupational Safety and Health. The program operates under the Department of Labor.
Hazard Communication Program
You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical. Train your workers on what chemicals they use. Show them how to handle products safely.
Explain what to do if there is a spill or skin contact.
Injury Prevention Program
Create a written safety plan for your business. It should cover how to report hazards. It should explain how you investigate injuries.
Include how you train workers on safe practices.
Common Cleaning Hazards
Cleaning workers face specific risks every day. Slips, falls, and chemical burns are the most common. Make sure your team knows how to use chemicals safely.
Provide gloves, eye protection, and proper footwear. Alaska winters make icy walkways an extra hazard.
- labor.alaska.gov — Alaska Occupational Safety and Health — workplace safety program
How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Alaska?
Alaska has a higher cost of living than most states. This means you can charge premium rates. The limited labor pool also helps you earn more.
Typical pricing ranges in Alaska:
- Home cleaning (hourly) — $25 to $50 per hour per cleaner
- Standard home cleaning — $114 to $243 per visit
- Deep cleaning — $200 to $450 depending on home size
- Move-in or move-out cleaning — $250 to $500 or more
- Office cleaning — $0.07 to $0.20 per square foot
Prices in Anchorage and Juneau tend to be at the higher end. Smaller towns may have lower rates but also less competition.
Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area. For detailed pricing methods, read our Pricing Guide.
For detailed city-by-city pricing data, see our full Cleaning Business Prices in Alaska guide.
What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in Alaska?
Alaska has unique cleaning niches that do well here. The state's market creates special opportunities you will not find elsewhere.
Military Base Housing
Alaska has several major military bases. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, and Fort Wainwright all need cleaning services. Military families move often and need move-in and move-out cleaning.
Build relationships with base housing offices. This creates a steady flow of work year-round.
Cruise Ship Tourism Cleaning
Alaska's cruise season brings thousands of visitors every summer. Hotels, vacation rentals, and tour offices all need extra cleaning. This is seasonal work from May through September.
Plan your staffing around this busy season. You can charge premium rates during peak months.
Oil Industry Worker Housing
The oil industry uses worker housing camps across the state. These facilities need regular deep cleaning. This niche pays well but may require travel to remote areas.
Build connections with oil companies and camp operators.
Remote Community Services
Many Alaska communities have no cleaning services at all. Small towns and villages need reliable cleaners. You may be the only option for miles around.
This means less competition and more loyal clients.
Alaska winters mean more mud, snow, and salt tracked into homes. Sell seasonal deep cleaning during late fall and early spring. Homeowners will pay extra to remove winter grime.
How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Alaska?
Getting clients in Alaska follows many of the same steps. A few strategies work especially well here.
Google Business Profile
This is your most important free marketing tool. Set it up with your city name, services, and photos. Ask every happy client for a Google review.
Most people search online before hiring a cleaning service.
Community Bulletin Boards and Word of Mouth
Alaska communities are tight-knit. Word of mouth spreads fast in small towns. Ask every happy client to tell their friends and neighbors.
Post flyers at community centers, grocery stores, and post offices.
Partner with Military Housing Offices
Military families need cleaning services when they move. Contact base housing offices and offer special rates. One partnership can keep you busy for months.
Offer a military discount to build loyalty.
Facebook Groups and Nextdoor
Alaska residents are active on Facebook groups. Join groups in your service area. Share helpful cleaning tips and offer your services.
When someone asks for a cleaner, your name will come up.
For a complete marketing plan, read our Marketing Your Cleaning Business guide. Also read How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast.
How Much Does It Cost to Start in Alaska?
Alaska has higher startup costs than some states. The filing fee and business license add up. But no income tax helps you keep more money.
- Limited liability company filing — $250 (one-time, through the Division of Corporations)
- Biennial report — $100 every two years
- State business license — $100 per year (required for all businesses)
- Local business license — Varies by city or borough
- General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
- Workers' compensation — Through private carriers (only if you have employees)
- Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
- Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500
What Is on Your Alaska Startup Checklist?
Follow each step in order to get your business running.
- Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at commerce.alaska.gov ($250)
- Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at the Internal Revenue Service website
- Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
- Get your state business license — Apply at commerce.alaska.gov ($100 per year)
- Check for local licenses — Ask your city or borough about local requirements
- Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
- Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
- Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in Alaska costs
- Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
- Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Facebook groups, offer introductory rates
- Set up workers' compensation — Buy from a private carrier before hiring your first employee
- Learn the paid sick leave rules — Track hours and accrual from day one of hiring
What Are the Best Tips for Alaska?
Here are practical tips from successful Alaska cleaning businesses.
- No income tax is your advantage — You keep more money than owners in most states. Use this to invest back into your business
- Build for seasonal swings — Cruise season brings a rush of work in summer. Plan your staffing to handle the busy months
- Winter means more work, not less — Snow, mud, and salt tracked inside create year-round demand. Sell seasonal deep cleaning packages
- Target military families — Bases create a steady stream of move-in and move-out cleaning. Build relationships with housing offices
- Factor in paid sick leave costs — The new law adds to your labor costs. Build this into your pricing from the start
- Serve remote communities — Small towns often have zero cleaning services. You face little or no competition
- Plan your routes carefully — Alaska distances are long. Group clients by area to save time and fuel costs
- Use MaidProfit from day one — Set up scheduling, invoicing, and profit tracking before your first client
- Washington Guide — Start a cleaning business in Washington
- Hawaii Guide — Start a cleaning business in Hawaii
What Are the Guides for Nearby States?
Alaska is part of the Pacific region. Check our guides for nearby states in the region.
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Washington — Washington Guide
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Hawaii — Hawaii Guide
- Washington Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Washington
- Hawaii Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Hawaii
- California Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for California
Where Do You Find Alaska Government Resources?
Here is every government website mentioned in this guide. Bookmark these as your business grows.
- Division of Corporations — Register your business, file formation documents
- Business Licensing — State business license application — $100 per year
- Department of Labor and Workforce Development — Employment laws, wages, and unemployment insurance
- Workers' Compensation Division — Workers' compensation requirements and information
- Alaska Occupational Safety and Health — Workplace safety standards and inspections
- Ballot Measure 1 Information — Paid sick leave and minimum wage law details
- Alaska Tax Division — State tax information and resources
- Internal Revenue Service — Free Employer Identification Number application
- Small Business Administration — Free counseling and local assistance for small businesses
What Other Guides Can Help Your Business?
These free guides cover topics every cleaning business owner needs. They work hand-in-hand with this state guide.
- How to Price Cleaning Services — Set profitable rates with flat-rate and hourly formulas
- Cleaning Business Insurance Guide — General liability, bonding, and the coverage you need
- How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast — Fill your schedule with paying clients
- Marketing Your Cleaning Business — Online and offline strategies that bring real results
- Cleaning Business Taxes and Deductions — Every deduction you can claim and how to file
- How to Get Cleaning Contracts — Find and win residential and commercial contracts
- How to Hire and Train Cleaning Staff — Where to find workers and how to keep them
Start Your Alaska Cleaning Business Today
Alaska is a great state for cleaning business owners. No income tax and no statewide sales tax mean you keep more of your earnings. Military bases, tourism, and remote communities create strong demand.
Start by forming your limited liability company and getting your Employer Identification Number. Get your state business license and buy insurance. Set prices that cover your costs and the new paid sick leave law.
Every successful cleaning company in Alaska started with one owner and one first client. Follow the steps in this guide. Take action today.