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What Is the Arkansas Minimum Wage in 2026?

Quick Answer: Arkansas minimum wage is $11.00 per hour as of January 1, 2026, unchanged from 2024. This rate is $3.75 higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.

The rate applies to most non-exempt employees across Arkansas. Full-time workers earning minimum wage make approximately $22,880 per year based on 2,080 hours worked annually. No increases are scheduled for 2026 or 2027 under current Arkansas law.

Arkansas minimum wage 2026 rate 11 dollars per hour compared to federal minimum wage

Arkansas employers must pay whichever rate is higher between state and federal law. Since Arkansas’s $11.00/hour exceeds the federal $7.25/hour, most workers are entitled to the state rate.

Key Facts for 2026:

  • Hourly Rate: $11.00
  • Annual Salary (Full-Time): $22,880
  • Last Increase: January 1, 2021 (from $10.00 to $11.00)
  • Effective Since: January 1, 2024

Calculate Your Earnings in Arkansas

Want to know exactly how much you’ll earn at Arkansas’s $11.00 minimum wage? Use our free calculator to estimate your weekly, monthly, and annual income based on your hours worked.

Minimum Wage Earnings Calculator | Calculate Your Take-Home Pay

๐Ÿ’ฐ Minimum Wage Earnings Calculator

Calculate your weekly, monthly, and annual earnings with overtime and tax estimates

๐Ÿ“ Your Location & Wage

โฑ๏ธ Hours & Schedule

โฐ Overtime Calculation

Hours worked beyond this threshold are paid at 1.5x regular rate

๐Ÿ’ก Overtime Details

Select a state to see overtime rules.

๐Ÿ“Š Tax Withholding (Estimated)

Tax calculations are estimates based on 2026 federal tax brackets.

๐Ÿ“Š Your Earnings Breakdown

๐Ÿ’ฐ Gross Earnings

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Regular Hours/Week 0
Regular Pay/Week $0.00
Weekly Gross $0.00
Bi-Weekly Gross $0.00
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Annual Gross $0.00

ยฉ 2026 Minimum Wage Earnings Calculator | All calculations are estimates

Tax calculations are simplified estimates. Consult a qualified tax professional for accurate withholding amounts.

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Calculator features:

  • Automatic Arkansas wage rates for 2026
  • Weekly, monthly, and annual earnings
  • Overtime calculations
  • Tax withholding estimates
  • Take-home pay breakdown

Full calculator with all features: Calculate your exact earnings with our minimum wage calculator

Questions about your wages or need legal help?

Email: [email protected]


Arkansas vs. Federal Minimum Wage: What's the Difference?

Arkansas law requires employers to pay the higher of state or federal minimum wage. The state rate has remained at $11.00/hour since January 2021, while the federal rate has stayed at $7.25/hour since July 2009.

Comparison Table

Wage TypeArkansasFederal (FLSA)Difference
Standard Minimum Wage$11.00/hour$7.25/hour+$3.75
Tipped Minimum Wage$2.63/hour$2.13/hour+$0.50
Youth Training Wage$9.35/hour (85% of $11)$4.25/hour+$5.10

Which Rate Applies to You?

Arkansas workers covered under both state and federal law receive the Arkansas rate of $11.00/hour. Some workers may only be covered under federal law if their employer has gross annual sales under $500,000, but most still receive the higher state rate.

Workers in neighboring states like Alabama may only receive the federal minimum of $7.25/hour, making Arkansas wages more competitive for cross-border employment.


Arkansas Tipped Minimum Wage 2026

Tipped employees in Arkansas can be paid a base wage of $2.63/hour if their tips bring total hourly earnings to at least $11.00/hour. This applies to servers, bartenders, delivery drivers, and other customarily tipped workers.

Arkansas tipped minimum wage 2.63 dollars versus regular 11 dollars comparison chart

How the Tip Credit System Works

Arkansas allows employers to take a "tip credit" of up to $8.37/hour against the minimum wage requirement. Here's how it works:

  1. Base Wage: Employer pays $2.63/hour
  2. Tip Credit: Up to $8.37/hour
  3. Required Total: Must equal $11.00/hour minimum

If tips plus base wage don't reach $11.00/hour, the employer must make up the difference. Employers cannot use the tip credit for non-tipped work like extensive cleaning or food preparation.

Tipped Worker Rules

Arkansas law requires:

  • Employees must report all tips to employers
  • Tip pooling allowed among customarily tipped employees only
  • Managers and supervisors cannot participate in tip pools
  • Employers cannot keep any portion of employee tips
  • Employers must make up shortfalls if tips don't reach minimum wage

Violations? Workers experiencing wage violations should use our wage theft calculator to estimate recovery amounts under Arkansas law.

State Comparison

StateTipped Minimum WageAllows Tip Credit?
Arkansas$2.63/hourYes
Oklahoma$2.13/hourYes
Texas$2.13/hourYes
Missouri$6.15/hourYes

Arkansas's tipped wage is slightly higher than the federal rate and neighboring states like Oklahoma and Texas, which use the federal minimum of $2.13/hour.


Arkansas Minimum Wage by City

Arkansas state law preempts local minimum wage ordinances. This means cities and counties cannot set their own minimum wage rates higher than the state level. The $11.00/hour rate applies uniformly across all Arkansas cities and towns.

Arkansas statewide minimum wage 11 dollars all cities Little Rock Fayetteville Bentonville

Cities Using State Minimum Wage

  • Little Rock
  • Fayetteville
  • Bentonville
  • Fort Smith
  • Conway
  • Jonesboro
  • Hot Springs
  • Springdale
  • Rogers
  • North Little Rock

Some cities have "living wage" ordinances for city contractors or municipal employees, but these don't affect private sector wages. Unlike states where cities can set higher local minimums, Arkansas maintains a single statewide rate.


Arkansas Minimum Wage History & Future Outlook

Arkansas voters approved Issue 5 in November 2018, creating a phased minimum wage increase schedule through 2021. The rate has remained unchanged since reaching $11.00/hour on January 1, 2021.

Arkansas minimum wage increase history timeline 2014 to 2026 showing rates frozen at 11 dollars

Historical Wage Progression

Effective DateMinimum WageIncreaseNotes
Jan 1, 2014$6.25/hourโ€”Pre-Issue 5
Jan 1, 2015$7.50/hour+$1.25Voter-approved
Jan 1, 2016$8.00/hour+$0.50Issue 5 phase 1
Jan 1, 2017$8.50/hour+$0.50Issue 5 phase 2
Jan 1, 2019$9.25/hour+$0.75Issue 5 phase 3
Jan 1, 2020$10.00/hour+$0.75Issue 5 phase 4
Jan 1, 2021$11.00/hour+$1.00Issue 5 final phase
Jan 1, 2022-2026$11.00/hourNo changeFrozen rate

Why No Increases Since 2021?

The Issue 5 wage schedule concluded in 2021 with no provisions for automatic inflation adjustments. Arkansas law doesn't include cost-of-living increases tied to inflation. Future increases would require either a new ballot measure approved by voters or legislative action by the Arkansas General Assembly.

2027 and Beyond

Arkansas scheduled minimum wage increases 2026 2027 timeline frozen at 11 dollars

Advocacy groups are exploring ballot initiatives to raise the minimum wage to $15.00/hour by 2027 or 2028. However, no measures have been officially filed as of early 2026. If you're facing wage-related legal issues, reviewing legal options for workplace disputes may help clarify your rights.


Who Is Covered by Arkansas Minimum Wage Laws?

Arkansas Code ยง 11-4-210 establishes minimum wage requirements, but several exemptions exist under ยง 11-4-211. Understanding coverage helps workers know their rights and employers maintain compliance.

Arkansas minimum wage exemptions executive administrative professional independent contractor categories

Covered Employees

Most Arkansas workers are covered:

  • Full-time and part-time hourly employees
  • Tipped employees (with tip credit rules)
  • Seasonal and temporary workers
  • Retail and service industry employees
  • Most restaurant and hospitality workers

Worker Exemptions

Arkansas Code ยง 11-4-211 exempts:

  1. Small Businesses: Employers with gross annual sales under $500,000
  2. Agricultural Workers: Farm employees on small family farms
  3. Domestic Workers: Babysitters, housekeepers, companions in private homes
  4. Exempt Employees: Executive, administrative, professional, and outside sales employees meeting salary basis tests
  5. Independent Contractors: True 1099 contractors (not misclassified employees)
  6. Student Workers: Certain student learners and vocational trainees

Warning: Misclassifying employees as exempt or independent contractors to avoid paying minimum wage is illegal. Workers who suspect misclassification may be entitled to back wages.


Arkansas Overtime Laws Explained

Arkansas follows federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime rules. Non-exempt employees must receive 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

Arkansas overtime pay rules time and a half 16.50 after 40 hours per week calculation

Overtime Calculation Basics

At Arkansas's minimum wage of $11.00/hour:

  • Regular Wage: $11.00/hour
  • Overtime Wage: $16.50/hour (time-and-a-half)

Example calculation: Employee works 50 hours in one week:

  • First 40 hours ร— $11.00 = $440.00
  • Next 10 overtime hours ร— $16.50 = $165.00
  • Total Weekly Pay: $605.00

Arkansas-Specific Overtime Rules

Arkansas has no daily overtime requirement. Overtime only applies to hours worked over 40 in a single workweek. Some states mandate daily overtime for hours over 8 in one day, but Arkansas does not.

Key points:

  • No "double time" requirement for weekends or holidays
  • Workweek is any fixed 168-hour period
  • Tipped employees calculate overtime using full minimum wage ($11.00), not tipped wage ($2.63)
  • Compensatory time off is only allowed for government employees, not private sector

Calculate Your Overtime Pay in Arkansas

Working more than 40 hours per week? Calculate your overtime earnings based on Arkansas's overtime laws. This calculator accounts for Arkansas's specific overtime rules including weekly overtime thresholds.

Overtime Pay Calculator | Calculate Your OT Earnings by State

โฐ Overtime Pay Calculator

Calculate your overtime earnings based on your state's specific labor laws

๐Ÿ“ Select Your State

๐Ÿ’ฐ Your Hourly Wage

๐Ÿ“Š Calculation Method

๐Ÿ“… Weekly Hours

๐Ÿ’ต Your Weekly Overtime Pay

$0.00

๐Ÿ“Š Earnings Breakdown

Regular Pay
0 hrs ร— $0.00
$0.00
Overtime Pay (1.5ร—)
0 hrs ร— $0.00
$0.00

๐Ÿ“… Pay Period Estimates

Weekly
$0.00
Bi-Weekly
$0.00
Monthly
$0.00
Annual
$0.00

โš–๏ธ State vs Federal Comparison

Federal Standard (40hr threshold) $0.00
Your State Rules $0.00

Calculator features:

  • Arkansas-specific overtime rules
  • Weekly overtime calculations
  • Pay period breakdowns
  • Comparison with federal law
  • Total earnings estimates

Full overtime calculator: Calculate your overtime pay here

Questions about your wages or need legal help?

Email: [email protected]


Special Worker Categories in Arkansas

Arkansas law creates different wage rules for specific worker categories. Understanding these categories helps ensure proper pay and compliance.

Arkansas minimum wage rates by worker type tipped youth agricultural H2A categories

Youth Employment Rules

14-15 Year Olds:

Workers aged 14-15 must be paid the full $11.00/hour minimum wage with the following restrictions:

Work hours during school:

  • Maximum 3 hours per day
  • Maximum 18 hours per week
  • No work before 7 AM or after 7 PM

Work hours during summer:

  • Maximum 8 hours per day
  • Maximum 40 hours per week
  • Can work until 9 PM (June 1 through Labor Day)

Prohibited jobs: Manufacturing, construction, operating heavy machinery, hazardous occupations

16-17 Year Olds:

Must receive $11.00/hour with fewer restrictions than younger workers. Can work more hours but still prohibited from hazardous occupations. Employers must pay overtime (1.5x) for hours over 40 per week.

Youth Training Wage

Arkansas allows a training wage of $9.35/hour (85% of $11.00) for the first 90 consecutive days of employment. This applies only to workers with no prior work experience. After 90 days, the full $11.00/hour minimum wage applies.

H-2A Agricultural Workers

The federal H-2A program sets minimum wages for temporary agricultural workers. For 2026, the H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate is approximately $14.54/hour (subject to annual adjustment by the U.S. Department of Labor).

Arkansas farmers hiring H-2A workers must pay the higher federal rate, not the state minimum of $11.00/hour. This protects both foreign workers and prevents wage depression for domestic agricultural workers.

Independent Contractor Misclassification

Independent contractors are not entitled to minimum wage under Arkansas law. However, many workers are misclassified as contractors when they should be employees.

Arkansas uses the FLSA "Economic Reality Test":

  • Does the employer control how work is performed?
  • Is the worker economically dependent on the employer?
  • Is the work integral to the employer's business?
  • Does the worker have opportunity for profit/loss?
  • Does the worker invest in equipment and materials?

Red flags of misclassification:

  • Receiving 1099 instead of W-2 for regular ongoing work
  • Working set hours on-site but called a contractor
  • Not allowed to work for other companies
  • Using employer's tools and equipment

Misclassified workers may be entitled to back minimum wage pay plus overtime. Workers dealing with wage violations in Arkansas can reference resources about Arkansas DUI laws enforcement to understand how Arkansas handles legal violations and penalties.


Arkansas Wage Theft & Unpaid Wage Claims

Wage theft occurs when employers fail to pay legally required wages. Arkansas law provides multiple avenues for workers to recover unpaid wages, penalties, and damages.

Arkansas wage theft penalties employer fines employee compensation recovery amounts

Common Wage Theft Examples

  • Paying less than $11.00/hour to non-exempt workers
  • Not paying overtime (1.5x) for hours over 40 per week
  • Taking illegal deductions from paychecks
  • Not paying final paychecks after termination
  • Requiring off-the-clock work
  • Keeping employee tips
  • Misclassifying employees to avoid wage laws

How to File a Wage Complaint in Arkansas

Arkansas wage claim filing process steps Department of Labor complaint procedure

Option 1: Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing

The Arkansas Division of Labor Standards handles wage complaints:

  • Phone: (501) 682-4534
  • Website: labor.arkansas.gov
  • Address: 10421 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
  • Filing Deadline: 2 years from unpaid wages
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Central Time)

Option 2: U.S. Department of Labor

Federal Wage and Hour Division also handles complaints:

  • Phone: 1-866-4US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243)
  • Website: dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/complaints
  • Filing Deadline: 2 years (3 years for willful violations)

Option 3: Private Lawsuit

Workers can sue in Arkansas state court for:

  • Back pay owed
  • Liquidated damages (equal to unpaid amount)
  • Attorney's fees and court costs
  • Statute of Limitations: 2 years (3 years for willful violations)

Employer Penalties for Wage Violations

Arkansas law imposes:

  • Full back pay to employee
  • Liquidated damages (double the unpaid amount)
  • Civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation
  • Criminal misdemeanor charges for willful violations
  • Employee's attorney fees and court costs

Retaliation against workers who file wage complaints is illegal. Employers cannot fire, demote, or punish employees for reporting violations. If you're navigating complex wage issues, understanding how Arkansas handles legal matters (similar to divorce cost considerations in Arkansas) can provide context for legal processes.


Calculate Your Wage Theft Recovery in Arkansas

Think your employer owes you money? Use our wage theft calculator to estimate how much you could recover, including unpaid wages, penalties, and interest under Arkansas law.

Wage Theft Recovery Calculator | Estimate Your Unpaid Wages
๐Ÿ’ฐ

Wage Theft Recovery Calculator

Estimate how much you can recover in unpaid wages, penalties, and damages based on your state's laws

๐Ÿ“
Select Your State
Laws and penalties vary by state
โš ๏ธ
Types of Wage Violations
Select all that apply to your situation

๐Ÿ“‹ Unpaid Regular Wages Details

โฐ Unpaid Overtime Details

If yes, you're owed the 0.5x difference

๐Ÿ’ต Minimum Wage Violation Details

๐Ÿ’ต Stolen Tips Details

๐Ÿ“… Final Paycheck Details

โš–๏ธ
Additional Factors
These may increase your recovery amount

๐Ÿ’ต Estimated Total Recovery

$0.00
๐Ÿ“Š
Recovery Breakdown
Based on state wage laws

๐Ÿ’ฐ Unpaid Wages

โš–๏ธ Penalties & Damages

๐Ÿ“‹ Total Summary

โš ๏ธ Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate only based on general state laws. Actual recovery may vary based on your specific circumstances. This is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified employment attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Calculator features:

  • Multiple violation types (unpaid wages, overtime, tips)
  • Arkansas-specific penalties and damages
  • Filing deadline tracker
  • Total recovery estimate
  • Next steps guidance

Full wage theft calculator: Estimate your recovery amount

Need help with unpaid wages? Contact Arkansas Department of Labor or consult with an employment attorney. For complex cases involving wage garnishment, legal counsel can protect your rights.

Questions about your wages or need legal help?

Email: [email protected]


Major Employers in Arkansas: Above Minimum Wage

While Arkansas minimum wage is $11.00/hour, many major employers pay significantly more to attract and retain workers in a competitive labor market.

Employer Wage Comparison

EmployerStarting Wage (2026)Location FocusNotes
Walmart$14-$18/hourBentonville HQVaries by position
Tyson Foods$15-$19/hourNorthwest ArkansasMeat processing
Amazon$15-$17/hourLittle RockFulfillment centers
Chick-fil-A$12-$15/hourStatewideFranchise variation
McDonald's$10-$13/hourStatewideFranchise-dependent
Target$15/hour minimumStatewideCompany-wide policy
Hobby Lobby$18.50/hourStatewideAbove industry average

Why Employers Pay More

Several factors drive wages above Arkansas's minimum:

Competitive labor market: Northwest Arkansas's tech corridor and Walmart headquarters create wage competition. Companies must offer higher wages to attract qualified workers.

Retention strategies: Higher wages reduce turnover costs. Training new employees is expensive, so companies invest in retention through better pay.

Corporate policies: National chains like Target and Amazon set company-wide minimums exceeding many state requirements. These policies apply to Arkansas locations regardless of state law.


Arkansas vs. Neighboring States

Arkansas minimum wage compares favorably to most neighboring states. Only Missouri exceeds Arkansas's rate in 2026.

Arkansas minimum wage 11 dollars compared to California Washington Missouri federal rates 2026

State-by-State Comparison

StateMinimum WageTipped WageNotes
Arkansas$11.00/hour$2.63/hourHigher than federal
Oklahoma$7.25/hour$2.13/hourUses federal rate
Texas$7.25/hour$2.13/hourUses federal rate
Missouri$13.75/hour$6.88/hourHighest in region
Tennessee$7.25/hour$2.13/hourUses federal rate
Mississippi$7.25/hour$2.13/hourUses federal rate
Louisiana$7.25/hour$2.13/hourUses federal rate

Regional Insights

Arkansas's $11.00/hour minimum wage is $3.75 higher than 5 of 6 neighboring states. Only Missouri exceeds Arkansas with $13.75/hour in 2026 (increased from $12.30 in 2024).

Workers in border cities may find higher wages in Arkansas compared to Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, or Louisiana. Missouri offers the highest regional wages but also has higher cost of living in major cities like St. Louis and Kansas City.

Cross-border workers should consider both wage rates and tax implications when choosing employment locations.


Arkansas Minimum Wage vs. Livable Wage

Arkansas minimum wage of $11.00/hour falls below estimated livable wage requirements for most household types. The MIT Living Wage Calculator provides data-driven estimates for Arkansas.

Livable Wage Estimates (2026)

Household TypeLivable WageAnnual IncomeGap from Minimum
Single Adult$15.50/hour$32,240/year-$4.50/hour
Single Adult + 1 Child$31.50/hour$65,520/year-$20.50/hour
Two Adults + 2 Children$19.25/hour each$80,080 combined-$8.25/hour

Understanding the Gap

Current minimum wage: $11.00/hour โ†’ $22,880/year (full-time) Livable wage (single adult): $15.50/hour โ†’ $32,240/year Annual shortfall: $9,360

Why the Gap Exists

Cost of living increases: Housing, food, transportation, and healthcare costs have risen faster than minimum wage. Arkansas hasn't increased its minimum wage since January 2021.

No inflation adjustments: Unlike some states, Arkansas law doesn't include automatic cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation. The rate remains frozen until new legislation or ballot measures pass.

Political challenges: Raising minimum wage to $15.00/hour faces political obstacles despite advocacy efforts.

Arkansas Cost of Living Context

Arkansas ranks as the #3 cheapest state to live in (2024 data). Despite low cost of living, minimum wage workers face challenges:

  • Rent: 1-bedroom apartment averages $750-$950/month in Little Rock
  • Transportation: Car-dependent state with gas, insurance, and maintenance costs
  • Healthcare: Rising medical costs without employer-sponsored insurance
  • Utilities: Electric, water, internet average $200-300/month

Arkansas Minimum Wage Compliance for Employers

Employers must follow specific requirements to comply with Arkansas wage laws. Non-compliance results in penalties, lawsuits, and potential criminal charges.

Required Employer Actions

1. Post Arkansas Minimum Wage Poster

Arkansas law requires visible posting of wage information:

  • Download free poster from Arkansas Department of Labor website
  • Display in conspicuous location (breakroom, time clock area)
  • Must be visible to all employees
  • Failure to post: $100-$500 fine

2. Maintain Accurate Records (3 Years)

Employers must keep records for each employee:

  • Full name, address, occupation
  • Hours worked each day and week
  • Hourly rate and total wages paid
  • All deductions from pay
  • Records must be available for inspection

3. Pay Overtime for 40+ Hours/Week

Non-exempt employees receive 1.5x regular rate for overtime:

  • Track all hours worked accurately
  • Calculate overtime at time-and-a-half
  • Pay on regular payday
  • Maintain overtime records

4. Issue Final Paychecks Promptly

Arkansas law requires timely final payments:

  • Deadline: Within 7 days of termination OR next regular payday (whichever is sooner)
  • Must include all earned wages
  • Cannot withhold for unreturned equipment without written authorization

5. Prohibit Retaliation

Illegal to retaliate against employees who:

  • File wage complaints
  • Report violations to Department of Labor
  • Participate in wage investigations
  • Discuss wages with coworkers

Compliance Checklist

RequirementDeadlinePenalty for Non-Compliance
Post wage posterImmediately$100-$500 fine
Maintain records3 years$1,000 per violation
Pay minimum wageEvery pay periodBack pay + 2x damages
Pay overtimeEvery pay periodBack pay + 2x damages
Final paycheck7 days or next paydayPenalties + attorney fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Arkansas for 2026?

Quick Answer: Arkansas minimum wage is $11.00 per hour in 2026, unchanged from 2024 and 2025.

This rate applies to most non-exempt employees and is $3.75 higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. No scheduled increases exist for 2027 under current Arkansas law.

Is Arkansas minimum wage going up to $15 an hour?

Quick Answer: No scheduled increase to $15/hour exists under current Arkansas law.

The minimum wage has remained at $11.00/hour since January 1, 2021. Advocacy groups are exploring ballot measures for 2027-2028 to raise it to $15.00/hour, but no official initiatives have been filed as of early 2026.

What is the tipped minimum wage in Arkansas?

Quick Answer: Tipped employees in Arkansas can be paid $2.63/hour base wage, provided tips bring total earnings to at least $11.00/hour.

Employers must make up the difference if tips fall short. Arkansas's tipped wage is $0.50 higher than the federal tipped minimum of $2.13/hour.

How do I calculate my earnings at Arkansas minimum wage?

Quick Answer: Use our minimum wage calculator to estimate weekly, monthly, and annual earnings.

Input your hourly wage ($11.00 for minimum wage) and hours worked per week. The calculator provides total earnings, tax estimates, and take-home pay based on Arkansas rates.

How much overtime pay am I entitled to in Arkansas?

Quick Answer: Arkansas workers earn 1.5 times regular hourly rate for hours over 40 per week.

At minimum wage ($11.00/hour), overtime rate is $16.50/hour. Use our overtime calculator to estimate total pay including overtime hours.

How do I calculate wage theft recovery in Arkansas?

Quick Answer: Our wage theft calculator estimates potential recovery including unpaid wages, penalties, and damages.

Arkansas law allows workers to recover back pay plus liquidated damages (double unpaid amount) for wage violations. Filing deadlines apply, so calculate your claim promptly.

Can a 15-year-old work in Arkansas?

Quick Answer: Yes, with restrictions on hours and job types.

15-year-olds must be paid $11.00/hour (full minimum wage) but can only work 3 hours/day and 18 hours/week during school, or 8 hours/day and 40 hours/week during summer. Cannot work before 7 AM or after 7 PM (9 PM in summer).

Which states have a $15/hour minimum wage?

Quick Answer: California ($16.00), Washington ($16.28), Massachusetts ($15.00), Connecticut ($15.69), and New York ($15.00) have $15+ minimum wages in 2026.

Arkansas's $11.00/hour does not meet this threshold. Missouri has the highest regional minimum at $13.75/hour among Arkansas's neighbors.

What does McDonald's pay in Arkansas?

Quick Answer: McDonald's wages in Arkansas typically range from $10-$13/hour for crew members, varying by franchise.

Some locations pay the state minimum ($11.00/hour), while others offer slightly more to compete for workers. Wages may be higher in Northwest Arkansas due to competitive labor market.

How much does Walmart pay in Arkansas?

Quick Answer: Walmart's starting wage in Arkansas is $14-$18/hour, depending on position and location.

This exceeds the state minimum wage of $11.00/hour. Walmart's Bentonville headquarters influences regional wages, with specialized roles earning $20+/hour.

Is it legal to work 8 hours without a break in Arkansas?

Quick Answer: Arkansas has no state law requiring meal or rest breaks for adult workers.

If employers provide breaks, federal FLSA rules apply: breaks under 20 minutes must be paid, while meal periods of 30+ minutes can be unpaid if the worker is completely relieved of duties.

Can you work 50 hours a week at 16 in Arkansas?

Quick Answer: Yes, 16-17 year olds can work 50+ hours per week, but employers must pay overtime (1.5x) for hours over 40.

Unlike 14-15 year olds, older minors have fewer hour restrictions. However, hazardous occupation prohibitions still apply regardless of hours worked.

Is Arkansas minimum wage higher than federal?

Quick Answer: Yes, Arkansas minimum wage ($11.00/hour) is $3.75 higher than federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour).

Arkansas employers must pay the higher state rate to covered employees. The federal rate hasn't increased since July 2009, while Arkansas reached $11.00/hour in January 2021.


Arkansas Department of Labor Contact Information

Arkansas Department of Labor contact information phone address Little Rock wage complaint

Arkansas Division of Labor Standards

  • Phone: (501) 682-4534
  • Website: labor.arkansas.gov
  • Address: 10421 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205

File a Wage Complaint:

Office Hours:

  • Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Central Time)

U.S. Department of Labor (Federal):

  • Phone: 1-866-4US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243)
  • Website: dol.gov/agencies/whd

Summary: Key Takeaways for Arkansas Workers & Employers

Arkansas minimum wage remains at $11.00/hour in 2026 with no scheduled increases. Tipped workers receive $2.63/hour base wage plus tips totaling $11.00/hour minimum. Overtime pay is 1.5x regular rate for hours over 40 per week.

Arkansas's rate is higher than 5 of 6 neighboring states, with only Missouri exceeding Arkansas at $13.75/hour. Youth workers aged 14-17 must receive $11.00/hour (training wage of $9.35/hour for first 90 days applies to new workers).

No city-level minimum wages exist in Arkansas. The $11.00/hour rate applies statewide from Little Rock to Fayetteville to Fort Smith. Workers experiencing wage violations can file complaints with Arkansas Department of Labor within 2 years or pursue private lawsuits for back pay plus damages.

Major employers like Walmart ($14-$18/hour), Target ($15/hour), and Hobby Lobby ($18.50/hour) pay above state minimum to compete for workers. Use our free calculators to estimate earnings, overtime pay, and potential wage theft recovery under Arkansas law.

Author

  • Faiq Nawaz

    Faiq Nawaz is an attorney in Houston, TX. His practice spans criminal defense, family law, and business matters, with a practical, client-first approach. He focuses on clear options, realistic timelines, and steady communication from intake to resolution.

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