Minimum Wage $11.00 PER HOUR
Arkansas' minimum wage is $11.00 per hour. The Arkansas Minimum Wage Act generally covers employers with four or more employees. When federal law also applies, workers must receive the highest minimum wage required by law.
Arkansas allows a tip credit for tipped employees. Employers may count up to $8.37 per hour in tips toward the minimum wage, which means the direct cash wage may be as low as $2.63 per hour. If tips and direct wages do not reach $11.00 per hour, the employer must make up the difference.
Overtime Laws 1.5X RATE
Most non-exempt Arkansas employees must receive overtime at one and a half times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. At the Arkansas minimum wage of $11.00 per hour, that equals $16.50 per hour.
Overtime is calculated by workweek. Working more than eight hours in one day does not automatically create overtime if total hours for the week do not exceed 40. Bonuses, commissions, and other compensation may need to be included when calculating the regular rate.
Meal & Rest Breaks NO MANDATE
Arkansas does not generally require employers to provide meal or rest breaks for adult employees. Breaks may still be required by company policy, contract, or specific rules for certain workers.
When an employer provides short rest breaks, those breaks are usually paid. A meal period may be unpaid only when the employee is fully relieved of duty and the time is long enough to qualify as a bona fide meal period.
Final Paycheck NEXT PAYDAY
When an Arkansas employee is discharged, earned wages are generally due by the next regular payday. If the employer does not pay within seven days after that payday, Arkansas law may require the employer to pay double the wages due.
Filing a Claim 2 YEAR WINDOW*
Arkansas workers may file certain minimum wage and overtime claims with the Arkansas Division of Labor. The state administrative assessment period generally covers the two years before the claim is filed.
Federal FLSA claims generally have a two-year limitations period, extended to three years for willful violations. The deadline that applies can depend on the claim, the employer, and whether the worker is proceeding under state law, federal law, or both.
Employee Misclassification COMMON VIOLATION
Some Arkansas employers label workers as independent contractors or exempt employees to avoid paying overtime. A job title, contract, or salary does not automatically decide whether wage protections apply. The actual working relationship, economic realities, and day-to-day duties matter.
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Josephson Dunlap LLP. Wage and hour laws vary by state, and the application of these laws depends on the specific facts of each situation. The figures and information cited above are current as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Prior results in other matters do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future matter. If you believe your wages were not paid correctly, consult a qualified, licensed employment attorney.
Think You May Be Owed Back Wages?
Josephson Dunlap reviews wage claims for Arkansas workers at no cost. There is no fee unless wages are recovered. A case manager will go through your situation and tell you where you stand.