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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in Arkansas

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$11.00

What is the minimum wage in Arkansas?

The minimum wage in Arkansas is $11.00 per hour. This is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour but lower than the minimum wage in some other states.

The Arkansas minimum wage refers to the legally mandated minimum hourly wage that employers must pay their workers within the state. The minimum wage in Arkansas is adjusted periodically based on the state's economic conditions and cost of living. It's important for employers in Arkansas to ensure compliance with the minimum wage laws to avoid legal penalties and provide fair compensation to their employees. The Arkansas minimum wage is designed to protect workers and ensure they receive a wage that supports a basic standard of living. However, it's advisable to check for any updates or changes in the minimum wage rates.

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$24.64

What is the average wage in Arkansas?

The average hourly wage in Arkansas is $24.64. This is higher than the national average of $21.89. 

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$30.56

What is the living wage in Arkansas?

A guide to hourly labor laws in Arkansas

  • Standard Minimum Wage: $11.00 (Ark. Code § 11-4-210). 
  • Tipped Minimum Wage: $2.63, totaling at least minimum wage with wages and tips (Ark. Code § 11-4-212).
  • Overtime: No state law. Employees are paid 1.5 times their regular rate for hours exceeding 40 per workweek (29 US Code § 207).
  • Meal Breaks: No state or federal law requiring meal breaks. Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bona-fide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. § 785.19) (DoL).
  • Rest Breaks: No state or federal law requires rest breaks. Breaks lasting 5–20 minutes must be paid (29 C.F.R. § 785.18). 
  • Wage Deductions: Employers may not deduct from the minimum wage or overtime wages (Ark. Code § 235.01.1-107).

 

  • Final Paychecks: Paid by the next regular payday following the end of employment (Ark. Code § 11-4-405).
  • Wage Payment Frequency: Semi-monthly (Ark. Code § 11-4-401).
  • Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: No paid leave laws. For eligible employees, the FMLA provides up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for qualifying medical conditions (FMLA).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16: Eight hours per day; 48 hours per week; six days per week; only between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. during school nights and until 9 p.m. on non-school nights (Ark. Code § 11-6-108).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 17: 10 hours per day; 10 hours per 24-hour period; only between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. except on non-school days in certain occupations (Ark. Code § 11-6-110).

 

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area. Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:


  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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