Arkansas minimum wage 2026–2027: $11.00 now
Arkansas's minimum wage is $11.00 an hour, in force since January 1, 2021 – $3.75 more than the federal $7.25. No increase is scheduled: Arkansas's rate is fixed in state law and changes only when the legislature or voters act.
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Arkansas minimum wage pay calculator
Arkansas minimum wage rates
| Who | Rate | From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most workers (state rate) | $11.00 | January 1, 2021 | official |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $2.63 | now | official |
When does the Arkansas minimum wage go up?
No increase is scheduled: Arkansas's rate is fixed in state law and changes only when the legislature or voters act. There is no automatic inflation adjustment.
Tipped workers in Arkansas
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.63 an hour and count up to $8.37 of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $11.00 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
Who is covered, and who can be paid less
Employers with 4 or more employees. Arkansas publishes no separate youth rate; the federal law allows $4.25 for workers under 20 in their first 90 days only where the state rate does not apply. Jobs covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act never get less than $7.25.
Arkansas minimum wage history
On January 1, 2020 the Arkansas minimum wage was $10.00; today it is $11.00 – up $1.00, or 10.0%.
| January 1 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $10.00 | $11.00 | $11.00 | $11.00 | $11.00 | $11.00 | $11.00 |
How Arkansas compares
Arkansas ranks tied 28th with 1 other of the 50 states and D.C. The average statewide minimum wage is $11.53; Arkansas's $11.00 is $0.53 below it. Neighbors: Louisiana $7.25, Missouri $15.00, Mississippi $7.25, Oklahoma $7.25, Tennessee $7.25, Texas $7.25.
Overtime and pay rules
Overtime: Over 40 hours a week, at one and a half times the regular rate. A full-time week at the minimum wage pays $440.00; with 5 overtime hours it is $522.50.
Good to know
- Arkansas reached $11.00 on January 1, 2021 (DOL history table) and has no scheduled increase or inflation adjustment.
Where to get help
The minimum wage in Arkansas is enforced by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing; wage claims: labor.arkansas.gov. The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints in every state at 1-866-487-9243, and your name is kept confidential.
Arkansas minimum wage questions
What is the minimum wage in Arkansas right now?
$11.00 an hour for most adult workers. Arkansas's minimum wage is $11.00 an hour, in force since January 1, 2021 – $3.75 more than the federal $7.25.
What will the Arkansas minimum wage be in 2027?
It stays at $11.00 – no change is scheduled for 2027.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Arkansas?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.63 an hour and count up to $8.37 of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $11.00 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
How much is the Arkansas minimum wage per year?
At $11.00 an hour and 40 hours a week, $440.00 a week, about $1,907 a month and $22,880 a year before taxes.
Where do I report unpaid minimum wage in Arkansas?
With the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – or with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243). Keep your pay stubs and a record of your hours.
Other states
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division – State Minimum Wage Laws, Consolidated Minimum Wage Table and Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026 editions), the DOL's history table, and each state's and city's own labor department pages, linked on every state page. Checked October 16, 2026. Rates are for most adult, non-exempt workers; some jobs, industries and employers are exempt or have other rates. This is general information, not legal advice – the state labor department has the final word.