Minimum Wage in Arkansas
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Arkansas follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour with no state increase.
How Arkansas treats Minimum Wage
Arkansas has not enacted a state minimum wage above the federal level, so employers must comply with the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. The state defers to federal wage standards under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Some cities in Arkansas have considered local minimum wage ordinances, but state law does not mandate a higher floor.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.