Labor Rights in Arkansas
Arkansas pairs a modest state minimum wage of $11.00 (for employers with 4 or more workers) with otherwise federal-minimum protections: no state paid sick leave, no paid family leave, and no meal or rest break mandates. Workers can claim overtime after 40 hours under state law. It is a right-to-work state recognizing implied-contract and public-policy limits on at-will firing.
Data last verified 2026-10-12
Workplace rights in Arkansas at a glance
| Minimum wage (2026) | $11.00 (applies to employers with 4 or more employees) |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage (2026) | $2.63 cash wage; employers may claim a tip credit of up to $8.37 per hour |
| Overtime | State law requires 1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours per week for employers with 4 or more employees; the federal FLSA baseline covers the rest. |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate. |
| Paid family and medical leave | No state program. |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement beyond federal. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement beyond federal. |
| Right-to-work law | Yes |
| At-will employment | Implied contract and public policy |
| Final paycheck | Due on the next scheduled payday. If fired, the employee may demand wages in writing and the employer must pay within 7 working days; late payment can trigger a penalty of twice the wages owed. |
How Arkansas compares to federal law
Arkansas sets a minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25 an hour, so the state rate is what most employers must pay. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek. There is no state paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate, so the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (unpaid leave for eligible workers) is the only baseline.
Neighboring states
- Missouri$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.
- Tennessee$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- Mississippi$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- Louisiana$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
Compare all 50 states and DC side by side
Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Arkansas in 2026?
$11.00 per hour for employers with 4 or more employees.
What is the tipped wage in Arkansas?
Employers may pay a $2.63 per hour cash wage if tips bring you to at least $11.00 per hour, with a maximum tip credit of $8.37.
Is there paid sick leave in Arkansas?
No statewide mandate.
When do I get my last paycheck?
On the next scheduled payday. If you were fired, you can demand your wages in writing and must be paid within 7 working days; late payment can trigger double-wage penalties.
What does the FLSA require in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires 1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours per week for employers with 4 or more employees. Most other workers fall under the federal FLSA, which sets the 40-hour overtime threshold, the minimum wage floor, and child-labor rules.