STATE OF ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
10421 WEST MARKHAM  LITTLE ROCK, AR 72205-2190
Phone: 501-682-4500 Fax: 501-682-4506 TRS: 800-285-1131
Fact Sheet on the Increase of the Arkansas Minimum Wage
Overview
On November 6, 2018 Arkansas voters approved an increase to the state’s minimum wage.
The minimum wage increase is as follows:
$9.25 per hour effective January 1, 2019;
$10.00 per hour effective January 1, 2020; and
$11.00 per hour effective January 1, 2021.
For a copy of the Initiated Act, click here. The state minimum wage remains at $8.50 per
hour until January 1, 2019. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
Coverage
The Arkansas Minimum Wage Act covers employers with 4 or more employees. Employers
covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are also covered by the Arkansas law if
they have 4 or more employees. An employer covered by both laws must pay the highest
minimum wage.
The Arkansas Minimum Wage Act exempts some employees from both the minimum wage
requirement and from the overtime pay requirement. Some employees are exempt only from
the overtime pay requirement. For more information on exemptions, see the agency’s
regulations by clicking here.
Tipped Employees
The state tip credit did not change, so tipped employees must still be paid a minimum of $2.63
per hour and tips must be sufficient to raise the employee to the applicable minimum wage
rate.
Poster
The required poster has been revised and is available online here or by email request here.
Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping requirements have not changed. For information on recordkeeping
requirements, see the agency’s regulations by clicking here.