Arkansas Minimum Wage (2026)
Arkansas’s minimum wage is $11.00 — $3.75 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2021. Tipped: tipped minimum $2.63. Next change: no increase currently scheduled.
The minimum wage in Arkansas is $11.00/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2021).
- Minimum wage$11.00
- Tipped minimum$2.63
- Next scheduled changeNone scheduled
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$22,880
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
None. Arkansas has no future increase written into law; the rate changes only by legislation or ballot measure.
Arkansas vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $15.00 | +$4.00 |
| Tennessee | $7.25 | −$3.75 |
| Mississippi | $7.25 | −$3.75 |
| Louisiana | $7.25 | −$3.75 |
| Oklahoma | $7.25 | −$3.75 |
Arkansas minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $11.00 |
| 2025 | $11.00 |
| 2024 | $11.00 |
| 2023 | $11.00 |
| 2022 | $11.00 |
| 2021 | $11.00 |
| 2020 | $10.00 |
| 2019 | $9.25 |
| 2018 | $8.50 |
| 2017 | $8.50 |
| 2016 | $8.00 |
| 2015 | $7.50 |
| 2014 | $6.25 |
| 2013 | $6.25 |
| 2012 | $6.25 |
| 2011 | $6.25 |
| 2010 | $6.25 |
| 2009 | $6.25 |
| 2008 | $6.25 |
| 2007 | $6.25 |
| 2006 | $5.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $5.15 |
| 2002 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | $5.15 |
| 2000 | $5.15 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
Applies to employers with 4+ employees. Flat at $11.00 since 1-1-2021 (2018 ballot measure); no indexing (NCSL's 'indexed since 2023' note conflicts with DOL/EPI and appears erroneous).
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Arkansas in 2026?
$11.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2021, which is $3.75 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Arkansas?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $2.63; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does Arkansas's minimum wage go up next?
No future increase is currently written into law; a change would require new legislation or a ballot measure.
How much is full-time minimum wage in Arkansas per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $11.00/hour is $22,880 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Arkansas labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.