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Arkansas Labor Laws 2025

Arkansas has a minimum wage above federal levels and follows federal standards for most other employment matters. The state provides specific protections for minor employees and gives employees the right to access their personnel files.

Important: Arkansas minimum wage ($11.00/hour) applies to employers with 4 or more employees. Smaller employers must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.

Minimum Wage

Arkansas has a state minimum wage that exceeds the federal minimum wage.

Key Requirements

  • State minimum wage: $11.00 per hour (as of January 1, 2021, unchanged through 2025)
  • Tipped employees: $2.63/hour cash wage (with tip credit to reach $11.00)
  • Applies to employers with 4 or more employees
  • Smaller employers (fewer than 4 employees) must pay federal minimum wage of $7.25
  • Some exemptions apply for seasonal workers and certain agricultural employees

Additional Resources

Overtime

Arkansas follows federal overtime requirements under the FLSA with no additional state requirements.

Key Requirements

  • Overtime pay: 1.5x regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek
  • No daily overtime requirement (calculated weekly)
  • Standard FLSA exemptions apply (executive, administrative, professional)
  • No state-specific overtime provisions
  • Applies to employers with 4 or more employees

Additional Resources

Meal and Rest Breaks

Arkansas does not require meal or rest breaks for adult employees but has requirements for minors.

Key Requirements

  • Adult employees: No state law requiring meal or rest breaks
  • Minors under 16: 30-minute unpaid break required for shifts over 5 hours
  • If breaks are voluntarily provided, federal rules apply
  • Short breaks (5-20 minutes) must be paid if provided
  • Meal periods (30+ minutes) may be unpaid if employee is completely relieved of duties

Additional Resources

Payment of Wages

Arkansas has specific requirements for wage payment frequency and timing.

Key Requirements

  • Employers must establish regular paydays at least semi-monthly
  • Wages must be paid within 7 days after the end of each pay period
  • Final wages: Must be paid within 7 days of separation
  • If employee is discharged: wages due immediately or within 7 days
  • Direct deposit allowed with employee written authorization

Additional Resources

Child Labor

Arkansas has comprehensive restrictions on youth employment to protect minors.

Key Requirements

  • Minors under 14: Generally prohibited from employment except family businesses, agriculture
  • Ages 14-15: Limited to 3 hours per school day, 18 hours per week during school
  • Ages 14-15: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week when school not in session
  • Ages 16-17: No hour restrictions, but hazardous occupation restrictions apply
  • Work permits (employment certificates) required for minors under 16

Additional Resources

Personnel Files

Arkansas law provides employees the right to review their personnel files.

Key Requirements

  • Employees have the right to inspect and copy their personnel files
  • Employer must allow inspection within 7 days of written request
  • Inspection must occur at a reasonable time and place
  • Employer may be present during inspection
  • Applies to current and former employees (former employees within one year of termination)

Additional Resources

Employer Size Threshold

Arkansas minimum wage law includes a threshold based on the number of employees:

4 or More Employees

Must pay Arkansas state minimum wage

$11.00/hour

Fewer Than 4 Employees

Must pay federal minimum wage

$7.25/hour

Employee Rights to Personnel Files

Arkansas is one of the few states that explicitly grants employees the right to access their personnel files:

  • Employees may inspect their personnel files upon written request
  • Employer has 7 days to provide access after receiving written request
  • Employees may obtain copies of documents (employer may charge reasonable fee)
  • Right extends to former employees for one year after termination

Federal Laws Apply

Arkansas employers must comply with all federal employment laws:

FLSA

Fair Labor Standards Act governs overtime, recordkeeping, and youth employment.

FMLA

Family and Medical Leave Act provides job-protected leave for eligible employees.

ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations.

Title VII

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

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