Minimum Wage in Arkansas (AR)
The minimum wage in Arkansas is $11.00 per hour , effective January 1, 2021. This is $3.75 (51.72%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $2.63 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $2.63/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. Arkansas minimum wage reached $11.00 in 2021 under the 2018 ballot measure.
Minimum Wage by City in Arkansas
The table below shows the minimum wage for 2 cities in Arkansas. No cities currently have local minimum wages above the state rate of $11.00/hr.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | $11.00/hr | $22,880 | Same | +$3.75 |
| Fayetteville | $11.00/hr | $22,880 | Same | +$3.75 |
How Arkansas Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Arkansas with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Arkansas stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (AR) | $11.00/hr | $2.63/hr | $22,880 |
| Minnesota (MN) | $11.13/hr | $11.13/hr | $23,150 |
| South Dakota (SD) | $11.20/hr | $5.60/hr | $23,296 |
| Ohio (OH) | $10.70/hr | $5.35/hr | $22,256 |
| Montana (MT) | $10.55/hr | $10.55/hr | $21,944 |
| Alaska (AK) | $11.91/hr | $11.91/hr | $24,773 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in Arkansas in 2026?
The minimum wage in Arkansas is $11.00 per hour as of January 1, 2021. This is $3.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $22,880 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Arkansas?
The tipped minimum wage in Arkansas is $2.63 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $8.37/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $2.63/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $11.00/hr.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in Arkansas?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Arkansas (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $22,880 per year before taxes. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in Arkansas, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.