Arkansas Overtime Laws 2026: $11 Min Wage & Pay Calculator

Arkansas Overtime Pay Rules in 2026

Arkansas is one of a minority of states with its own minimum wage law but no state-specific overtime statute. For overtime, Arkansas workers depend entirely on the federal FLSA: time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. The state's higher minimum wage, however, does raise the floor for overtime calculations.

Arkansas Minimum Wage in 2026

Thanks to Issue 5 (passed by voters in 2018), Arkansas has been on a scheduled minimum wage increase path. For 2026, the rates are:

| Worker Type | Minimum Wage (2026) |

|---|---|

| Non-tipped employees | $11.00/hour |

| Tipped employees | $2.63/hour + tips |

| Full-time students (certain employers) | 85% of minimum ($9.35/hour) |

This means the minimum overtime rate in Arkansas is $16.50/hour ($11.00 × 1.5) — significantly higher than the $10.88 federal minimum overtime floor.

How Arkansas Overtime Works

Arkansas has no daily or weekly overtime law beyond the federal FLSA:

• 1.5× regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek
• No daily overtime threshold
• No double-time requirement
• Overtime is calculated on your actual regular rate, not the minimum wage

Example — A Little Rock factory worker earning $16/hour works 46 hours:

• Regular: 40 × $16 = $640
• Overtime: 6 × $24 = $144
• Total: $784

Our Arkansas Overtime Pay Calculator handles non-discretionary bonuses and shift differentials automatically.

Arkansas Overtime Exemptions

Arkansas follows the federal FLSA exemption framework:

• Executive, administrative, professional (EAP) — must earn at least $684/week AND pass the duties test
• Outside salespeople
• Computer professionals — $27.63+/hour
• Highly compensated employees — $107,432+/year
• Agricultural workers, certain transportation workers

Arkansas-specific note: The state has no separate salary threshold or duties test beyond federal standards. However, Arkansas courts tend to interpret exemptions narrowly in favor of workers.

Arkansas Wage Payment Laws

While Arkansas lacks an overtime statute, it does have strong wage payment protections under Arkansas Code § 11-4-201:

• Pay frequency: Employers must pay at least twice per month (semi-monthly)
• Final paychecks: Due on the next regular payday after termination
• Wage claims: File with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing
• Statute of limitations: 3 years for willful violations under FLSA; state law allows 2 years

Industries with Common Arkansas Overtime Violations

The federal DOL's Little Rock office regularly recovers unpaid overtime for:

• Northwest Arkansas poultry processing (Tyson, George's) — unpaid donning/doffing and sanitization time
• Little Rock and Fayetteville healthcare — automatic meal deductions when staff actually worked
• Manufacturing — misclassifying production workers as independent contractors
• Retail and hospitality — off-the-clock closing and opening duties

Arkansas vs. Neighboring States

| State | Daily Overtime | Minimum Wage (2026) | State OT Law |

|---|---|---|---|

| Arkansas | No | $11.00 | No (FLSA only) |

| Missouri | No | $13.75 | No (FLSA only) |

| Oklahoma | No | $7.25 | No (FLSA only) |

| Tennessee | No | $7.25 | No (FLSA only) |

| Louisiana | No | $7.25 | No (FLSA only) |

| Texas | No | $7.25 | No (FLSA only) |

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arkansas require overtime after 8 hours?

No. Arkansas has no daily overtime law. Only the federal 40-hour weekly rule applies.

Can my Arkansas employer make me work overtime without pay?

No. All non-exempt employees must receive 1.5× pay for hours over 40. Working overtime "voluntarily" without extra pay is illegal under FLSA.

How is Arkansas overtime calculated for tipped workers?

Arkansas tipped workers' overtime is calculated on the full $11.00 minimum wage, not the $2.63 cash wage. Your overtime rate is at least $16.50/hour.

Does Arkansas have a state labor board?

Yes. The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing handles wage claims, though overtime enforcement primarily falls to the federal DOL.