Current Minimum Wage in Arkansas
The minimum wage in Arkansas is $11.00 per hour as of 2026. This is $3.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $11.00 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $88 | 8 |
| Weekly | $440 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $880 | 80 |
| Monthly | $1,907 | ~173 |
| Annual | $22,880 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in Arkansas can be paid a cash wage of $2.63/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $11.00/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
No scheduled increases beyond current rate.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $7,820 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (AR)
~$14.62/hr
Based on cost of living index (86)
Cost of Living Context
Arkansas's cost of living index is 86 (national average = 100). This means living in Arkansas is 14.0% cheaper than the national average. The median hourly wage in Arkansas is $17.46/hr, which is 59% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
Voter-approved increase to $11.00 in 2021. Tipped minimum is $2.63/hr.
How This Compares
| Metric | AR | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $11.00 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $2.63 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $22,880 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
Arkansas Average Salary
Median income and top employers in AR
Arkansas Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in AR
Salary Calculator
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Paycheck Calculator
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