Arkansas · updated 2026-10
Arkansas Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Ark. Code 11-4-211: 1.5x after 40 hours actually worked in a workweek (paid holidays and sick days don't count toward the 40). Applies only to employers with 4 or more employees; agricultural workers are exempt. Smaller employers covered by the FLSA still owe federal overtime.
Meal break
Not required
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Arkansas; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Rest breaks
Not required
Arkansas law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$11.00
$11.00 an hour (since 2021-01-01). Applies to employers with 4 or more employees. Tipped employees must get a cash wage of at least $2.63/hour, with tips making up the rest.
Arkansas time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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Arkansas pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Arkansas?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. Ark. Code 11-4-211: 1.5x after 40 hours actually worked in a workweek (paid holidays and sick days don't count toward the 40). Applies only to employers with 4 or more employees; agricultural workers are exempt. Smaller employers covered by the FLSA still owe federal overtime.
Are lunch breaks required in Arkansas?
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Arkansas; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Are rest breaks required in Arkansas?
Arkansas law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in Arkansas?
$11.00 an hour (since 2021-01-01). Applies to employers with 4 or more employees. Tipped employees must get a cash wage of at least $2.63/hour, with tips making up the rest.
Workers under 18 in Arkansas
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Arkansas teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, Labor Standards Division.