Intro to Arkansas Labor Laws
Get an overview of the Arkansas labor laws small businesses should know when hiring, and updates on employment laws that could impact your business.
Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Arkansas is $11.00 per hour, though special exceptions can apply.
References: Arkansas Minimum Wage
Minimum Exempt Salary Requirements
Arkansas follows the federal minimum exempt requirement of $684 per week or $35,568 per year for most exemptions from minimum wage & overtime.
References: Federal Minimum Exemption Threshold
Meal & Rest Laws
Arkansas follows federal requirements and doesn’t have regulations requiring employers to provide meal and rest break periods.
Lactation Accommodation Laws
Employers in Arkansas must make reasonable accommodations for employees to pump breast milk in a private space other than a restroom. Eligible employees may take unpaid daily breaks as needed to pump breast milk.
References: Arkansas Nursing Mothers Breaks
Updates to Arkansas Labor Laws
Keep up to date with important changes to state and local employment laws in Arkansas.
Arkansas has joined the growing national trend of limiting non-compete agreements in healthcare by passing a law that bans such agreements for physicians. The law aims to improve access to care and retain medical talent by making physician non-competes void and unenforceable. It applies to individuals licensed under the Arkansas Medical Practices Act, including osteopathic physicians.
Employers should review existing agreements with physicians and revise onboarding practices to ensure compliance with the new law.
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.
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