Arkansas Overtime Laws
Arkansas has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$11.00
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Standard FLSA exemptions apply
Important Notes
Arkansas has its own overtime law that mirrors federal FLSA.
State Labor Department
Arkansas Economy and Workforce
Arkansas produced $188.7 billion in GDP in 2024, with GDP growth of 4.4% outpacing the national rate of 2.7%. The state is headquarters to six Fortune 500 companies including Walmart (the world's largest company by revenue), Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt Transport Services. Arkansas leads the nation in rice production (49% of U.S. output) and transportation/warehousing employment concentration.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Arkansas industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Food Processing and Poultry
Home to Tyson Foods headquarters, Arkansas's poultry processing plants operate extended shifts during peak production periods, with workers frequently exceeding 40-hour weeks.
Retail and Warehousing
Walmart's massive distribution network and e-commerce fulfillment centers in Northwest Arkansas regularly require overtime, especially during holiday seasons and sales events.
Transportation and Trucking
Arkansas has the highest percentage of transportation and warehousing workers nationally (4.89% vs 3.56%). J.B. Hunt and other carriers often require drivers and logistics workers to work extended hours.
Healthcare
Education and Health Services represent the largest contributor to employment growth, with hospitals and clinics requiring overtime from nurses and medical staff.
Steel and Metals Manufacturing
Mississippi County has the second-largest steel production capacity in the nation, with mills operating around the clock and requiring overtime during high-demand periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of July 1, 2024, employees must earn at least $844 per week ($43,888 annually) to qualify as exempt from overtime. Additionally, their job duties must meet executive, administrative, or professional criteria.
Arkansas overtime law applies to employers with 4 or more employees. Employers with fewer than 4 employees must still follow federal FLSA if they gross over $500,000 annually or engage in interstate commerce.
No. Holiday pay, sick pay, vacation pay, and other paid time off do not count as hours worked for overtime calculation purposes. Only actual hours worked count toward the 40-hour overtime threshold.
How to File a Wage Claim in Arkansas
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Gather all documentation including pay stubs, timesheets, and employment records showing unpaid overtime.
File a complaint with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, Labor Standards Division.
You can submit your claim online through the Arkansas Department of Labor website or by mail.
For employers subject to federal law (grossing over $500,000 or in interstate commerce), you may also file with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Consider consulting an attorney for complex claims or if initial resolution attempts fail.
Important Arkansas Consideration
Arkansas has a student worker provision where full-time students enrolled in accredited educational institutions may be paid 85% of the minimum wage ($9.35/hour) and are limited to 20 hours per week during school sessions. This affects overtime calculations, as these workers are still entitled to overtime at 1.5 times their student rate for hours over 40.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.