Arkansas Minimum Wage & Poultry Worker Overtime Rules
In Arkansas, the standard state minimum wage is $11.00/hr. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), time spent by poultry processing and manufacturing employees donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) essential safety gear is compensable. Failure to track and compensate prep time is a frequent source of wage shortfalls, especially when prep time pushes total hours into overtime (exceeding 40 in a workweek). For official rules, contact the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Arkansas for 2026?
For 2026, the Arkansas state minimum wage is $11.00 per hour for employers with 4 or more employees. The cash minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.63 per hour.
Are poultry workers entitled to pay for donning and doffing in Arkansas?
Yes. Under both Arkansas labor laws and federal FLSA regulations, time spent putting on (donning) and taking off (doffing) specialized protective gear, washing, or preparing equipment is compensable work time if it is integral and indispensable to the job duties.
How is weekly overtime calculated in Arkansas?
Arkansas overtime is paid at 1.5 times the employee's regular hourly rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 hours in a single workweek.