Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced a round of pay increases for Arkansas state employees, recognizing their dedication and performance throughout the past year. In a letter addressed to executive branch employees, Sanders praised the workforce for “improving services for the people of Arkansas while saving money,” and noted that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
According to the announcement, eligible state employees who met performance expectations in their latest evaluations will receive a 1% base salary increase. Those who exceeded expectations will be awarded a 3% increase. These raises apply to workers in the executive branch who have been with their current department since at least January 2, 2025, and have completed one full year of service.
“I am authorizing a 1% base salary increase for those who received a 3 on their evaluation – met expectations – and a 3% base salary increase for those who received a 4 on their evaluation – exceeded expectations,” Governor Sanders stated in her letter. “These raises will only apply to state employees who have worked in the executive branch for at least a year, and who have worked at their current executive department since January 2, 2025.”
Additional Pay Plan Reform Taking Effect July 1
In addition to the merit-based increases, Sanders highlighted the upcoming implementation of Act 499, a legislative measure passed during the 2025 session that will overhaul the state’s pay structure. The act is set to take effect on July 1 and will adjust salaries for a wide swath of executive branch employees, bringing two-thirds of them in line with current market rates.
“Act 499…authorized a new pay plan that will go into effect on July 1 of this year, raising the pay of two-thirds of executive branch employees up to market standards,” Sanders wrote. The act is also expected to deliver double-digit pay hikes for essential positions such as corrections officers, state troopers, and DCFS caseworkers, many of whom have been in especially high demand.
Sanders emphasized that fair compensation is part of a larger strategy to ensure quality governance and efficient public service. “Rewarding good work goes hand-in-hand with delivering better results for the people of Arkansas,” she added.
The governor concluded her letter by thanking employees for their commitment to public service and reaffirming her administration’s appreciation for their work.
