Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced merit-based pay raises for state employees in recognition of their service and performance over the past year.
In a message addressed to executive branch employees, Governor Sanders expressed appreciation for the workforce’s dedication to improving public services while reducing government spending. “You are the engine that keeps Arkansas state government running,” Sanders said.
Effective immediately, executive branch employees who received a score of 3 (“met expectations”) on their most recent performance evaluations will receive a 1% base salary increase. Those who received a score of 4 (“exceeded expectations”) will receive a 3% base salary increase. These raises apply only to employees who have served in their current executive department since January 2, 2025, and have been with the executive branch for at least one year.
The announcement also highlighted Act 499, passed during the 2025 legislative session, which overhauls the state’s employee pay plan. Beginning July 1, the new structure will bring two-thirds of executive branch employees up to market pay levels, and provide substantial raises to high-demand roles such as corrections officers, state troopers, and DCFS caseworkers.
