Gov. Sanders announces merit pay increases for state employees

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced a pay increase for state employees who met or exceeded expectations on their most recent performance evaluations this past year.

Those who earned a 3 on their evaluation (met expectations) will receive a 1% base salary increase, while those who got a 4 (exceeded expectations) will receive a 3% base salary increase.

This applies to all state employees who have worked in the executive branch for at least a year and have been at their current executive department since January 2, 2025.

Additionally, Act 449, which passed earlier during the 2025 legislative session, authorized a new pay plan that will go into effect on July 1, 2025, raising the pay of two-thirds of executive branch employees and offering double-digit pay increases. 

“You are the engine that keeps Arkansas state government running. My administration has tasked you with improving services for the people of Arkansas while saving money, and over the past year, you have stepped up and delivered. I am grateful for your hard work,” said Gov. Sanders. “Rewarding good work goes hand-in-hand with delivering better results for the people of Arkansas. Thank you for your service to our state and your continued dedication to your career in public service.”