Kentucky does not set a minimum wage above the federal level, so employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. Kentucky matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25.
Wage rates for 2026
Overtime & premium pay
| Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Weekly | 40 hours (1.5x) |
| 7th day | 7th consecutive day (1.5x) |
Kentucky's separate 7th-day law requires time and one-half for hours worked on the 7th day when an employee works all 7 days in a week (and works over 40 hours).
Related labor laws in Kentucky
Paid sick leave
Not required by state law.
Overtime
Overtime is required after 40 hours (1.5x) in a week, and on the 7th consecutive day (1.5x). Kentucky's separate 7th-day law requires time and one-half for hours worked on the 7th day when an employee works all 7 days in a week (and works over 40 hours).
Pay frequency & final paycheck
Rules for how often employees must be paid and when a final paycheck is due vary. Confirm the current requirements with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet.
Meal & rest breaks
Whether a meal break or paid rest break is required, and whether that time is paid, follows Kentucky and federal rules.
Time off to vote
Whether employees get time off to vote, and whether it is paid, is set by state election law.
Jury duty
Your job is protected during jury service. Whether the employer must pay you depends on the state.
Bereavement leave
Only six states require bereavement or funeral leave. Many employers offer it voluntarily.
As of 2026, no city or county in Kentucky sets a minimum wage above the state rate, so the statewide $7.25 applies everywhere.