Kentucky · Checked October 25, 2026
Kentucky minimum wage, overtime and final paycheck rules
The Kentucky minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, the federal rate. Next: no increase scheduled.
Minimum wage
Kentucky: $7.25 an hour.
No change is scheduled as of October 25, 2026.
Tipped employees
Lowest cash wage before tips: $2.13. Tips plus the cash wage must reach at least the full minimum wage each workweek, or the employer makes up the difference.
Overtime
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek, the federal rule. Kentucky does not add a daily overtime rule.
Final paycheck
| Fired or laid off | Next scheduled payday or within 14 days, whichever is later |
|---|---|
| Quits | Same as if fired |
| Law | Ky. Rev. Stat. 337.055 |
Take-home pay in Kentucky
See what a paycheck looks like after federal and Kentucky taxes with the Kentucky paycheck calculator.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table (July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- Final pay: Nolo, Final Paycheck Laws by State (statute citations listed per state)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Kentucky?
$7.25 an hour as of October 25, 2026.
Is the Kentucky minimum wage going up in 2027?
No increase is scheduled as of October 25, 2026.
When is a final paycheck due in Kentucky?
If fired or laid off: next scheduled payday or within 14 days, whichever is later. If the employee quits: same as if fired.
These are summaries of state law for general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can set higher minimums, and special rules cover minors, trainees, farm work and some industries. Check with the state labor department before you make a pay decision.