Understanding Kentucky’s wage and hour laws is essential for both employers and employees. Whether you are managing payroll or clocking in for your first job, staying compliant with minimum wage and overtime regulations helps avoid costly penalties and ensures fair compensation. As an employee, your rights deserve protection and any violations may entitle you to several legal remedies.
The employment lawyers at Abney Law help workers with minimum wage and overtime violations throughout Kentucky. Let us speak with you to learn how we can help.
Kentucky Minimum Wage: The Basics
As of 2025, Kentucky’s minimum wage remains aligned with the federal minimum wage at $7.25 per hour. This rate applies to most non-exempt employees working in the state. However, there are specific exceptions and variations based on job type and employee classification:
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped workers a minimum cash wage of $2.13 per hour, provided that tips bring the total hourly earnings to at least $7.25. Employers may take a tip credit of up to $5.12, but must ensure compliance through accurate recordkeeping.
- Youth Minimum Wage: Workers under age 20 may be paid a training wage of $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. This federal youth wage is designed to support entry-level opportunities while maintaining fair labor standards.
- Federal Override: If the federal minimum wage increases above Kentucky’s rate, the higher federal rate will apply automatically.
Overtime Rules in Kentucky
Kentucky follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) when it comes to overtime pay. Employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek must receive time and a half their regular rate of pay for all overtime hours.
Additional overtime provisions include:
- Seventh Consecutive Day Rule: If an employee works seven consecutive days in a workweek, they are entitled to premium pay (1.5x regular rate) for all hours worked on the seventh day.
- Exemptions: Certain employees may be exempt from overtime requirements, including executive, administrative, professional, and outside sales roles. Employers must carefully evaluate job duties and salary thresholds to determine exemption status.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers in Kentucky are required to comply with both state and federal wage laws. Key responsibilities include:
- Accurate Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed records of hours worked, wages paid, and tip credits claimed.
- Posting Requirements: Display official labor law posters in the workplace, including minimum wage and overtime notices.
- Timely Payment: Wages must be paid on regular paydays, and final paychecks must be issued promptly upon termination.
Failure to comply with wage and hour laws can result in investigations, fines, and legal action. The Kentucky Division of Wages and Hours handles enforcement and employee complaints.
Special Considerations for Youth Employment
Kentucky imposes additional restrictions on working hours for minors aged 14 to 17:
- Ages 14–15: May work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with a weekly cap of 18 hours during school sessions. Work hours are limited to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., extended to 9:00 p.m. during summer.
- Ages 16–17: May work up to 6 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with a weekly cap of 30 hours. Evening work is permitted until 10:30 p.m. on school nights and 1:00 a.m. on non-school nights.
Minors are also prohibited from engaging in hazardous occupations, such as coal mining, logging, and operating motor vehicles.
Talk to a Kentucky Minimum Wage and Overtime Lawyer Today
Never let an employer violate your rights. Whether they are attempting to pay you less than you are owed, or violating your overtime pay rights, we want to help.
Let the experienced employment attorneys at Abney Law review your case. Contact us today for a consultation.