State

Kentucky's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009, under KRS 337.275. — Source

Kentucky wage law

Kentucky Minimum Wage Calculator

Calculate estimated gross pay at Kentucky's verified minimum wage of $7.25/hr, effective July 24, 2009. The calculator applies FLSA overtime at 1.5x for hours beyond 40.

Estimate your minimum wage gross pay

Worked examples

Example 1: standard 40-hour week

Hours worked = 40 Hourly rate = $7.25 (Kentucky minimum wage) Regular pay = 40 x $7.25 = $290.00 Overtime = none Estimated gross = $290.00

Example 2: 45-hour week with overtime

Hours worked = 45 Regular hours = 40 x $7.25 = $290.00 Overtime hours = 5 x $10.88 (1.5x) = $54.38 Estimated gross = $344.38

The Kentucky minimum wage rule

Kentucky's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009, under KRS 337.275, enforced by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Office of Wages and Hours. KRS 337.275 adopts the federal minimum wage by reference, meaning Kentucky's state rate equals the current federal FLSA minimum of $7.25/hr. The rate has been at $7.25 since July 24, 2009. Kentucky also requires 1.5x pay on the 7th consecutive day of any workweek under KRS 337.050 when total hours exceed 40.

State-specific facts

Statute: KRS 337.275.

Wage-claim agency: Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Office of Wages and Hours. File a wage claim at labor.ky.gov/Pages/WageHour.aspx.

Regional comparison: Neighboring Ohio has a business gross-receipts exemption tier; Ohio's main minimum wage rate is higher than Kentucky's $7.25 under KRS 337.275, which adopts the federal rate by reference.

What this does not determine

Whether you or your employer is covered by the FLSA or applicable state wage law.
Tips, commissions, bonuses, shift differentials, or other forms of compensation.
Whether a local ordinance sets a higher minimum wage in your city or county.
Overtime owed under daily thresholds (applicable in Colorado and certain other states).
Youth, tipped, or training sub-minimum wages, which are unverified and not rendered here.
Final paycheck deadlines, break requirements, or other wage-and-hour protections.

Sources and verification

Kentucky's minimum wage was verified from the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Office of Wages and Hours. The rate, effective date, and statutory citation were checked against the primary state source. See the site's methodology for how rules become tested calculator logic.

Common questions

What is the current minimum wage in Kentucky?

Kentucky's minimum wage is $7.25/hr, effective July 24, 2009, under KRS 337.275. Confirmed from Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Office of Wages and Hours.

How is my minimum wage gross pay calculated?

Gross pay equals hours worked times the minimum wage rate for the first 40 hours. Federal law (FLSA) requires 1.5x for hours beyond 40 in a workweek. For example, 45 hours at $7.25 yields $290.00 regular plus $54.38 overtime, totaling $344.38 gross.

Who can I contact about a minimum wage dispute in Kentucky?

Contact the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Office of Wages and Hours at https://labor.ky.gov for state law claims, or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (dol.gov/agencies/whd) for FLSA claims. Both agencies accept wage complaints at no cost.