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State of Kentucky Labor Laws serve to ensure honest and fair work environments, and to level the playing field for employees and employers alike. Even as federal laws establish a baseline, state laws can diverge significantly, reflecting local economic realities and workplace cultures.
In Kentucky, state regulations tend to be less stringent than federal ones, which means that employers have more leeway. Let’s know more about the state laws.
Standard Working Hours And Wages
Kentucky labor laws for hourly employees as per businesses to pay employees in accordance with both federal and state wage and hour laws. Wage laws determine the minimum that employees can be paid, and hour laws govern the maximum they can work, when breaks are to be taken, among other fundamental workplace rules.
Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Kentucky is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). If the federal minimum wage increases, Kentucky law automatically adjusts to match it.
Who Is Excluded from Minimum Wage:
- Agriculture workers.
- Executives, administrators, supervisors, and professionals.
- Immediate family employees.
- Outside salespeople or collectors.
- US government employees.
- Domestic service employees.
- Apprentices, disabled workers, and participants in approved state programs.
- Retail employees at businesses with less than $95,000 in annual sales.
- Individuals providing 24-hour care to children or disabled adults in approved facilities.
- Newspaper delivery workers.
- Direct sellers.
- Babysitters and caretakers without housekeeping duties.
Overtime Pay
Kentucky labor laws 12-hour shifts – are in line with the FLSA, requiring 1.5 times the regular pay rate for hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek.
Some employees are exempt from overtime pay, such as:
- Restaurant, hotel, and motel staff.
- Workers in sales and purchasing in retail stores.
- For the elderly or the sick, an in-person companionship service.
- FLSA-exempt employees.
- Staff providing 24-hour residential care to children in accredited facilities.
Tipped Minimum Wage
Tip income may be counted toward the minimum wage where an employee receives more than $30 per month in tips. The employer must pay at least $2.13 per hour in direct wages.
Tips can help turn $7.25 minimum into more.
If tips paid out do not add up to the difference, the employer must still top up pay to the minimum wage.
Meal And Rest Periods
As per the Kentucky labor laws breaks, Employees get a paid rest break of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours worked in a workday. All breaks of less than 20 minutes shall be paid, so that no employee shall be required to work for free for more than 20 minutes.
Under Kentucky labor laws for breaks employees can waive the meal period if they prefer, but I would ask that you obtain this waiver in writing so that there are no disagreements in the future.
Workers are also entitled to a lunch break, but it is typically unpaid. Meal periods should be scheduled approximately in the middle of the work day, typically in the 3rd to 5th hour of an 8th hour shift, and must be at least 30 minutes long. During the time the service is provided, an employee must be completely free from his or her work duties.
Leave Laws
Kentucky labor laws for adults require employers to grant employees unpaid leave for the following. There is no obligation for Vacation, Sick, or Holiday pay to be paid to Employees unless outlined in company policy.
| Leave Type | Details |
| Jury Duty Leave | Employees get the duty leave to go on jury duty without worrying about being fired or disciplined. It is against the law for employers to retaliate against employees who fulfill their civic duty. |
| Military Leave (USERRA) | The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA) prohibits discrimination based on military service/position in one of the armed forces of the United States. |
| Voting Leave | Kentucky employees need to be provided at least 4 hours to vote. Under state law, employers can’t penalize employees for taking time off to vote. |
| Adoption Leave | The State of Kentucky labor law mandates that employers provide a maximum of 6 weeks of unpaid leave for adoption activities. |
| Vacation Leave | Employers don’t have to provide vacation leave. But if employees receive vacation leave, employers are obligated to comply with employment agreements or written policies. |
| Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) | The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year. |
| Sick Leave | Employees may take sick leave for:
|
Child Labor Laws
Kentucky labor laws for minors set a general minimum employment age of 14 years for most jobs, unless the work is part of an approved school program. Children 11 or older may work as golf caddies, and those 12 or older can serve as referees or officials in youth athletic programs.
Prohibited Occupations for Minors:
- Driving motor vehicles.
- Manufacturing jobs.
- Logging or sawmill operations.
- Mining, including coal mining.
- Demolition or excavation.
- Operating power-driven machinery.
- Roof work.
- Pool or billiards rooms.
- Places where alcohol is produced or served.
Work Exempt from Child Labor Restrictions:
- Domestic service in a private home.
- Farm work.
- Newspaper delivery.
- Casual household tasks, such as grass cutting.
- Acting or performing.
- Work for parents or guardians in non-hazardous jobs.
Exemptions may be requested for 16- and 17-year-olds in an apprentice role through the Kentucky Division of Wages and Hours.
Workplace And Rights
All Kentucky employers have to follow KY labor laws for salaried employees, as per that they need to provide a safe work environment. This can involve a safe workplace, regular safety policies and training, and overarching company safety procedures so your employees can avoid workplace accidents and injuries.
Kentucky employees are protected by the OSHA Act:
- Inspections at the workplace can result from a work-related accident, employee complaint, or high-risk industry.
- Offering training and educational materials to ensure that both employers and workers know their rights and responsibilities.
- Developing and enforcing safety and health standards for everything from how equipment is used to how hazardous materials are handled in the workplace.
Employers who know both federal and state safety requirements can make sure they are creating a safe workplace, and employees can have confidence that their health and safety are being protected.
Taxes In Kentucky
Kentucky has a relatively simple tax system compared to other states. Income tax in Kentucky has a flat state income tax rate of 4.00%. Local income tax. Some Indiana counties and cities have an additional income tax.
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Curious Minds Also Ask
How many hours straight can you legally work in Kentucky?
There is no limit on consecutive working hours for adults as established by Kentucky law. Employers can set the schedules, but the law does permit you to work 8 hours or more a day.
How many breaks do you get in an 8-hour shift in Kentucky?
Employees are also entitled to two 10-minute paid rest periods per 8-hour work shift. For each 4 hours worked, breaks must be given.
How long does an employer have to pay you after termination in Kentucky?
No law in Kentucky provides a deadline for final pay. The timing of payment is determined by the employer’s policy or employment contract.
Can I waive my lunch break in KY?
Yes, in Kentucky, the employer is not required by law to provide lunch breaks. As an employer, you can waive a meal period or permit an employee to take a shorter meal period.
Can a company make you work 7 days a week in Kentucky?
No, employees are entitled to one day off each week. The 7 consecutive days would be in violation of Kentucky’s day-of-rest laws.
Does Kentucky require PTO payout upon termination?
No, you are not entitled to pay for accrued PTO under KY law. Payouts are only mandated if the employer’s policy or individual employment contract mandates it.
Can your employer cut your pay without notice in Kentucky?
Yes, employers can reduce pay unless there is a contract or agreement that says otherwise. Sudden pay cuts could still pose legal or contractual challenges.
What is the new break law in Kentucky?
Workers are entitled to a 10-minute, paid rest break for every 4 hours on the job. That’s whether they are full-time or part-time workers.
Is it illegal to discuss wages in Kentucky?
No, employees are not allowed to talk about their wages. Federal law protection for wage transparency also applies in Kentucky.
How many hours is considered full-time in Kentucky?
Kentucky doesn’t have any state laws regarding full-time work hours. Most employers will count 30–40 hours for benefits and scheduling as being full-time.
What is the minimum wage in KY?
Kentucky’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. It parallels the federal minimum and covers the majority of other (nonexempt) employees.
What is the Kentucky minimum wage in 2025?
It remains $7.25 per hour. There is no planned raise above the current federal minimum at this stage.
How many days can you work without a day off in Kentucky?
Workers are allowed to work six days. After that, at least one day off each week will have to be granted to them.
Are lunch breaks mandatory in KY?
No, Kentucky does not have lunch or meal breaks required by law. Employers can offer them voluntarily or as part of corporate policy.
How many sick days are required by law in KY?
Kentucky: No paid sick leave is required. Any sick leave payments are at the employer’s discretion.
Does Kentucky have PTO laws?
No, paid time off is not mandatory. Employers can offer PTO either voluntarily or as part of a contract.
What are the rights of employees in Kentucky?
Workers are supposed to receive at least the minimum wage, rest breaks, and one day off a week. You’re free to discuss wages, but PTO, sick pay, and lunch breaks are not required.
What is considered a hostile work environment in Kentucky?
To qualify as a hostile work environment, harassment or discrimination must be severe or pervasive. It must be severe or pervasive enough to create an abusive or intimidating work environment.
What is the minimum wage in Kentucky?
The minimum wage, you guessed it, $7.25 an hour, the federal minimum. Except for those who are exempt, it will generally apply to employees.
FAQ's
What is the minimum wage in Kentucky in 2025?
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As of 2025, Kentucky follows the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour, unless federal law changes or local ordinances set higher rates.
Does Kentucky require employers to provide paid sick leave in 2025?
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No, Kentucky does not have a statewide law requiring paid sick leave. However, employers may choose to provide it as part of their benefits package.
What are the overtime laws in Kentucky for 2025?
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Kentucky labor laws follow federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines, requiring overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Are employers in Kentucky required to provide meal and rest breaks in 2025?
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Yes, Kentucky law requires employers to give employees a reasonable meal period (usually at least 30 minutes) and rest breaks of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours worked.
