Kentucky Employment Law — full calculator
This calculator covers two areas where Kentucky law exceeds the federal FLSA floor: the **Final Paycheck** tab shows the KRS §337.055 deadline (next regular payday or 14 days, whichever is later) and late-payment consequences; the **Meal & Rest Breaks** tab calculates required 10-minute paid rest breaks per 4 hours worked (KRS §337.365) and the mandatory unpaid meal period between the 3rd and 5th hour of any shift (KRS §337.355). Topics that match the federal baseline — overtime, minimum wage, non-compete, and sick leave — are excluded.
Embed this tool
Copy this code to embed this tool on your site
Frequently Asked Questions
When must a Kentucky employer issue a final paycheck?
Under KRS §337.055, Kentucky employers must pay all earned final wages by the next regular payday or within 14 days of the last day worked — whichever date is later. This applies regardless of whether the employee was fired, resigned, or laid off.
Is Kentucky's final paycheck deadline different for fired vs. resigned employees?
No. Unlike states such as California or Colorado, Kentucky does not distinguish between termination and resignation for final paycheck timing. KRS §337.055 applies the same deadline — next regular payday or 14 days — to all separations.
What happens if a Kentucky employer pays the final paycheck late?
The employee can issue a written demand for payment. If the employer fails to pay within six days of that demand, the employee may file a wage claim with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet or pursue a private lawsuit under KRS §337.385 to recover the unpaid wages plus attorney fees. The statute of limitations is five years under KRS §413.120.
Does Kentucky require employers to provide meal breaks?
Yes. KRS §337.355 requires employers to provide a reasonable meal period — typically at least 30 minutes, unpaid — no earlier than three hours and no later than five hours into an employee's shift. This applies to adult employees at private-sector workplaces.
Does Kentucky require paid rest breaks during the workday?
Yes. KRS §337.365 entitles employees to a paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked. These rest periods are counted as compensable work time and cannot be deducted from pay.
Does the federal FLSA require meal or rest breaks?
No. The Fair Labor Standards Act does not mandate any meal or rest breaks for adult employees. Kentucky's requirements under KRS §337.355 and §337.365 are stricter than the federal baseline.
What penalty does a Kentucky employer face for skipping a required break?
KRS §337.385 provides for civil fines of $100–$500 per violation for first offenses and $500–$1,000 per violation for repeat offenses. Each missed break for each individual employee is treated as a separate violation.
What is Kentucky's minimum wage in 2026?
Kentucky's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour as of 2026, matching the federal FLSA floor. Tipped employees may be paid a base cash wage of $2.13 per hour, provided total tips bring the effective rate to at least $7.25. No locality in Kentucky has enacted a higher minimum wage.
Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky enforces non-compete agreements under common law if they are reasonable in scope, duration (courts typically uphold up to two years), and geographic reach limited to where the employer actually operates. Kentucky has no specific statute governing non-competes; enforceability is determined case-by-case by courts.
Is there a state paid sick leave requirement in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees as of 2026, and no Kentucky municipality has enacted a local paid sick leave ordinance. Employers may offer sick leave voluntarily. Federal FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons.
Embed this tool
Copy this code to embed this tool on your site
