Kentucky Employment Law — full calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Kentucky have its own overtime rules beyond the federal FLSA?

  Yes. Kentucky follows the federal 40-hour weekly threshold (KRS §337.285) but adds a 7th-consecutive-day rule (KRS §337.050): if an employee works 7 days in a row and total weekly hours exceed 40, all hours on the 7th day must be paid at 1.5×. This can result in more overtime pay than the standard weekly calculation alone.

• When must a Kentucky employer issue a final paycheck?

  Under KRS §337.055, the final paycheck must be issued by the next regular payday or within 14 days of separation, whichever occurs later. The same rule applies whether the employee was fired, laid off, or resigned voluntarily.

• What penalties apply if a Kentucky employer pays final wages late?

  Under KRS §337.385, a late employer owes the full unpaid wages plus an equal amount as liquidated damages — effectively doubling the debt. The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet may also assess civil penalties of $100–$1,000 per violation, and courts may award attorney's fees.

• Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Kentucky?

  Yes, with conditions. Kentucky courts enforce non-competes that are reasonable in scope, geographic area, and duration. A critical rule: continued employment alone is not sufficient consideration for an existing employee — the employer must provide something extra (raise, promotion, or bonus). Courts may blue-pencil (narrow) overbroad terms rather than void the entire agreement.

• Does Kentucky require employers to provide meal breaks?

  Yes. KRS §337.355 requires a reasonable meal period (generally ≥30 minutes) between the 3rd and 5th hour of any shift exceeding 5 hours. The break must be unpaid and duty-free. Federal FLSA does not mandate meal breaks for adult workers, making this a Kentucky-specific protection.

• Are rest breaks required in Kentucky, and are they paid?

  Yes. KRS §337.365 requires at least one 10-minute paid rest period for every 4 hours worked. Rest breaks must be counted as paid work time. An 8-hour shift therefore entitles an employee to two paid 10-minute breaks.

• What is Kentucky's minimum wage in 2026?

  Kentucky's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour as of 2026 — equal to the federal FLSA floor under KRS §337.275. There is no locality- or industry-specific minimum wage in Kentucky above the state base.

• Does Kentucky have a statewide paid sick leave law?

  No. As of 2026, Kentucky has no statewide paid or unpaid sick leave mandate for private-sector employees. Any sick leave is governed by the employer's own policy or employment contract.

• What is the 7th-day rule in Kentucky overtime law?

  KRS §337.050 provides that if an employee works seven consecutive days in a workweek and total hours for that week exceed 40, all hours worked on the 7th day are paid at the 1.5× overtime rate. Unlike California's version, Kentucky's 7th-day rule only activates when total weekly hours exceed 40.

• How do I file a wage complaint in Kentucky?

  File a wage claim with the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, Division of Wages and Hours at (502) 564-3070 or elc.ky.gov. You may also bring a civil lawsuit directly without exhausting administrative remedies. The statute of limitations for Kentucky wage claims is generally five years.