Kentucky Overtime Calculator 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Kentucky's overtime rules in 2026?

  Kentucky requires overtime at 1.5× the regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek (KRS §337.285). It also 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 are paid at 1.5× — potentially more than the standard weekly calculation.

• Does Kentucky have daily overtime like California?

  No. Kentucky does not require daily overtime based on hours in a single day. The only state-specific threshold beyond the federal 40-hour rule is the 7th-consecutive-day provision in KRS §337.050.

• What is Kentucky's 7th-day overtime rule?

  Under KRS §337.050, if an employee works seven consecutive days in a workweek and total hours for that week exceed 40, all hours on the 7th day must be paid at 1.5×. This can result in more overtime hours than the standard 40-hour threshold would produce on its own.

• Does the 7th-day rule apply if total hours are 40 or less?

  No. Kentucky's 7th-day rule only triggers when total weekly hours exceed 40. If an employee works all 7 days but logs 40 or fewer total hours, the standard FLSA rule applies and no overtime is owed (assuming no other threshold is met).

• What is the overtime rate in Kentucky?

  Time-and-a-half (1.5×) for all overtime hours. Kentucky has no double-time requirement — unlike California, which mandates 2× pay for hours over 12 in a day or all hours on the 7th day of the workweek regardless of total hours.

• Who is exempt from Kentucky overtime law?

  Kentucky uses the same exemption tests as federal FLSA: executive, administrative, professional, computer, and outside-sales employees who meet the federal salary threshold ($684/week as of 2026) and the applicable duties test are exempt. Kentucky also has state-specific carve-outs for certain retail and hotel/restaurant workers.

• How is overtime calculated when the 7th-day rule applies?

  When the 7th-day rule applies, overtime hours equal the greater of (a) total hours minus 40, or (b) all hours on the 7th day. For example, if an employee works 39 hours over 6 days and 4 hours on day 7 (total 43 hrs), standard OT would be 3 hrs, but the 7th-day rule gives 4 hrs OT — the higher number prevails.

• Can employers give comp time instead of overtime pay in Kentucky?

  No. Private-sector employers in Kentucky cannot substitute compensatory time off for overtime cash pay. Employees must receive the 1.5× cash premium. Comp time in lieu of OT pay is only permitted for state and local government employers under narrow FLSA provisions.

• What is the statute of limitations for overtime claims in Kentucky?

  Under KRS §337.385, employees have two years from the date of the violation to file a wage claim — or three years for willful violations. Federal FLSA claims have the same limitation periods. Filing under both state and federal law is common.

• How do I file an overtime complaint in Kentucky?

  File with the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, Division of Wages and Hours at (502) 564-3070 or elc.ky.gov. You may also file with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, or bring a private civil lawsuit. No administrative exhaustion is required before suing in court.