The minimum wage in Kentucky is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum wage. Tipped employees must be paid at least $2.13 per hour, but employers must ensure wages and tips combined equal at least the minimum wage. Some cities and counties in Kentucky have higher local minimums — check local ordinances for the rate that applies to your location.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Kentucky is $24.80. Wages vary by occupation, industry, and location.
The estimated living wage in Kentucky is $20.21 per hour. A living wage represents the estimated hourly rate needed to cover basic living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essential costs.
A guide to hourly labor laws in Kentucky
- School sessions: No more than three hours per school day, eight hours per non-school day, and 18 hours per school session week. No working during required school hours.
- Non-school sessions: Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per work week.
- Hours: Work hours are only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Except between June 1 and Labor Day, when hours extend to 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 339.230).
- School sessions: Up to six hours per school day and 30 hours per school week. Up to eight hours per non-school day during school sessions.
- Hours: Youth may work between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on days before a school day and until 1 a.m. before a non-school day. Extensions available on working hours, weeks, and times (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 339.230).
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
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