Kentucky Wage and Hour FAQs

Kentucky Minimum Wage, Overtime Law Questions

Back to Kentucky Overtime Law

What is the minimum wage in Kentucky?

The Kentucky minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, effective July 1, 2009.

What are the laws regarding overtime?

Employees who work more than 40 hours per workweek should receive 1.5 times their regular rate for their overtime hours. Certain employees are exempt from overtime law.

Can my employer give me “comp” time instead of overtime?

Employers cannot give “comp” time to workers who are subject to overtime law.

How many hours must I work to be considered a full-time employee?

Kentucky wage and hour law does not define “full time” and “part time” employees. Employers have the authority to establish definitions for these terms.

Is my employer required to provide breaks, and should these breaks be paid?

Kentucky employers are required to give a 10-minute paid rest break to employees for each four hours of work. Workers are also entitled to a reasonable meal period to be given no sooner than the third hour of the shift but no later than the fifth hour, unless a mutual agreement states otherwise. As long as the employee is completely relieved of their duties, the meal period does not have to be compensated.

Am I entitled to unused vacation pay upon termination from the company?

Kentucky wage and hour law does not require employers to pay terminated employees for their unused vacation time. However, workers may be entitled to unused vacation pay depending on the company’s policies or past practices.

Can I be required to work overtime in Kentucky?

Yes.

Can I be required to work more than eight hours in a single day?

Yes. Kentucky wage and hour law does not set a limit regarding the amount of hours an employee can be required to work in a day.

Can my employer deduct money from my paycheck for cash shortages or lost or damaged items?

Kentucky employers can make deductions for cash shortages as long as the employee provides written authorization to do so; the deduction does not cause the employee to be paid less than minimum wage; and the shortage from the till or cash box is only used by one worker. Employers cannot deduct money for lost, stolen or damaged property.

Can my employer change my pay rate?

Yes, as long as the worker receives notice before working at the new rate. The change in pay cannot be retroactive.

Can an employer switch an hourly worker to a salaried employee?

Yes, but this may or may not effect whether the worker is entitled to overtime pay.

Can my employer require me to use direct deposit?

Yes, as long as the worker has the ability to withdraw their wages without having to pay a fee to the bank.

Am I entitled to holiday pay?

Kentucky wage and hour law does not require employers to provide holiday pay.

If I quit or am fired, when should I receive my final wages?

Workers who leave their employers must be paid by the next regularly scheduled payday or within 14 days, whichever occurs last.