Kentucky Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Kentucky is $7.25 an hour, which is the same as the federal rate. A full-time worker at this rate earns about $15,080 a year before tax.
Kentucky minimum wage at a glance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hourly minimum | $7.25 |
| Overtime (1.5x) | $10.88 |
| Weekly (40 hours) | $290.00 |
| Biweekly | $580.00 |
| Monthly | $1,256.67 |
| Yearly (2,080 hours) | $15,080 |
| Rank among 51 areas | #32 highest |
Who is covered
Most employees in Kentucky are covered by the minimum wage. Because the state does not set its own higher rate, the federal $7.25 applies to most workers. Tipped workers, young workers and some farm or seasonal jobs may have different rules. Federal law sets a tipped base wage of $2.13 with tips making up the difference to the full minimum, and some states require more.
Take-home at minimum wage
A single full-time worker at the minimum wage keeps about $13,323 a year after taxes ($512.43 every two weeks). See the paycheck calculator for this state.
How it compares
The average state minimum wage is about $11.47 an hour. These states sit closest to the rate here:
| State | Per hour | Per year (full time) |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| Iowa | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| Kansas | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| Kentucky | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| Louisiana | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| Mississippi | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| New Hampshire | $7.25 | $15,080 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Kentucky?
$7.25 an hour.
How much is minimum wage per year in Kentucky?
About $15,080 a year for 40 hours a week.
Do cities in Kentucky have a higher minimum wage?
Some do. Check your city or county labor office, because local rates can be above the state figure.
Sources and method
- U.S. Department of Labor: state minimum wage laws
- Official Kentucky labor department: search "Kentucky minimum wage" and confirm the current rate
Page last updated November 2026. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.