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Minimum Wage in Kentucky

Kentucky's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal rate, and tipped employees may be paid a cash wage of $2.13 per hour.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Kentucky at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$7.25
State law sets $7.25 and rises automatically if the federal minimum wage is raised above it.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$2.13
State law adopts the federal tipped cash wage for employees who regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips; tips must bring pay up to $7.25.
Next scheduled increase
None scheduled
The state rate changes only if the federal minimum wage increases or the legislature acts.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Kentucky

What is the minimum wage in Kentucky in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in Kentucky: $7.25. State law sets $7.25 and rises automatically if the federal minimum wage is raised above it.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in Kentucky?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in Kentucky: $2.13. State law adopts the federal tipped cash wage for employees who regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips; tips must bring pay up to $7.25.

When is the next minimum wage increase in Kentucky?

Next scheduled increase in Kentucky: None scheduled. The state rate changes only if the federal minimum wage increases or the legislature acts.

Where do the Kentucky minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from Ky. Rev. Stat. 337.275. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.