Hourly Minimum Wage in Kentucky

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The state-wide minimum wage for Kentucky is $7.25 per hour as of January 01, 2023.

View all Kentucky minimum wage values

Hourly Minimum Wage for Kentucky and neighboring states in 2023

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Kentucky minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour in 2023. Workers receive a lower minimum wage in Kentucky that exceeds the Federal Minimum Wage of $7.25. The Kentucky minimum wage applies to most employees, with limited exceptions, including certain tipped employees, students or part-time workers, and other exempt occupations. The top 5 minimum wage states in the U.S. are District of Columbia, Washington, California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour and has not increased since 2009. Demand for a living wage that is fair to workers is rising. In response to this rising demand, numerous states, cities, and other localities have already enacted or will change minimum wage levels. In the few states with no established minimum wage, the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour will continue to apply.
Based on local legislation, many states have already enacted minimum wage increases or approved increases due for implementation at a future date.
These ever-changing laws, effective dates, and methodologies result in minimum wages that may change at different times or differ dramatically within a state or region. Minimum wage changes can be triggered for a location when these pre-determined conditions change and require careful monitoring to ensure compliance to the latest wage levels.
Salary.com continuously tracks all these complex changes. We can help to keep you informed about future changes and stay up to date on the latest minimum wage levels in your essential locations. Show me more data to view U.S. state minimum wages for future years.

Browse Minimum Wage by Year, and Forecast Minimum Wage Increase Trends in Kentucky

The minimum wages in some states are higher than the federal minimum wage in 2023, including District of Columbia, Washington, California, Connecticut, and others. Many of the minimum wage increases were effective on January 01, 2018. Some states have effective dates occurring at different months of the year. Check the chart to stay up to date on the hourly minimum wage in Kentucky.
View upcoming minimum wage changes to be on top of future changes to the minimum wage in your location.
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Hourly Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees in Kentucky

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The tipped minimum wage is the lowest amount employers can pay an employee in occupations such as a bartender or server, that regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips. In some states, the tipped minimum wage may be lower than the non-tipped minimum wage because employers can claim a tip credit.
It is important to note that the tipped minimum wage can vary depending on where your business is and the size of the business. In some states, the tipped minimum wage is equal to the overall minimum wage for that state. In some locations, the federal tipped minimum wage applies. In other locations, the state-tipped minimum wage is set above the federal minimum. Tipped minimum wages may vary from state to state and can be frequently adjusted, making it essential to stay informed about the latest wage levels.
In Kentucky, the tipped minimum wage is the same as the state minimum wage. It may be subject to adjustment based on other criteria, such as the size of the business.
See tipped data learn more about tipped and non-tipped minimum wage in Kentucky.

What is the minimum wage in Kentucky in 2023?

Kentucky minimum wage in 2021: US$7.25 (effective July 1, 2009)

Kentucky minimum wage in 2020: US$7.25

Kentucky minimum wage in 2000: US$5.15 ($7.93 after inflation adjustment)

Kentucky minimum wage in 1980: US$2.15 ($7.20 after inflation adjustment)

People's Opinions on Minimum Wage in Kentucky

She was one of the first in Kentucky and the nation to base her campaign on raising the minimum wage this cycle, because it celebrates the Kentucky value of rewarding hard work.

09/23/2021

In addition to any Kentucky-specific minimum wage exemptions described above, the Federal Fair Labor Standards act defines special minimum wage rates applicable to certain types of workers.

09/12/2021

The bill would also allow cities and local governments in Kentucky to set their own minimum wages above the state minimum, which under current law is prohibited.

09/05/2021

Because the Kentucky state minimum wage is the same as the federal wage, there are specific rules that apply under this minimum wage for employees in certain industries.

09/04/2021

If you are a Kentucky employee and your employer fails to pay federal minimum wage, or does not pay the overtime rate for hours worked over 40 per workweek, you may be a victim of wage theft.

09/03/2021

The bill also stated that if the federal minimum wage rate is more than the proposed Kentucky minimum wage rate, Kentucky would increase their minimum hourly wage to the federal minimum wage rate.

08/14/2021

While there are no official plans for a Kentucky minimum wage increase, it is wise to be prepared for the future to ensure the financial health of your business.

08/05/2021

In the state of Kentucky its minimum wage law does not contain current dollar minimums instead the state has adopted the federal minimum wage rate by reference.

08/03/2021

The minimum wage applies to most employees in Kentucky, with limited exceptions including tipped employees, some student workers, and other exempt occupations.

07/30/2021

For all the talk of raising the minimum wage, the fact is that low unemployment and a competitive labor market have already accomplished the task for the vast majority of Kentucky's workforce.

07/29/2021

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Minimum Wage by State in 2023