Kentucky · updated 2026-10
Kentucky Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
KRS 337.285: 1.5x after 40/week, but it exempts retail, restaurant, hotel/motel employees (FLSA still applies). KRS 337.050: time-and-a-half for all hours on the 7th day, but not for supervisors or certain listed occupations.
Meal break
30 min
Yes: 30 minutes for shifts over 5 hours, usually unpaid. KRS 337.355: a 'reasonable' lunch period near mid-shift, not before hour 3 or after hour 5; the statute sets no length (DOL: ordinarily 30 minutes). Collective bargaining or mutual agreement can override.
Rest breaks
10 min paid
Yes: a paid 10-minute rest break per 4 hours worked. KRS 337.365: at least 10 minutes per 4 hours worked, in addition to lunch, with no reduction in pay.
Minimum wage
$7.25
$7.25 an hour (since 2009-07-01). KRS 337.275 tracks the federal rate; tipped cash wage follows federal $2.13. No local minimum wages in effect.
Kentucky time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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Kentucky pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Kentucky?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. KRS 337.285: 1.5x after 40/week, but it exempts retail, restaurant, hotel/motel employees (FLSA still applies). KRS 337.050: time-and-a-half for all hours on the 7th day, but not for supervisors or certain listed occupations.
Are lunch breaks required in Kentucky?
Yes: 30 minutes for shifts over 5 hours, usually unpaid. KRS 337.355: a 'reasonable' lunch period near mid-shift, not before hour 3 or after hour 5; the statute sets no length (DOL: ordinarily 30 minutes). Collective bargaining or mutual agreement can override.
Are rest breaks required in Kentucky?
Yes: a paid 10-minute rest break per 4 hours worked. KRS 337.365: at least 10 minutes per 4 hours worked, in addition to lunch, with no reduction in pay.
What is the minimum wage in Kentucky?
$7.25 an hour (since 2009-07-01). KRS 337.275 tracks the federal rate; tipped cash wage follows federal $2.13. No local minimum wages in effect.
Workers under 18 in Kentucky
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Kentucky teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Workplace Standards.