Kentucky Minimum Wage 2026
Kentucky follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, in effect since July 24, 2009. Full time at 40 hours a week for 52 weeks that is $15,080 a year before tax.
Kentucky minimum wage in 2026
Kentucky follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, in effect since July 24, 2009. Full time at 40 hours a week for 52 weeks that is $15,080 a year before tax.
Kentucky adopts the federal rate if it is higher.
Rates were checked against U.S. Department of Labor, consolidated minimum wage table and the Department of Labor consolidated table on October 19, 2026.
From hourly to yearly pay
Yearly pay is the hourly rate times hours per week times 52. At $7.25 that is $15,080.00 for a 40-hour week. Part-time hours scale down: 30 hours a week is $11,310.00 a year. The calculator above starts at the minimum wage and shows the take-home after Kentucky tax. Change the hours or the rate to test another job.
Other tools: the Kentucky hourly to salary calculator, the Kentucky paycheck calculator, the overtime calculator, and the minimum wage by state table.
| Period | Gross pay |
|---|---|
| Hourly | $7.25 |
| Time and a half (overtime) | $10.88 |
| Weekly | $290.00 |
| Every two weeks | $580.00 |
| Twice a month | $628.33 |
| Monthly | $1,256.67 |
| Yearly (2,080 hours) | $15,080.00 |
| Line | Per year |
|---|---|
| Gross pay | $15,080.00 |
| Federal income tax | $0.00 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $1,153.62 |
| Kentucky state tax and payroll programs | $410.20 |
| Take-home pay | $13,516.18 |
| Place | Hourly | Full-time year |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky minimum wage | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| Tennessee minimum wage | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| Indiana minimum wage | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| Ohio minimum wage | $11.00 | $22,880 |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25 | $15,080 |
Keep reading
Questions
What is the minimum wage in Kentucky in 2026?
$7.25 an hour. That is the same as the federal minimum wage.
How much is the Kentucky minimum wage per year?
At $7.25 an hour, 40 hours a week and 52 weeks (2,080 hours), gross pay is $15,080.00 a year, $1,256.67 a month, or $580.00 every two weeks, before tax.
How much is minimum wage take-home pay in Kentucky?
For a single filer on a blank 2020 W-4 with no benefits, about $519.85 every two weeks, or $13,516 a year after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare and Kentucky state tax.
Can a city or county set a higher minimum wage?
This page lists the statewide rate only. Local governments in some states set higher rates, so check with your city, county, or the state labor department if you work in a large metro area.