Kansas layers its own overtime rules on top of the federal FLSA baseline.
KS
46
hrs
—
—
$7.25
/hr
federal rate
Weekly overtime
Hours over 46 per workweek paid at 1.5×
Daily overtime
Not required by state law
Double time
Not required by state law
7th consecutive day
No special rule
The weekly timesheet automatically applies KS rules.
These categories of employees may be exempt from the overtime requirements above:
01
Standard FLSA exemptions apply
Kansas state law requires overtime after 46 hours, but federal FLSA (40 hours) applies to most workers.
Kansas is known as America's breadbasket, producing nearly 20% of all wheat grown in the United States, with agriculture directly contributing $62 billion and 143,522 jobs to the economy. The state also hosts a world-renowned aerospace industry centered in Wichita, earning it the title 'Air Capital of the World.'
Agriculture and Food Processing
Ranking first in wheat and sorghum production, agricultural workers, grain elevator operators, and food processing employees commonly work overtime during harvest seasons and peak production periods.
Aerospace Manufacturing
Home to Textron Aviation, Spirit AeroSystems, and Learjet, aerospace workers frequently work overtime to meet aircraft production schedules and defense contracts.
Oil and Gas
Energy sector workers in extraction, refining, and pipeline operations often work extended hours, particularly during drilling operations and maintenance shutdowns.
Healthcare
Nurses and healthcare workers across Kansas commonly work overtime due to staffing needs, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare facilities.
Kansas state law requires overtime after 46 hours in a workweek, while federal law requires overtime after 40 hours. Most Kansas employers are covered by federal FLSA, so the 40-hour threshold typically applies. The determining factor is whether a business has sufficient annual revenue and interstate commerce to fall under federal jurisdiction.
No. Hours worked cannot be averaged over two or more weeks in Kansas. Each workweek stands alone, and overtime must be calculated based on each individual week's hours.
No. The right to overtime pay cannot be waived by the employee under Kansas law. Any agreement to waive overtime rights is not enforceable.
If you believe you're owed unpaid overtime, here's what to do — in order.
Contact the Kansas Department of Labor's Office of Employment Standards to obtain a wage claim form.
Complete the form with detailed information about your employer, hours worked, and wages owed.
Submit the claim to the Office of Employment Standards for review and processing.
You may also file a private lawsuit or contact the Federal Wage and Hour Division at (913) 551-5721.
Kansas has a unique dual overtime threshold. State law requires overtime after 46 hours per week, while federal FLSA requires overtime after 40 hours. The applicable threshold depends on whether your employer engages in interstate commerce or has sufficient annual revenue to be covered by federal law. Most employers fall under federal jurisdiction, making the 40-hour threshold apply.
For general education only. Overtime law changes and has exceptions not listed here. For a specific situation, talk to your employer's HR department, the Kansas Department of Labor, or an employment attorney.