Kansas Overtime Laws
Kansas has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
46 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$7.25
Federal rate
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 46 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Standard FLSA exemptions apply
Important Notes
Kansas state law requires overtime after 46 hours, but federal FLSA (40 hours) applies to most workers.
State Labor Department
Kansas Economy and Workforce
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.'
Industries with Common Overtime
These Kansas industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
How to File a Wage Claim in Kansas
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
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.
Important Kansas Consideration
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.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.