Kentucky overtime.
Kentucky layers its own overtime rules on top of the federal FLSA baseline.
KY
40
hrs
—
—
$7.25
/hr
federal rate
How Kentucky calculates overtime.
Weekly overtime
Hours over 40 per workweek paid at 1.5×
Daily overtime
Not required by state law
Double time
Not required by state law
7th consecutive day
First 8 hrs at 1.5×; over 8 hrs at 1.5×
Calculate your Kentucky overtime
The weekly timesheet automatically applies KY rules.
Who's outside the rules
These categories of employees may be exempt from the overtime requirements above:
01
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Kentucky requires overtime pay for 7th consecutive day of work.
Kentucky at a glance
Kentucky is a national leader in manufacturing with over 250,000 workers in the sector, ranking first in vehicle production per capita and leading the nation in electric vehicle battery production. The state has secured over $32 billion in announced investments since 2020, with a diverse economy spanning automotive, bourbon, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals.
Industries with frequent overtime
Automotive Manufacturing
With Toyota, Ford, and major EV battery plants like the $6.3 billion Stellantis-Samsung SDI facility in Kokomo, automotive workers frequently work overtime during production ramps and model launches.
Bourbon and Distilling
Generating over 22,500 jobs, bourbon distillery workers often work extended hours during peak production seasons and bottling operations.
Logistics and Distribution
Home to UPS's Worldport hub, logistics and warehouse workers commonly work overtime during holiday shipping seasons and e-commerce peaks.
Healthcare
Nurses and healthcare staff across Kentucky's hospital systems frequently work overtime due to patient care demands and staffing challenges.
Kentucky overtime FAQ
Yes. Kentucky law requires employers to pay time-and-a-half for all hours worked on the seventh consecutive day of a workweek. This is in addition to the standard overtime requirement for hours over 40 in a week.
Kentucky has one of the longest statutes of limitations in the nation for wage claims. You have up to five years to file labor law claims for back wages under state law, though if you file directly in court, it must be within six months of the wage dispute.
Employers who repeatedly or willfully violate overtime rules may face civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation. Willful violations can lead to criminal charges with fines up to $10,000, and a second conviction may result in imprisonment.
Filing a wage claim in Kentucky
If you believe you're owed unpaid overtime, here's what to do — in order.
Complete the Employment Wage Complaint Form from the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.
Include all relevant documentation such as pay statements, time records, and employment agreements.
Submit the form to the Kentucky Department of Labor at (502) 564-3534 or [email protected].
Alternatively, file with the federal Wage and Hour Division by calling 1-866-487-9243.
Kentucky has a unique seventh consecutive day overtime law. Employees who work seven days in a single workweek must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate for all hours worked on the seventh day. This applies regardless of total weekly hours and is in addition to standard overtime for hours exceeding 40 per week.
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 Kentucky Department of Labor, or an employment attorney.