Kentucky Overtime Laws
Kentucky has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$7.25
Federal rate
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | First 8 hours at 1.5x, over 8 hours at 1.5x |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Important Notes
Kentucky requires overtime pay for 7th consecutive day of work.
State Labor Department
Kentucky Economy and Workforce
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 Common Overtime
These Kentucky industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
How to File a Wage Claim in Kentucky
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
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.
Important Kentucky Consideration
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.
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.