Kentucky Overtime Laws 2026: Seventh Day Rule & Pay Guide

Kentucky Overtime Pay Rules in 2026

Kentucky has one of the most unique overtime laws in the country. In addition to the standard federal 40-hour rule, Kentucky Rev. Stat. § 337.050 requires employers to pay time and a half for all hours worked on the seventh consecutive day of work — even if the employee hasn't reached 40 hours that week.

Kentucky Minimum Wage in 2026

Kentucky's minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour in 2026, matching the federal rate. The state has not passed legislation to raise it above the federal floor. Tipped workers may be paid as little as $2.13 per hour in cash wages, provided tips bring them to at least $7.25/hour.

The Kentucky Seventh Day Overtime Rule

This is Kentucky's standout provision:

> If an employee works seven consecutive days in the same workweek, all hours worked on the seventh day are paid at 1.5× the regular rate.

Example — A Louisville warehouse worker earning $14/hour works Monday through Sunday (7 days), 6 hours each day:

• Days 1–6: 36 hours × $14 = $504
• Day 7 (seventh consecutive day): 6 hours × $21 = $126
• Total: $630

Without the seventh-day rule, this worker would only earn $588 for 42 hours (40 regular + 2 OT). Kentucky's law adds $42 to their check.

Use the Kentucky Overtime Pay Calculator to model the seventh-day rule.

Standard Weekly Overtime in Kentucky

Kentucky also follows the federal 40-hour weekly overtime rule. For most workers, overtime kicks in after 40 hours in a single workweek.

| Hours | Pay Rate | Example at $16/hr |

|---|---|---|

| First 40 hours | Regular rate | 40 × $16 = $640 |

| Hours 41+ | 1.5× regular rate | 5 × $24 = $120 |

Kentucky Overtime Exemptions

Kentucky recognizes the standard FLSA exemptions:

• White-collar exemptions: Executive, administrative, professional earning $684+/week
• Outside salespeople
• Certain motor carrier employees (interstate drivers)
• Agricultural workers
• Live-in domestic workers

Kentucky does not have a daily overtime rule like California or Alaska.

Kentucky Overtime Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kentucky require overtime pay after 8 hours?

No. Kentucky has no daily overtime threshold. Only the federal 40-hour weekly rule and the seventh-day rule apply.

Can an employer make me work 7 days straight in Kentucky?

Generally yes — there is no mandatory day-of-rest law for most adult workers in Kentucky. Minors have restrictions. But if you do work 7 consecutive days, all hours on day 7 must be paid at 1.5×.

How do I file a wage claim in Kentucky?

File with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet's Division of Wages and Hours at (502) 564-3530 or submit a claim online.

Calculate your Kentucky overtime pay including the seventh-day rule with our Kentucky overtime calculator.