Current Minimum Wage in Kentucky
The minimum wage in Kentucky is $7.25 per hour as of 2026. This is $0 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $7.25 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $58 | 8 |
| Weekly | $290 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $580 | 80 |
| Monthly | $1,257 | ~173 |
| Annual | $15,080 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in Kentucky can be paid a cash wage of $2.13/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $7.25/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
No scheduled increases. Matches federal rate.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $20 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (KY)
~$15.30/hr
Based on cost of living index (90)
Cost of Living Context
Kentucky's cost of living index is 90 (national average = 100). This means living in Kentucky is 10.0% cheaper than the national average. The median hourly wage in Kentucky is $19.22/hr, which is 165% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
Matches federal minimum wage. State law preempts local minimum wage ordinances.
How This Compares
| Metric | KY | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $2.13 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $15,080 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
Kentucky Average Salary
Median income and top employers in KY
Kentucky Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in KY
Salary Calculator
Convert hourly to annual, weekly, monthly
Paycheck Calculator
Estimate take-home pay after taxes