Kansas sets the minimum wage at the federal $7.25 floor under KSA 44-1203 and preempts cities including Wichita from adopting higher local wage standards, leaving employers governed by state and federal law only.
KSA 44-1203 establishes the Kansas state minimum wage at $7.25 per hour, matching the federal Fair Labor Standards Act rate, and the statute and related case law make clear that local governments lack authority to enact higher minimum wages. As a result Wichita, despite being Kansas's largest city and home to Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems aerospace employment, cannot pass a city wage floor. Employers must comply with whichever law provides higher protection, but in practice the federal $7.25 governs. Tipped employees may be paid $2.13 with tip credit.
Federal Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division and Kansas Department of Labor investigate underpayment claims; remedies include back pay, liquidated damages, and civil penalties.
See how Wichita's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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