Kentucky Minimum Wage Preemption Law: Statewide Employment Preemption Rules (2026)

Full Breakdown

KRS 337.275 establishes Kentucky's minimum wage, currently aligned with the federal $7.25 per hour rate. The Kentucky Supreme Court held in Kentucky Restaurant Ass'n v. Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (2016) that local minimum wage ordinances were preempted by state law. KRS Chapter 337 occupies the field of wage and hour regulation, and cities like Louisville and Lexington had to roll back local minimum wage increases. Tipped wages remain at $2.13 per hour with tip credit, and overtime requirements follow federal Fair Labor Standards Act standards.

Violations & Penalties

Local minimum wage ordinances are void and unenforceable. Wage violations under state law are enforced by the Department of Workplace Standards with civil penalties and back wage recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Kentucky city raise its minimum wage above $7.25?

No. KRS Chapter 337 preempts local minimum wage rules per the 2016 Kentucky Supreme Court decision.

Does federal law set a higher floor?

No, the federal minimum wage is also $7.25 per hour, matching Kentucky's state minimum.

Kentucky Minimum Wage Local Preemption

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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