Kentucky Minimum Wage (2026)
Kentucky’s minimum wage matches the federal $7.25 — the state sets no higher rate of its own, effective July 24, 2009. Tipped: tipped minimum $2.13. Next change: no increase currently scheduled.
The minimum wage in Kentucky is $7.25/hour in 2026 (effective July 24, 2009).
- Minimum wage$7.25
- Tipped minimum$2.13
- Next scheduled changeNone scheduled
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$15,080
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
None. Kentucky has no future increase written into law; the rate changes only by legislation or ballot measure.
Kentucky vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $7.25 | same |
| Ohio | $11.00 | +$3.75 |
| West Virginia | $8.75 | +$1.50 |
| Virginia | $12.77 | +$5.52 |
| Tennessee | $7.25 | same |
Kentucky minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $7.25 |
| 2025 | $7.25 |
| 2024 | $7.25 |
| 2023 | $7.25 |
| 2022 | $7.25 |
| 2021 | $7.25 |
| 2020 | $7.25 |
| 2019 | $7.25 |
| 2018 | $7.25 |
| 2017 | $7.25 |
| 2016 | $7.25 |
| 2015 | $7.25 |
| 2014 | $7.25 |
| 2013 | $7.25 |
| 2012 | $7.25 |
| 2011 | $7.25 |
| 2010 | $7.25 |
| 2009 | $6.55 |
| 2008 | $5.85 |
| 2007 | $5.15 |
| 2006 | $5.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $5.15 |
| 2002 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | $5.15 |
| 2000 | $5.15 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
Adopts federal rate by reference when higher. Louisville/Lexington local minimums struck down by KY Supreme Court (2016) - no active locals.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Kentucky in 2026?
$7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009. This is the federal rate; the state sets no higher minimum of its own.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Kentucky?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $2.13; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does Kentucky's minimum wage go up next?
No future increase is currently written into law; a change would require new legislation or a ballot measure.
How much is full-time minimum wage in Kentucky per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $7.25/hour is $15,080 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Kentucky labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.