Kentucky Overtime Calculator 2026 (7th Day Rule & FLSA)

The Unique Kentucky "7th Day" Overtime Law (KRS 337.050)

If you work in Kentucky, you have access to a powerful labor protection that doesn't exist in most other U.S. states. While Kentucky generally follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), it has a unique addition: The 7th Day Overtime Rule.

"Under Kentucky statute KRS 337.050, if an employer permits you to work seven consecutive days in a single workweek, and your total hours for the week exceed 40, they must pay you time-and-a-half (1.5x) for all hours worked on the seventh day."

Infographic flowchart explaining the Kentucky 7th day overtime rule (KRS 337.050). It shows a worker clocking 38 regular hours Mon-Sat, and 6 hours on Sunday. Because the weekly total exceeds 40, all 6 Sunday hours are paid at 1.5x overtime under Kentucky law, earning the worker more money than standard FLSA. — The Kentucky 7th Day Rule ensures workers are heavily compensated for giving up their weekend rest day.

How to Calculate FLSA Overtime vs. Kentucky State Law

Why does this 7th-day rule matter so much? Because in certain scenarios, the Kentucky state law overrides the federal FLSA calculation and puts more money in your pocket.

Normally, a standard weekly overtime calculator only grants 1.5x pay for hours that cross the 40-hour threshold. But look at the scenario below to see how Kentucky calculates it differently:

**Example: 38 Hours (Mon-Sat) + 6 Hours (Sun) = 44 Total Hours**
Calculation Method	Regular Pay Hours	Overtime Pay Hours (1.5x)
Standard Federal FLSA	40 Hours	4 Hours (Only hours over 40)
Kentucky Law (KRS 337.050)	38 Hours	6 Hours (All Day 7 hours are OT)

*Note: The Kentucky 7th Day Rule only activates if your total working hours for the week actually exceed 40. If you work 7 days but only total 30 hours, no overtime is required.

Minimum Wage and Tipped Employees in KY (2026)

Unlike neighboring states that have raised their base wages, Kentucky generally defaults to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. There is currently no state legislation raising this rate for 2026.

For service industry workers, the tipped minimum wage in Kentucky is $2.13 per hour. However, if your tips plus the $2.13 do not equal at least $7.25 per hour, the employer must make up the difference. If you are calculating complex payroll shifts involving minutes, use a decimal hours converter to ensure your timesheet submissions are highly accurate.

Mandatory Rest Breaks and Meal Periods in Kentucky

Kentucky is also generous regarding breaks. By state law, employers must grant:

A paid 10-minute rest break for each four hours worked.
A reasonable meal period (usually 30 minutes, unpaid) close to the middle of the employee's scheduled shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Kentucky 7th day overtime rule?

Under Kentucky law (KRS 337.050), if you work seven consecutive days in a single workweek and your total hours for the week exceed 40, your employer must pay you time-and-a-half (1.5x) for all hours worked on the seventh day, regardless of how many hours were worked prior.

2. Do I get overtime for working more than 8 hours a day in Kentucky?

No. Kentucky does not have a daily overtime law. Working a 10-hour or 12-hour shift in a single day does not trigger overtime pay unless your total weekly hours exceed 40.

3. Are mandatory rest breaks required in Kentucky?

Yes. Kentucky employers must provide a paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked. In addition, an unpaid reasonable meal period must be provided close to the middle of the employee's scheduled shift.

4. Is mandatory overtime legal in Kentucky?

Yes. Employers in Kentucky can legally require you to work mandatory overtime, as long as they compensate you at the required 1.5x overtime rate for hours over 40 (or under the 7th-day rule).

Kentucky Overtime Calculator (With 7th Day Rule)