Dealing With Unpaid Wages in Kentucky
My employer hasn't paid me — here's what Kentucky law says and what to do next.
Statute: Ky. Rev. Stat. § 337.055
Deadline: 14 days
Penalty: Employer may be liable for the unpaid wages plus reasonable attorney fees and costs. Willful violations may result in additional penalties
What is dealing with unpaid wages?
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Your employer must pay you at least this amount for every hour you work. Many states and cities have higher minimum wages — you're entitled to whichever is higher.
Tipped employees have a lower federal minimum ($2.13/hr), but your tips plus wages must equal at least $7.25/hr. If they don't, your employer must make up the difference.
What to Do If Your Employer Pays Below Minimum Wage
Step 1: Know your rate. Check your state and city minimum wage — it's often higher than the $7.25 federal rate.
Step 2: Calculate your actual hourly pay. Divide your total weekly pay by total hours worked. If it's below the minimum, you have a claim.
Step 3: Document everything. Save pay stubs, schedules, and any records of hours worked.
Step 4: File a complaint. Contact the DOL Wage and Hour Division or your state's labor department. Many employment attorneys handle wage cases on contingency.
How Kentucky differs from federal law
Kentucky's minimum wage is $7.25/hr — matching the federal rate:
- Standard: $7.25/hr (same as federal)
- Tipped employees: $2.13/hr (must reach $7.25 with tips)
- Kentucky law preempts local minimum wage ordinances
- The Louisville and Lexington attempts to raise local minimum wages were struck down by the Kentucky Supreme Court
Additional steps in Kentucky
File with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet at (502) 564-3070 or the federal DOL.
What you should NOT do
Don't accept illegal deductions. Your employer cannot deduct for cash register shortages, breakage, or uniforms if it would bring your pay below minimum wage.
Don't ignore tip credit violations. If you're a tipped employee and your tips + base pay don't reach $7.25/hr, your employer must pay the difference.
Don't sign away your rights. Any agreement to work for less than minimum wage is unenforceable under federal law.
Don't wait — the clock is ticking.
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Generate your unpaid wages →This page is general legal information for Kentucky, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in Kentucky.