State guide — KY
Kentucky tipped & gig worker guide.
State minimum wage, tipped direct wage, tip credit rules, and state income tax — what the law actually looks like for Kentucky service workers.
Minimum wage
$7.25
state minimum, 2026
Tipped wage
$2.13
direct, before tips
State income tax
4%
flat
Tip credit
$5.12
allowed
Wage & tip rules
Tipped minimum wage & tip pool
What employers can pay you as direct wage, tip pool rules, sidework rights, and the protections specific to Kentucky.
Read → TaxesState tax for tipped & gig workers
State income tax rates, brackets, standard deduction, plus federal and FICA. The honest breakdown with worked examples.
Read →Track KY shifts, taxes, and tips in one app.
NeighCheck applies Kentucky wage and tax rules automatically per shift. Free.