Kansas Minimum Wage 2026
⚠️Informational only — not legal or tax advice.
Last Updated: February 8, 2026
Last Reviewed: February 8, 2026
Applicable Period: 2026
Jurisdiction: State of Kansas, United States
Update Schedule: Quarterly reviews in 2026; annual reviews thereafter
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Kansas Minimum Wage – 2026 Quick Reference
- Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Kansas
- Current Minimum Wage Rates in Kansas 2026
- Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
- Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Kansas
- Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
- Employer Obligations and Enforcement
- Kansas Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
- Overtime Pay Requirements in Kansas
- Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Information Verification Log
Introduction
The minimum wage in Mississippi establishes the lowest hourly compensation that employers must legally provide to covered employees. For 2026, Mississippi adopts the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Mississippi does not have a state-specific minimum wage law, meaning employers covered by federal law must comply with the federal rate.
Minimum wage requirements in Mississippi operate under federal law through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rather than state statute. Mississippi Code § 25-3-40 declares the Mississippi Legislature’s intent to implement the federal minimum wage as enacted by Congress. The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division enforces minimum wage standards for Mississippi employers covered by the FLSA. Mississippi law prohibits cities and counties from establishing local minimum wage rates under Mississippi Code § 17-1-51.
This page provides an authoritative overview of Mississippi minimum wage law for 2026, including current rates, tipped employee provisions, coverage and exemptions, enforcement procedures, and compliance requirements. All information is compiled from official government sources.
| Kansas Minimum Wage – 2026 Quick Reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Rate | Effective Date | Official Source |
| State minimum wage | Federal rate applies | — | K.S.A. 44-1203 |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25/hour | July 24, 2009 | FLSA |
| Tipped minimum wage | $2.13/hour | — | FLSA § 203(m) |
| Tip credit allowed | Yes (up to $5.12) | — | Federal law |
| Next scheduled increase | None | N/A | State law |
| Rate adjustment mechanism | Federal adoption | — | K.S.A. 44-1203 |
| Local minimum wages | No | — | State law |
| Annual adjustment | No | — | — |
Last verified: February 8, 2026 via Kansas Department of Labor website
Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Kansas
Legal Authority
Kansas minimum wage requirements are established under K.S.A. 44-1201 through 44-1213, known as the “Kansas Minimum Wage and Maximum Hours Law.” The Kansas Department of Labor administers and enforces minimum wage regulations in Kansas through its Office of Employment Standards. The state minimum wage law was enacted in 1977 and sets a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour as of January 1, 2010, which matches the federal rate.
Relationship to Federal Law
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum wage establishes a floor of $7.25 per hour for covered employers and employees. Kansas law adopts the federal minimum wage rate by statutory reference. When both state and federal minimum wage laws apply, employers must pay whichever rate is higher.
Because Kansas’s minimum wage of $7.25 equals the federal minimum, employers covered by either state or federal law face identical minimum wage requirements. Kansas law serves primarily to extend minimum wage protection to employers and employees who may fall outside federal coverage but are subject to state jurisdiction.
Coverage Scope
According to the Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas minimum wage law applies to employers not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees and employers covered by the FLSA are not subject to Kansas minimum wage requirements—they must instead comply with federal standards. Employers should contact the Federal Wage and Hour Division at (913) 551-5721 to determine whether their business is covered by the FLSA.
Higher Rate Principle
The principle of “higher prevailing rate” requires employers to pay the highest applicable minimum wage—whether federal or state. In Kansas, where the state minimum wage equals the federal minimum, most employers must comply with the $7.25 per hour rate. Employers covered exclusively by state law (those not subject to the FLSA) must pay at least $7.25 per hour under Kansas statute.
Current Minimum Wage Rates in Kansas 2026
Standard Hourly Minimum Wage
As of 2026, the standard minimum wage in Kansas is $7.25 per hour for covered employees. This rate applies to all non-exempt employees of businesses subject to Kansas minimum wage law. Kansas statute K.S.A. 44-1203 establishes that “on and after January 1, 2010, employee wages shall be paid at a rate of not less than $7.25 an hour.”
Kansas has not enacted any automatic adjustment mechanism for its minimum wage. The rate remains at $7.25 per hour and will not change unless amended by future legislation. The Kansas minimum wage has remained at this level since 2010, matching the federal rate established under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Training Wage for Young Workers
Kansas follows federal provisions allowing employers to pay a training wage to certain young workers. Under federal law, employers may pay employees under age 20 a wage of $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After 90 days, or when the employee reaches age 20 (whichever comes first), employers must pay the full minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
This training wage provision does not apply to employees age 20 or older. Employers cannot displace other workers to hire employees at the training wage, and cannot use the training wage for workers who have previously been employed by the same employer.
No Scheduled Increases
No minimum wage increases are currently scheduled in Kansas. The rate will remain at $7.25 per hour unless changed by future legislation. Kansas does not have an automatic adjustment mechanism tied to inflation or the Consumer Price Index.
Several bills proposing minimum wage increases have been introduced in the Kansas Legislature in recent years but have not been enacted. As of 2026, Kansas continues to adopt the federal minimum wage by statutory reference, and any changes would require legislative action.
Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
Tipped Employee Cash Wage
Kansas permits employers to pay tipped employees a reduced cash wage under federal standards, provided that employee tips combined with the cash wage equal at least the full minimum wage. According to K.S.A. 44-1203(b), employers may include tips and gratuities received by an employee when calculating minimum wage, “if such tips and gratuities have customarily constituted part of the remuneration of the employee and if the employee concerned actually received and retained such tips and gratuities.”
Cash wage requirement: $2.13 per hour
Maximum tip credit: $5.12 per hour
Total minimum compensation: $7.25 per hour (cash wage + tips)
Who Qualifies as a Tipped Employee
Under Kansas law, a “tipped employee” is defined as an employee who customarily and regularly receives tips as part of their compensation. Qualifying occupations typically include:
- Restaurant servers and bartenders
- Hotel and casino service workers
- Parking attendants and valets
- Delivery drivers who receive tips
- Hair stylists and barbers
- Other service occupations where tipping is customary
Employer Obligations for Tipped Workers
Employers who claim a tip credit must comply with specific requirements:
- Pay the minimum cash wage of at least $2.13 per hour to tipped employees
- Ensure total compensation (cash wage plus tips) equals or exceeds $7.25 per hour for all hours worked
- Pay the difference if an employee’s tips fail to bring total compensation to the minimum wage
- Maintain accurate records of employee tips and hours worked
- Inform employees of the tip credit provisions under federal law
If an employee’s tips combined with the $2.13 per hour cash wage do not equal at least $7.25 per hour, the employer must make up the difference. Employers cannot use customer tips to satisfy minimum wage obligations unless they meet all federal tip credit requirements.
Tip Pooling and Sharing
Kansas minimum wage law does not specifically address tip pooling or sharing arrangements. Federal law under the FLSA governs tip pooling practices for most employers. Generally, employers may require valid tip pools among employees who customarily and regularly receive tips, such as servers, bartenders, and bussers.
Managers and supervisors cannot participate in tip pools, and employers cannot retain any portion of employee tips for themselves (except for valid tip pool arrangements). Employees must retain all tips they receive, whether pooled or not, except when participating in a valid tip pool with other customarily tipped employees.
Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Kansas
Kansas law does not authorize cities and counties to enact their own minimum wage rates that differ from the state minimum wage. All employers in Kansas must comply with the uniform statewide rate of $7.25 per hour, which matches the federal minimum wage.
While Kansas law does not explicitly prohibit local minimum wage ordinances in the same manner as some other states with formal preemption statutes, no cities or counties in Kansas have enacted rates exceeding the state minimum wage. The $7.25 statewide rate applies uniformly across all jurisdictions, from larger cities like Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City to rural counties throughout the state.
Employers operating in multiple Kansas locations need only comply with the single statewide minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour. No additional local wage ordinances, living wage requirements, or municipal minimum wage laws are in effect in any Kansas jurisdiction as of 2026.
Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
Employees Covered by Kansas Minimum Wage
According to K.S.A. 44-1202, Kansas minimum wage law covers employers not subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Kansas Department of Labor states that “all employees not covered by the Federal Fair Labor Standard Act must be paid Kansas minimum wage.”
Unless specifically exempted, covered employees include:
- Private sector workers: Employees of private businesses not covered by the FLSA
- Hourly employees: Workers compensated on an hourly basis
- Salaried non-exempt employees: Employees paid on a salary basis who do not qualify for overtime exemption
- Part-time workers: Employees working less than full-time hours
- Temporary and seasonal workers: Workers employed for limited periods
The critical distinction in Kansas is whether an employer and its employees are covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Most larger employers engaged in interstate commerce or with annual gross sales exceeding $500,000 are covered by the FLSA and must comply with federal standards rather than Kansas minimum wage law.
Common Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from Kansas minimum wage requirements:
Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employees
Employees performing bona fide executive, administrative, or professional duties may be exempt if they meet both salary and duties tests under federal standards. For 2026, the federal minimum salary threshold for exempt status is $844 per week ($43,888 annually) as of July 1, 2024, increasing to $1,128 per week ($58,656 annually) as of January 1, 2025.
Outside Sales Employees
Employees whose primary duty is making sales away from the employer’s place of business and who are customarily and regularly engaged away from the employer’s business location may be exempt from minimum wage requirements under both state and federal law.
Agricultural Workers
Agricultural employees may be exempt from Kansas minimum wage requirements depending on the nature of the agricultural operation and federal coverage. Many agricultural workers are covered by the FLSA and must be paid the federal minimum wage.
Employees Covered by Federal Law
Employees and employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act are not subject to Kansas minimum wage law. According to Kansas Department of Labor guidance, employers should contact Federal Wage and Hour at (913) 551-5721 to inquire whether their company is covered by the FLSA.
Independent Contractors
Properly classified independent contractors are not employees and therefore not covered by minimum wage requirements. However, Kansas and federal law apply strict tests to determine independent contractor status, and misclassification may result in penalties and back wages. Simply labeling a worker as an independent contractor or entering into a written agreement is not sufficient to avoid minimum wage obligations.
Youth and Training Wages
Kansas follows federal provisions for youth employment. Employers may pay employees under age 20 a training wage of $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After 90 days or when the employee reaches age 20, whichever comes first, employers must pay the full minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Workers age 20 or older must be paid the full minimum wage from their first day of employment. The youth training wage cannot be used to displace other employees or to hire workers who have previously been employed by the same employer.
Employer Obligations and Enforcement
Employer Compliance Requirements
Employers subject to Kansas minimum wage law must comply with the following requirements:
- Pay the applicable minimum wage of at least $7.25 per hour for all hours worked
- Maintain accurate payroll records documenting hours worked and wages paid
- Display required posters informing employees of minimum wage rates and workplace rights
- Issue compliant wage statements showing hours worked, wages earned, and deductions
- Pay employees timely according to K.S.A. 44-313 et seq. (Kansas Wage Payment Law)
- Pay wages at least monthly on regular paydays with advance notice of pay schedules
Recordkeeping Requirements: Employers must maintain payroll records including employee names and addresses, hours worked each workday and workweek, wage rates and total wages paid each pay period, deductions from wages, and other information required by the Kansas Department of Labor.
Enforcement of Minimum Wage Law
The Kansas Department of Labor enforces minimum wage requirements in Kansas through its Office of Employment Standards. According to the Kansas Department of Labor, “We enforce the state labor laws for minimum wage, hours of work, employment of minors, payment of wages, farm labor, and more. We can issue fines and penalties, as well as investigate complaints regarding labor law violations.”
The Office of Employment Standards:
- Investigates wage complaints filed by employees
- Conducts compliance inspections
- Issues orders for wage violations
- Assists employees in recovering unpaid wages
- Refers cases for legal action when appropriate
Filing a Complaint: Employees who believe they have not been paid proper minimum wage may file a wage claim with the Kansas Department of Labor. According to the Kansas Department of Labor wage claims page, employees should:
- Download and complete the Wage Claim form (K-ESLR 105)
- Return the completed form via email or mail to the Kansas Department of Labor
- Await review by the Office of Employment Standards
Contact Information:
Kansas Department of Labor
Office of Employment Standards
401 SW Topeka Blvd.
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: (785) 296-5000 ext. 1068
Email: KDOL.EmploymentStandards@ks.gov
Kansas law prohibits retaliation against employees who file wage complaints or cooperate with investigations.
Penalties for Minimum Wage Violations
Employers who violate Kansas minimum wage law may be subject to penalties under both state and federal law:
Back Wages: Employers must pay employees the difference between wages paid and the required minimum wage for all hours worked. Kansas wage claim procedures can require employers to pay unpaid wages going back to the time of the violation.
Liquidated Damages: Under the Kansas Wage Payment Law (K.S.A. 44-313 et seq.), employers may be liable for liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid wages, effectively doubling the amount owed to employees.
Interest: Unpaid wages may accrue interest from the date wages were due until payment is made, as determined by Kansas law.
Fines and Penalties: The Kansas Department of Labor can issue fines and penalties for labor law violations, including minimum wage violations.
Federal Penalties: For employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, federal penalties may also apply, including back wages, liquidated damages, civil money penalties up to $2,074 per violation, and potential criminal prosecution for willful violations.
Attorney Fees: Employees who prevail in wage claim proceedings may recover reasonable attorney fees and costs of litigation under Kansas law.
Kansas Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
The Federal Minimum Wage Floor
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009. This federal rate sets a floor for minimum wage requirements nationwide and applies to employers engaged in interstate commerce or with annual gross sales exceeding $500,000, as well as employees of certain enterprises and institutions regardless of sales volume.
When State Law Applies
Kansas’s minimum wage of $7.25 equals the federal minimum. For employers covered by both state and federal law, the requirements are identical. Kansas law serves primarily to extend minimum wage protection to employers and employees who may fall outside federal coverage but are subject to state jurisdiction.
According to the Kansas Department of Labor, “The Kansas minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. All employees not covered by the Federal Fair Labor Standard Act must be paid Kansas minimum wage.” Employers should contact Federal Wage and Hour at (913) 551-5721 to determine whether their company is covered by the FLSA.
Higher Applicable Rate Rule
The fundamental principle governing minimum wage compliance is that employers must pay whichever rate—federal or state—provides employees the highest hourly wage. This rule ensures workers receive maximum protection under applicable law.
Practical Application:
- Identify all minimum wage rates that may apply (federal, state)
- Determine which rates cover the specific employer and employee
- Pay the highest applicable rate
In Kansas, where the state minimum wage equals the federal minimum at $7.25 per hour, most employers face identical requirements under both state and federal law. The distinction matters primarily for determining which enforcement agency has jurisdiction and which specific provisions apply to the employment relationship.
Overtime Pay Requirements in Kansas
State Overtime Requirements
Kansas law requires employers not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act to pay overtime compensation at a rate of not less than 1.5 times the regular hourly wage rate for employment in excess of 46 hours in a workweek. According to K.S.A. 44-1204, this overtime requirement applies to employers subject to Kansas minimum wage law.
Kansas overtime threshold: 46 hours per workweek
Overtime rate: 1.5 times the regular hourly rate
Applies to: Employers not covered by the FLSA
Federal Overtime Requirements
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers covered by federal law must pay overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. According to the Kansas Department of Labor, “State law says that overtime is due once an employee has worked 46 hours within a week. Federal law says that overtime is due once an employee has worked 40 hours within a week.”
Federal overtime threshold: 40 hours per workweek
Overtime rate: 1.5 times the regular hourly rate
Applies to: Employers covered by the FLSA
Which Standard Applies
The determining factors involve the amount of annual revenue and interstate commerce of a business. Employers should contact Federal Wage and Hour at (913) 551-5721 to inquire if federal laws apply to their business. Most larger employers are covered by the FLSA and must comply with the 40-hour threshold, while smaller employers not engaged in interstate commerce may be subject only to Kansas law’s 46-hour threshold.
Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
Kansas law requires employers to display workplace posters informing employees of their rights under state and federal law. According to the Kansas Department of Labor, “Federal and Kansas State law requires that certain posters be displayed in the workplace.”
Required Kansas Department of Labor posters:
- Kansas Minimum Wage and Overtime poster
- Kansas Child Labor poster (if employing youth under age 16 not covered by FLSA)
- Kansas Wage Payment Act poster
Required federal posters:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum wage poster
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) poster
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) poster
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) poster
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) poster
Where to obtain posters:
- Download from Kansas Department of Labor posters page
- Federal posters available from U.S. Department of Labor website
- All required posters are available for free download
- Available languages: English, Spanish (for federal posters)
Posting locations: Posters must be displayed in conspicuous locations where employees can readily see them, typically near time clocks, in break rooms, or at other prominent locations in each workplace.
Compliance: Failure to display required posters may result in citations and penalties. Employers must update posters when minimum wage rates or other requirements change.
Frequently Asked Questions: Minimum Wage in Kansas 2026
What is the minimum wage in Kansas in 2026?
The minimum wage in Kansas is $7.25 per hour in 2026, which equals the federal minimum wage. This rate applies to all employees subject to Kansas minimum wage law who are not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
When is the next minimum wage increase in Kansas?
No minimum wage increases are currently scheduled in Kansas. The rate will remain $7.25 per hour unless changed by future legislation. Kansas does not have an automatic adjustment mechanism based on inflation or the Consumer Price Index.
Does Kansas allow tip credit?
Yes, Kansas permits employers to pay tipped employees a cash wage of $2.13 per hour, with up to $5.12 in tip credit, provided total compensation (wages plus tips) reaches $7.25 per hour. Employers must make up any difference if employee tips fall short of the minimum wage.
Are there different minimum wages in different cities in Kansas?
No, Kansas maintains a uniform statewide minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. No cities or counties in Kansas have enacted different rates. State law does not authorize local jurisdictions to establish minimum wages higher than the state rate.
Who is exempt from minimum wage in Kansas?
Common exemptions from Kansas minimum wage include executive, administrative, and professional employees meeting salary and duties tests, outside sales employees, and certain agricultural workers. Employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act are not subject to Kansas minimum wage law but must comply with federal requirements. Independent contractors are not covered, though misclassification may result in penalties.
What happens if an employer pays below minimum wage in Kansas?
Employers who pay below minimum wage face back wage liability, liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid wages, interest, and potential fines and penalties. Employees can file wage claims with the Kansas Department of Labor Office of Employment Standards to recover unpaid wages. Kansas law prohibits retaliation against workers who report violations.
Do small businesses have to pay minimum wage in Kansas?
Kansas minimum wage requirements apply to employers not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Most employers engaged in interstate commerce or with annual gross sales exceeding $500,000 are covered by the FLSA. Smaller employers not engaged in interstate commerce must comply with Kansas minimum wage law. Contact Federal Wage and Hour at (913) 551-5721 to determine coverage.
Is Kansas’s minimum wage higher than the federal minimum?
No, Kansas’s minimum wage of $7.25 equals the federal minimum wage. The state and federal requirements are identical for minimum wage rates. Kansas law serves primarily to extend minimum wage protection to employers and employees who may fall outside federal coverage.
How often does Kansas increase its minimum wage?
Kansas’s minimum wage is set by legislation and does not automatically adjust. The rate has remained at $7.25 per hour since January 1, 2010. Changes require new laws to be enacted by the Kansas Legislature. No regular adjustment mechanism based on inflation exists in Kansas law.
Can employers pay less than minimum wage during training?
Kansas follows federal provisions allowing employers to pay employees under age 20 a training wage of $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After 90 days or when the employee reaches age 20, whichever comes first, employers must pay the full minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The training wage does not apply to employees age 20 or older.
What is the overtime requirement in Kansas?
Kansas law requires overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 46 hours per week for employers not covered by the FLSA. Federal law requires overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 per week for employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Most larger employers must comply with the federal 40-hour threshold.
How to file a minimum wage complaint in Kansas
Employees who believe they have not received proper minimum wage compensation may file a wage claim with the Kansas Department of Labor. Filing methods include:
- Download form: Complete the Wage Claim form (K-ESLR 105) and return via email or mail
- Phone: (785) 296-5000 ext. 1068
- Email: KDOL.EmploymentStandards@ks.gov
- Mail: Kansas Department of Labor, Office of Employment Standards, 401 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603
The Office of Employment Standards will review the complaint and may recover unpaid wages on behalf of the employee. Kansas law prohibits employer retaliation against workers who file wage complaints or participate in investigations.
Do remote workers in Kansas get the Kansas minimum wage?
Generally, the minimum wage of the jurisdiction where the employee physically performs work applies. Remote workers located in Kansas are typically entitled to Kansas’s minimum wage of $7.25, even if their employer is based in another state. However, if the employer is located in a state with a higher minimum wage and the employment relationship is governed by that state’s law, the higher rate may apply.
Information Verification Log
All information on this page has been compiled from official government sources and verified for accuracy as of the dates below.
| Sources and Verification | ||
|---|---|---|
| All information above has been verified against official Kansas and federal labor law sources. | ||
| Source | Last Verified | Full URL |
| Kansas Statutes 44-1201 to 44-1213 | February 8, 2026 | ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch44 |
| K.S.A. 44-1203 (Minimum Wage) | February 8, 2026 | ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch44/044_012_0003.html |
| Kansas Department of Labor | February 8, 2026 | dol.ks.gov |
| Kansas Workplace Laws | February 8, 2026 | dol.ks.gov/employers/workplace-laws |
| Kansas Wage Claims | February 8, 2026 | dol.ks.gov/employers/workplace-laws/wage-claims |
| Kansas Workplace Posters | February 8, 2026 | dol.ks.gov/employers/workplace-laws/posters-in-the-workplace |
| Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) | February 8, 2026 | dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa |
| U.S. Department of Labor | February 8, 2026 | dol.gov |