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The federal minimum wage has remained unchanged for many years, and while some states are taking it into their own hands to pay workers a higher wage, many choose to follow the federal guidelines. For small business owners in the state, it’s important to stay in touch with what’s happening with Kentucky minimum wage laws. Here’s what you need to know about the Kentucky state minimum wage.
What is the minimum wage in Kentucky?
The minimum wage in Kentucky matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Federal law says whichever wage is higher, federal or state, will be paid to workers. Some workers are exempt from being paid the minimum wage, including tipped workers, students in high school and college, and certain disabled workers, if they have a certificate from the Kentucky Department of Labor.
Will the Kentucky minimum wage change in 2024?
The minimum wage in Kentucky is currently not slated to change. However, some lawmakers have been pushing for new plans that would lead to a Kentucky minimum wage increase to $15 an hour in order to keep up with rising living costs. Proposed plans have suggested increasing the minimum wage in Kentucky incrementally eventually to reach $15 per hour.
Also note that counties, cities, and towns may have their own minimum wage laws. Be sure to check which local wage laws apply to you, such as the Louisville, Kentucky minimum wage standards.
How should small business owners prepare for changes to the minimum wage?
While there are no official plans for a Kentucky minimum wage increase, it is wise to be prepared for the future to ensure the financial health of your business.
Start by hiring a good accountant. An accountant can help you adhere to any federal and state laws to ensure your business remains in good standing and is following Kentucky minimum wage laws. Then do a cost analysis to find ways to save, so if you do have to start paying your employees more, you’re prepared.
If you’re new to business ownership, set yourself up for a smooth payroll process with some important steps:
- Get a free EIN to set up taxes for you and your employees
- Organize employee wages with an easy payroll system like Square Payroll
- Find the payroll features that take extra work off your plate
- Figure out how small business pricing for payroll systems fits into your budget
- Understand the payroll differences between salaried employees and hourly workers
- Learn about avoiding mistakes that are common when administering payroll
Next, invest in your team. One of the best ways to minimize costs is to minimize turnover in your staff. The cost of replacing employees can be significant, so hiring the right people and successfully onboarding them is important. You should also think of ways to retrain your staff to ensure performance is high and staff members feel equipped with the skills to do their job.
If you do have the money, preempt any future changes to the Kentucky minimum wage by giving your staff regular raises. Providing a living wage helps with employee retention.
