While Labor Day is an enjoyable three-day weekend for many, minimum wages for employees remain low across the nation, including in Kentucky.
Here’s what to know about the holiday and minimum wages.
When is Labor Day 2026?
Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. The holiday is observed on the first Monday in September each year, the U.S. Department of Labor says.
What is the minimum wage in Kentucky?
The U.S. Department of Labor says Kentucky’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which is one of the lowest nationwide.
Federal minimum wage 2026
The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since July 24, 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
What is considered a living wage in Louisville?
According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator in Jefferson County, a living wage (for full-time employment) for one adult without children is $21.21 an hour, which is almost three times the current state minimum wage.
One child increases that living wage to $36.16 an hour, two children to $46.94 an hour and three children to $59.20 an hour, which is almost five, nearly seven and over eight times the state minimum wage of $7.25.
Minimum wage for Kentucky’s border states
The U.S. Department of Labor says the minimum wage for states bordering Kentucky is:
Illinois: $15 per hour.
Indiana: $7.25 per hour.
Missouri: $15 per hour.
Ohio: $11 per hour.
Tennessee: $7.25 per hour.
Virginia: $12.77 per hour.
West Virginia: $8.75 per hour.
What states increased their minimum wage in 2026?
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington lifted the minimum wage on Jan. 1, 2026 according to the report.
Alaska and Oregon will increased their minimum wage on July 1, 2026, and Florida is expected to raise theirs before the end of 2026. California enacted a separate new minimum wage for health care workers as of July 1, 2026.
Former Courier-Journal reporter Marina Johnson contributed to this report.
Katie Wiseman covers trending news for Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@usatodayco.com. Follow her on Bluesky, Twitter and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Labor Day 2026 will be here soon. See the minimum wage in Kentucky
