Kansas HR laws for employers (2026)
The Kansas rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Kansas employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies) Verify |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $2.13 per hour |
| Overtime | No daily overtime. For jobs not covered by the FLSA, state law requires time and a half after 46 hours a week. FLSA-covered employers follow the federal 40-hour rule. |
| Final pay when fired | No later than the next regular payday on which the employee would have been paid (mailed if the employee asks). |
| Final pay when an employee quits | No later than the next regular payday on which the employee would have been paid (mailed if the employee asks). |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Not required by state law. It depends on the employer's written policy or agreement, and forfeiture is generally allowed if the policy says so clearly. Verify |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate, and state law (K.S.A. 12-16,130) bars cities and counties from requiring paid or unpaid leave. |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: Kansas's minimum wage is $7.25, the same as federal, and applies only to jobs not covered by the federal FLSA. FLSA-covered employers pay the federal $7.25. No increase is scheduled, and state law bars higher local minimum wages.
Verify means we could not confirm that item from an official Kansas or US Department of Labor source, so check it with the state before relying on it.
Other Kansas rules to know
- Willful late final pay carries a penalty of 1% of unpaid wages per day, up to 100% of the wages owed (K.S.A. 44-315).
- Local preemption: local governments cannot require higher wages, leave, extra benefits or scheduling rules (K.S.A. 12-16,130).
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Kansas in 2026?
$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies), effective January 1, 2010. Kansas's minimum wage is $7.25, the same as federal, and applies only to jobs not covered by the federal FLSA. FLSA-covered employers pay the federal $7.25. No increase is scheduled, and state law bars higher local minimum wages.
When is a final paycheck due in Kansas?
If the employer ends employment: No later than the next regular payday on which the employee would have been paid (mailed if the employee asks). If the employee quits: No later than the next regular payday on which the employee would have been paid (mailed if the employee asks).
Does Kansas require paying out unused vacation?
Not required by state law. It depends on the employer's written policy or agreement, and forfeiture is generally allowed if the policy says so clearly.
Is paid sick leave required in Kansas?
No statewide mandate, and state law (K.S.A. 12-16,130) bars cities and counties from requiring paid or unpaid leave.
Sources
- K.S.A. 44-315 (final wages)
- K.S.A. 44-1204 (overtime after 46 hours)
- K.S.A. 12-16,130 (local preemption)
- US DOL - State Minimum Wage Laws (updated July 1, 2026)
- US DOL - Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- US DOL - State Meal Break Requirements
- Minimum Wage Lookup - Kansas PTO payout (secondary)
HR laws in other states
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.