Kansas Overtime Rules Explained
Kansas presents a unique landscape for labor laws. With an economy driven by agriculture, aviation in Wichita, and the oil and gas sector, the state has a very unusual overtime threshold. However, this specific state rule only applies to a small subset of the workforce, while most employees fall under standard federal protections.
The 46 Hour State Threshold
Kansas has a unique state law that sets the overtime threshold at 46 hours in a workweek, rather than the standard 40. Employers covered only by state law must pay time and a half for hours worked beyond 46. This is one of the highest thresholds in the entire country.
Who Falls Under State Law?
While the 46 hour rule is interesting, it actually only applies to a small number of businesses. Any employer covered by the federal FLSA must adhere to the stricter 40 hour rule. Therefore, the 46 hour threshold only impacts very small, local businesses that do not engage in interstate commerce.
Aviation and Oil Industries
Wichita's massive aviation manufacturing sector and the state's oil fields are almost entirely covered by federal law. Workers building aircraft or manning drilling rigs will receive their overtime pay after 40 hours, as these heavy industries clearly fall under the scope of the FLSA.
Key Facts: Kansas Overtime Rules
- The Kansas state overtime threshold is uniquely set at 46 hours.
- Most workers are actually covered by the federal 40 hour rule.
- State law only applies to businesses exempt from the FLSA.
- Aviation and oil workers generally follow federal regulations.
- There is no daily overtime requirement in Kansas.
Using the Kansas Calculator Above
This calculator automatically incorporates Kansas's overtime laws. Simply enter your hourly rate and adjust your daily hours to see your exact gross pay and premium overtime breakdown.
Need to check rules for another state or review standard federal FLSA guidelines? Visit our main overtime calculator to compare all 50 states.
This information is intended to provide a basic understanding of Kansas overtime laws and is not a substitute for legal advice.