Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Labor laws change frequently—verify current requirements with official government sources before making compliance decisions. Consult with qualified legal counsel for specific compliance questions. Use of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Kansas Labor Law Poster Requirements (2026)
Kansas employers must display 9 state labor law posters plus 6 federal posters in conspicuous workplace locations. The state minimum wage remains at the federal floor of $7.25/hr—unchanged since 2010—and Kansas law prohibits cities from setting higher local rates.
This guide covers every required Kansas labor law poster for 2026, including recent updates to the Unemployment Insurance poster (January 2025), Workers' Compensation poster (October 2024), and the new paid prenatal leave requirement under Senate Bill 153 taking effect January 1, 2026.
Quick Compliance Check: Unsure if your Kansas labor law posters are current? Check your compliance status free.
2026 Kansas Poster Updates
Kansas employers should note these recent changes:
Unemployment Insurance Poster
Updated January 1, 2025
The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) released a completely redesigned Unemployment Insurance poster with new sections covering eligibility qualifications and claims filing procedures. The website address has been updated to KansasUI.gov. Employers must replace prior versions immediately.
Key additions include:
- Explanation of eligibility criteria ("able to work, available to work, seeking suitable employment")
- Weekly job search requirements
- Updated contact information for the KDOL Contact Center
Workers' Compensation Poster
Updated October 1, 2024
The Kansas Workers' Compensation poster (K-WC 40) was updated with new website addresses. Employers must display the revised version with current contact information.
Child Labor Laws Notice
Updated October 1, 2024
A new section about hazardous occupations has been added to the Child Labor Laws poster. The entire notice has been reformatted. This poster is only required if you employ youth under 18 and are not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
Senate Bill 153 - Paid Prenatal Leave
Effective January 1, 2026
Kansas employers must now provide 20 hours of paid prenatal personal leave per year under SB 153. While this does not create a new poster requirement, employers should be prepared for potential KDOL guidance on notice obligations.
Federal Poster Updates
All Kansas employers should verify they have current federal posters, including the EEOC "Know Your Rights" poster (replaced "EEO is the Law" in October 2022) and the updated FLSA poster with PUMP Act nursing provisions (May 2023).
Kansas Minimum Wage: The Federal Floor State
Kansas has maintained its minimum wage at the federal floor since 2010, making it one of 20 states that have not enacted a higher state rate.
| Rate Type | Amount | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas State Minimum | $7.25/hr | All employers not covered by FLSA |
| Federal Minimum | $7.25/hr | All FLSA-covered employers |
| Tipped Minimum | $2.13/hr | Plus tips must equal $7.25/hr |
Local Preemption: No City Can Set Higher Wages
Under K.S.A. 12-16,130, enacted in 2013, Kansas expressly prohibits cities, counties, and local governments from enacting minimum wage ordinances higher than the state rate. This means:
- Uniform statewide rate: $7.25/hr applies across Wichita, Kansas City (Kansas side), Overland Park, Topeka, Olathe, Lawrence, and all other municipalities
- No scheduled increases: Unlike states with automatic inflation adjustments, Kansas has no mechanism for automatic wage increases
- No local paid leave requirements: The preemption also blocks local governments from mandating paid benefits or adjusting employee scheduling
Regional Wage Disparity
The preemption law creates significant wage disparity in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Workers on the Missouri side earn substantially more—Missouri's minimum wage is $13.75/hr (rising to $15.00/hr on January 1, 2026), while Kansas workers just across the state line earn $7.25/hr.
Failed Minimum Wage Proposals
Senate Bill 218 (2025): This bill would have raised Kansas's minimum wage to $15/hr effective January 1, 2026, but died in committee without action.
Potential 2026 Ballot Measure: The Secretary of State has authorized signature collection for a citizen-initiated ballot measure to amend the state constitution and raise the minimum wage to $15/hr by January 1, 2027, but this remains in the petition phase.
Required Federal Posters in Kansas
All Kansas employers must display these federal posters:
1. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Who Must Post: All employers
- Content: Federal minimum wage ($7.25), overtime, child labor, nursing mothers (PUMP Act)
- Updates: May 2023 version includes PUMP Act provisions
- Penalty: Up to $2,515 per willful violation
2. OSHA Job Safety and Health
- Who Must Post: All employers with 1+ employees
- Content: Employee rights, employer responsibilities, how to file safety complaints
- Note: Kansas is NOT an OSHA state plan—federal OSHA applies
- Penalty: Up to $16,131 per violation; $161,323 for willful/repeat violations (2025 rates)
3. FMLA Notice
- Who Must Post: Employers with 50+ employees
- Content: Employee leave rights, eligibility, how to request leave
- Updates: Periodic revisions
- Penalty: Up to $216 per willful violation
4. EEOC "Know Your Rights"
- Who Must Post: Employers with 15+ employees
- Content: Protection against discrimination (race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, PWFA)
- Updates: Replaced "EEO is the Law" poster in October 2022
- Penalty: $680 per offense
5. Employee Polygraph Protection Act
- Who Must Post: All employers
- Content: Rights regarding lie detector tests
- Updates: Rarely changes
- Penalty: Up to $26,262 per violation
6. USERRA (Military Service)
- Who Must Post: All employers
- Content: Reemployment rights for uniformed service members
- Updates: Rarely changes
- Penalty: No specific posting penalty, but subject to enforcement
Required Kansas State Posters
Kansas requires 9 state labor law posters. Here are the key mandatory notices:
1. Workers' Compensation Rights and Responsibilities (K-WC 40)
- Who Must Post: All employers with workers' compensation coverage
- Content: How to report injuries, available benefits, employer insurance information
- Legal Basis: Kansas Workers' Compensation Act
- Requirement: Employer must fill in insurance carrier information at bottom
- Updates: October 2024 revision current
- Source: KDOL Workers Compensation Division
2. Unemployment Insurance Notice
- Who Must Post: All employers
- Content: Employee rights to unemployment benefits, eligibility requirements, how to file claims
- Legal Basis: Kansas Employment Security Law
- Updates: January 2025 revision with KansasUI.gov website
- Source: KDOL Posters in the Workplace
3. Equal Opportunity in Employment (KHRC)
- Who Must Post: Employers with 4+ employees
- Content: Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KAAD) protections, how to file complaints
- Legal Basis: K.S.A. 44-1001 et seq.
- Note: Updated after Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) to include sexual orientation/gender identity
- Source: Kansas Human Rights Commission
4. Child Labor Laws Notice
- Who Must Post: Employers of minors under 18 NOT covered by federal FLSA
- Content: Hours restrictions, hazardous occupation prohibitions, work permit requirements
- Updates: October 2024 revision with hazardous occupations section
- Conditional: Only required if employing youth under 18 not covered by FLSA
5. Kansas Smoking is Prohibited Sign
- Who Must Post: All employers and public places
- Content: Indoor Clean Air Act notice prohibiting smoking
- Legal Basis: Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act
- Source: KDOL
6. Human Trafficking Notice
- Who Must Post: All employers
- Content: National Human Trafficking Hotline contact information, how to report suspected trafficking
- Source: KDOL
Additional Conditional Posters
- Equal Opportunity in Public Accommodations: Required for businesses serving the public
- Fair Housing: Required for real estate, rental, and housing businesses
Kansas Act Against Discrimination
The Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) enforces the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KAAD), one of the earliest state anti-discrimination laws in the nation (enacted 1953).
Protected Classes
The KAAD prohibits employment discrimination based on:
- Race
- Religion
- Color
- Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity per Bostock)
- Disability
- National origin
- Ancestry
- Age
- Genetic information
- Familial status (housing/public accommodations)
Employer Coverage
The KAAD applies to employers with 4 or more employees—significantly broader than federal Title VII's 15-employee threshold. This extends protection to many Kansas small businesses.
Critical: 6-Month Filing Deadline
Employment discrimination complaints must be filed within 6 months of the last discriminatory act. This is substantially shorter than the federal EEOC deadline of 300 days.
The KHRC is located at:
- Address: 900 SW Jackson, Suite 568-South Landon Office Building, Topeka, KS 66612
- Phone: 785-296-3206
- Email: khrc.intake@ks.gov
Filing Process
Complaints may be filed:
- In person at the Topeka office
- By mail (signed complaint form)
- By fax: 785-296-0589
- By email to khrc.intake@ks.gov
For more information on the investigation process, see the KHRC complaint page.
Kansas Child Labor Requirements
Kansas child labor laws apply to employers not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
Minimum Age
- General Employment: 14 years old minimum
- Exceptions: Domestic work in private homes, working for parents in non-hazardous occupations
Work Permits
Kansas requires work permits (employment certificates) for minors under 16 who are not enrolled in or attending secondary school. Employers must obtain these permits before employing such minors.
Working Hours
For employers covered by federal FLSA:
| Age Group | School Day | School Week | Non-School Day | Non-School Week | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-15 | 3 hours | 18 hours | 8 hours | 40 hours | 7 AM - 7 PM (9 PM summer) |
For employers NOT covered by federal FLSA (Kansas state law):
| Age Group | Maximum Daily | Maximum Weekly | Permitted Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-15 | 8 hours | 40 hours | 7 AM - 10 PM |
| 16-17 | No limit | No limit | No restrictions |
Hazardous Occupations
Kansas prohibits minors under 18 from working in occupations deemed hazardous or injurious to their life, health, morals, or welfare. The October 2024 poster update added specific hazardous occupation guidance.
Contact
For federal child labor law questions: U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, (913) 551-5721 or toll-free (866) 487-9243.
For Kansas state law questions: KDOL Employment Standards, (785) 296-5000 ext. 1068.
Remote Worker Requirements in Kansas
Kansas has NOT enacted specific electronic posting requirements for remote workers. Employers with distributed teams should follow federal guidance.
No Kansas-Specific Rules
Unlike states such as Illinois (Public Act 103-0201) or Colorado (CDLE guidance), Kansas has not addressed electronic poster distribution. State posting requirements reference displaying posters in "conspicuous places" without addressing digital workplaces.
Federal DOL Framework
The U.S. Department of Labor's Field Assistance Bulletin 2020-7 provides guidance for remote workers:
- Fully remote workforce: Electronic posting may satisfy requirements if employees have unrestricted access
- Hybrid workforce: Physical posting required at office locations, plus electronic access for remote work
- Notice requirement: Employers must inform employees where and how to access electronic postings
Best Practices for Kansas Remote Employers
- Email distribution: Send all required posters to remote employees at hire and when updated
- Intranet posting: Create a dedicated "Kansas Employment Notices" section
- Acknowledgment tracking: Document that employees received and accessed posters
- Annual reminders: Notify remote workers when posters are updated (especially after January 2025 UI poster change)
WorkforceVault's remote worker compliance tools provide digital distribution with timestamped acknowledgments—giving you proof of compliance even without Kansas-specific guidance.
For complete guidance, see our remote employee poster compliance guide.
Kansas Labor Law Poster Penalties
Failing to display required Kansas labor law posters can result in significant penalties.
State Penalties
| Violation Type | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Missing required posters | Subject to KDOL citation and fines |
| Workers' Comp coverage failure | $25,000+ or twice annual premium, whichever is greater |
| Failure to report workplace accidents | $250 per occurrence |
| Workers' Comp - no coverage | Class A misdemeanor |
Federal Penalties
| Violation Type | Penalty Amount |
|---|---|
| OSHA posting violation | Up to $16,131 per violation |
| OSHA willful/repeat violation | Up to $161,323 per violation |
| FLSA willful violation | Up to $2,515 per violation |
| EEOC posting violation | $680 per offense |
| EPPA posting violation | Up to $26,262 per violation |
Cumulative federal penalties can reach $40,000+ depending on the number of missing posters and violation severity.
Workers' Compensation Non-Compliance
Under Kansas law, intentional failure to provide workers' compensation coverage is a Class A misdemeanor and subjects the employer to civil penalties of:
- Twice the annual premium the employer would have paid, OR
- $25,000, whichever is greater
Employers must report employee accidents within 28 days if injuries keep the employee from working more than one day, shift, or turn.
Learn more about labor law poster penalties.
2026 Compliance Checklist
Use this checklist to verify your Kansas compliance:
Federal Posters (Required)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) - All employers
- OSHA Job Safety and Health - All employers
- FMLA Notice - 50+ employees
- EEOC "Know Your Rights" - 15+ employees
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act - All employers
- USERRA Military Service - All employers
Kansas State Posters (Required)
- Workers' Compensation Rights and Responsibilities - All employers
- Unemployment Insurance Notice - All employers
- Equal Opportunity in Employment (KHRC) - 4+ employees
- Human Trafficking Notice - All employers
- Kansas Smoking is Prohibited - All employers
Conditional Posters
- Child Labor Laws - If employing minors under 18 not covered by FLSA
- Equal Opportunity in Public Accommodations - Public-facing businesses
- Fair Housing - Real estate/housing businesses
Remote Workers
- Electronic posters accessible via email or intranet
- Acknowledgment records maintained
- Update notifications sent when posters change
Kansas vs. Neighboring States
Kansas's posting requirements differ from neighboring states:
| State | State Posters Required | State Minimum Wage | OSHA Plan | Local Wage Laws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 9 | $7.25 (federal) | Federal | Preempted |
| Missouri | 8+ | $15.00 (Jan 2026) | Federal | Preempted |
| Nebraska | 6 | $12.00 | Federal | Preempted |
| Oklahoma | 6 | $7.25 (federal) | Federal | Preempted |
| Colorado | 12+ | $14.81 | State Plan | Allowed |
Multi-state employers operating in Kansas and Missouri face the widest wage disparity—$7.75/hr difference between the two states as of January 2026. See our complete state guides for detailed requirements in each jurisdiction.
How WorkforceVault Helps
Kansas requires moderate compliance attention with 9 state posters, recent updates in late 2024 and early 2025, and new legislative requirements. WorkforceVault simplifies it:
Complete Kansas Coverage
All required federal and Kansas state posters included. The Unemployment Insurance poster is updated automatically when KDOL issues revisions—like the January 2025 redesign.
Automatic Update Monitoring
WorkforceVault's AI monitoring tracks poster changes from KDOL, KHRC, and federal agencies, notifying you when updates may be needed.
Remote Worker Solution
Digital distribution with acknowledgment tracking for Kansas remote employees—providing compliance documentation even without Kansas-specific electronic posting rules.
Multi-State Compliance
If you operate in Kansas plus neighboring states like Missouri (with its $15/hr minimum wage) or Colorado (state OSHA plan), WorkforceVault tracks requirements for all your locations from a single dashboard.
Audit-Ready Documentation
Generate complete compliance reports showing poster versions, employee acknowledgments, and update history—essential for KDOL or OSHA inspections.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas requires 9 state posters + 6 federal posters—moderate compliance burden
- $7.25 minimum wage unchanged since 2010—federal floor applies
- No local wage variations: State preemption since 2013 prevents city/county minimum wage increases
- Federal OSHA applies: Kansas is NOT an OSHA state plan
- KHRC has 6-month filing deadline—shorter than federal 300 days
- Recent updates: UI poster (Jan 2025), Workers' Comp poster (Oct 2024), Child Labor poster (Oct 2024)
- New for 2026: SB 153 requires 20 hours paid prenatal leave
- Remote workers: Follow federal DOL framework—Kansas has no specific electronic posting rules
Kansas employers must stay vigilant with recent poster updates and the new prenatal leave requirement. Start your free trial and see your Kansas compliance status in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many labor law posters does Kansas require?
Kansas requires 9 state labor law posters plus 6 federal posters for complete compliance. Additional posters may be required depending on your industry (child labor for employers of minors, fair housing for real estate businesses). All Kansas state posters are available free from the KDOL website.
What is Kansas's minimum wage in 2026?
Kansas's minimum wage is $7.25/hr—the same as the federal minimum wage. This rate has remained unchanged since 2010, and state law (K.S.A. 12-16,130) prohibits cities and counties from setting higher local rates. Tipped employees can be paid $2.13/hr with tips making up the difference to reach $7.25/hr.
Does Kansas require a child labor poster?
The Kansas Child Labor Laws poster is only required if you employ youth under 18 and are NOT covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Most employers covered by FLSA should post the federal child labor poster instead. The Kansas poster was updated in October 2024 with a new hazardous occupations section.
What is the filing deadline for Kansas employment discrimination complaints?
The Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) requires employment discrimination complaints to be filed within 6 months of the last discriminatory act. This is significantly shorter than the federal EEOC deadline of 300 days. If multiple incidents occurred, they must not be more than 6 months apart to be included in the same complaint.
Do remote employees need Kansas labor law posters?
Kansas has not enacted specific electronic posting requirements for remote workers. However, employers should follow federal DOL guidance by providing remote employees access to all required posters electronically via email or company intranet, and documenting that employees received and can access the notices. WorkforceVault provides digital distribution with acknowledgment tracking.
Is Kansas an OSHA state plan?
No. Kansas is under federal OSHA jurisdiction, meaning the federal OSHA poster is required (not a state-specific version). Federal OSHA covers most private sector employers in Kansas. State and local government employees are covered by the Kansas Industrial Safety and Health (ISH) Division, not federal OSHA.
Last Updated: January 2026
This guide provides general information about Kansas posting requirements. Consult with legal counsel for specific compliance questions.