Missouri Minimum Wage 2026
⚠️Informational only — not legal or tax advice.
Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Last Reviewed: February 4, 2026
Applicable Period: 2026
Jurisdiction: State of Missouri, United States
Update Schedule: Quarterly reviews in 2026; annual reviews thereafter
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Missouri Minimum Wage – 2026 Quick Reference
- Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Missouri
- Current Minimum Wage Rates in Missouri 2026
- Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
- Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Missouri
- Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
- Employer Obligations and Enforcement
- Missouri Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
- Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Information Verification Log
Introduction
The minimum wage in Missouri establishes the lowest hourly compensation that employers must legally provide to covered employees. For 2026, Missouri has a minimum wage of $15.00 per hour, with specific provisions for tipped employees and exemptions for certain small employers. The state prohibits local jurisdictions from enacting higher minimum wage rates.
Minimum wage regulations in Missouri operate under Missouri Revised Statutes §§ 290.500-290.530 alongside federal requirements established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). When state or local minimum wage rates exceed the federal standard, employers must comply with the higher applicable rate. Missouri permits tip credits, and state law preempts local minimum wage ordinances.
This page provides an authoritative overview of Missouri minimum wage law for 2026, including current rates, scheduled increases, tipped employee provisions, coverage and exemptions, enforcement procedures, and compliance requirements. All information is compiled from official government sources.
| Missouri Minimum Wage — 2026 Quick Reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Rate | Effective Date | Official Source |
| State minimum wage | $15.00/hour | January 1, 2026 | RSMo § 290.502 |
| Tipped minimum wage | $7.50/hour | January 1, 2026 | RSMo § 290.512 |
| Tip credit allowed | Yes (up to $7.50) | — | RSMo § 290.512 |
| Next scheduled increase | None | N/A | HB 567 (2025) |
| Rate adjustment mechanism | Fixed | — | HB 567 (2025) |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25/hour | Ongoing | U.S. Department of Labor |
| Local minimum wages | Prohibited | — | RSMo § 290.528 |
Last verified: February 4, 2026 via Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Missouri
Legal Authority
Missouri minimum wage requirements are established under Missouri Revised Statutes §§ 290.500 through 290.530, commonly known as the Missouri Minimum Wage and Overtime Law. The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards, administers and enforces minimum wage regulations in Missouri. The state minimum wage law was originally enacted in 1990 and has been amended multiple times through legislative action and voter-approved ballot initiatives, most recently through Proposition A in November 2024 and subsequent modification by House Bill 567 in 2025.
Relationship to Federal Law
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum wage establishes a floor of $7.25 per hour for covered employers and employees. Missouri law operates independently of federal minimum wage standards. When both state and federal minimum wage laws apply, employers must pay whichever rate is higher.
Because Missouri’s minimum wage of $15.00 exceeds the federal minimum, most covered employers must comply with the state rate. Employers not subject to state minimum wage requirements but covered by federal law must comply with FLSA standards at $7.25 per hour.
Coverage Scope
Missouri minimum wage law applies to employers engaged in retail or service businesses with annual gross income of $500,000 or more. The law covers both private and public employers. As of August 28, 2025, public employers including state agencies, political subdivisions, cities, counties, towns, villages, and school districts became subject to Missouri’s minimum wage requirements under provisions of House Bill 567. Most hourly workers, including part-time employees, are covered under state law.
Higher Rate Principle
The principle of “higher prevailing rate” requires employers to pay the highest applicable minimum wage—whether federal or state. In Missouri, this means employers must identify and apply whichever minimum wage rate provides employees the highest hourly compensation. Since Missouri’s $15.00 rate exceeds the federal $7.25 rate, covered employers in the state must pay the higher Missouri rate.
Current Minimum Wage Rates in Missouri 2026
Standard Hourly Minimum Wage
As of January 1, 2026, the standard minimum wage in Missouri is $15.00 per hour for covered employees. This rate applies to all non-exempt employees working for employers engaged in retail or service businesses with annual gross income of $500,000 or more, as well as public employers.
The $15.00 rate represents a $1.25 increase from 2025’s rate of $13.75 per hour. This increase was established by Proposition A, approved by Missouri voters in November 2024, which created a legislated schedule of minimum wage increases. The scheduled increase to $15.00 was preserved under House Bill 567, signed into law on July 10, 2025, which modified certain provisions of Proposition A.
Missouri had previously adjusted its minimum wage annually based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Under Proposition A, annual CPI-based adjustments were scheduled to resume beginning January 1, 2027. However, House Bill 567 eliminated these automatic inflation-based adjustments, fixing the minimum wage at $15.00 per hour without scheduled future increases.
Scheduled Increases
No minimum wage increases are currently scheduled in Missouri. The rate will remain $15.00 per hour unless changed by future legislation.
Proposition A had originally established annual adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index beginning January 1, 2027. House Bill 567, enacted in July 2025, repealed these automatic adjustment provisions. The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations will not calculate or announce annual wage adjustments based on inflation. Any future changes to Missouri’s minimum wage will require new legislative action or voter-approved ballot measures.
Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
Tipped Employee Cash Wage
Missouri permits employers to pay tipped employees a reduced cash wage, provided that employee tips combined with the cash wage equal at least the full minimum wage.
Cash wage requirement: $7.50 per hour
Maximum tip credit: $7.50 per hour
Total minimum compensation: $15.00 per hour (cash wage + tips)
Who Qualifies as a Tipped Employee
Under Missouri law, a tipped employee is defined as an employee who receives and retains compensation in the form of gratuities in addition to wages. Missouri law does not specify a minimum monthly tip threshold. Qualifying occupations typically include:
- Restaurant servers and bartenders
- Hotel and casino service workers
- Parking attendants and valets
- Delivery drivers who receive tips
- Hair stylists and barbers in service establishments
- Other service workers who customarily receive tips
Employer Obligations for Tipped Workers
Employers who claim a tip credit must comply with specific requirements under Missouri law:
- Pay the minimum cash wage of at least 50 percent of the minimum wage ($7.50 per hour for 2026)
- Ensure total compensation (cash wage plus tips) equals or exceeds the full minimum wage of $15.00 per hour for all hours worked
- Pay the difference if an employee’s tips fail to bring total compensation to the minimum wage
- Maintain accurate records of employee tips and hours worked
- Comply with federal requirements including tip credit notification under the Fair Labor Standards Act
If a tipped employee’s hourly tips combined with the $7.50 cash wage do not reach $15.00 per hour, the employer must pay additional wages to make up the difference. This calculation applies on an hourly or per-workweek basis.
Tip Pooling and Sharing
Missouri law does not extensively regulate tip pooling arrangements beyond requiring that employees receive and retain their tips. Under federal law, which applies to Missouri employers covered by the FLSA, tip pools are permissible provided:
- Only employees who customarily and regularly receive tips participate in the pool
- Managers, supervisors, and other non-tipped employees cannot participate in or receive any portion of the tip pool
- The employer does not retain any portion of employee tips for purposes other than facilitating a valid tip pool
- Distribution of pooled tips is reasonable and customary
Employers claiming a tip credit must ensure tip pooling arrangements do not reduce any employee’s compensation below the required minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.
Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Missouri
Missouri law prohibits cities and counties from enacting their own minimum wage rates that differ from the state minimum wage. All employers in Missouri must comply with the uniform statewide rate of $15.00 per hour.
Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 290.528, enacted in 2017 as House Bill 1194, Missouri has preempted local regulation of minimum wage, preventing municipalities from establishing higher rates or imposing additional wage requirements beyond state law. The statute provides that state minimum wage law “shall preempt and nullify all political subdivision ordinances, rules, and regulations currently in effect or later enacted relating to the establishment or enforcement of a minimum or living wage or the provision of employment benefits that exceed state laws, rules, or regulations.”
Historical Context of Local Wage Ordinances
Prior to the 2017 preemption law, two Missouri cities had enacted local minimum wage ordinances:
St. Louis: In August 2015, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed Ordinance 70078, which would have gradually increased the city’s minimum wage to $11.00 per hour by 2018. After legal challenges and a Missouri Supreme Court decision upholding the ordinance in February 2017, the law took effect briefly in May 2017, raising the wage to $10.00 per hour. However, the state preemption law forced the city to revert to the state minimum wage of $7.70 per hour on August 28, 2017.
Kansas City: In August 2017, Kansas City voters approved Question 3, which would have increased the city’s minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by 2022. The ordinance never took effect due to the state preemption law that became effective August 28, 2017.
Current State of Local Wage Regulation
No cities or counties in Missouri currently maintain minimum wage rates different from the state rate. The $15.00 statewide rate applies uniformly across all jurisdictions, including:
- Kansas City
- St. Louis
- Springfield
- Columbia
- Independence
- All other municipalities and counties
Employers operating in multiple Missouri locations need only comply with the single statewide minimum wage rate of $15.00 per hour. The preemption law ensures uniformity in wage requirements across the state’s diverse economic regions.
Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
Employees Covered by Missouri Minimum Wage
Missouri minimum wage law covers employees of employers engaged in retail or service businesses whose annual gross income is $500,000 or more. Unless specifically exempted, covered employees include:
- Private sector workers: Full-time and part-time employees of private businesses meeting the gross income threshold
- Public sector employees: As of August 28, 2025, employees of state agencies, political subdivisions, cities, counties, towns, villages, school districts, and other governmental entities
- Salaried non-exempt employees: Employees paid on a salary basis who do not qualify for overtime exemption
- Hourly employees: Workers compensated on an hourly basis
- Temporary and seasonal workers: If employed by covered businesses
- Minor employees: Workers under age 18, subject to child labor restrictions
Small Employer Exemption
Employers engaged in retail or service businesses whose annual gross income is less than $500,000 are not required to pay the state minimum wage rate. This exemption is established under Missouri Revised Statutes § 290.500(3).
Key aspects of the small employer exemption:
- Calculation basis: The $500,000 threshold is based on total annual gross income, not net profits
- Business types: Applies only to retail or service businesses
- Federal law still applies: Even if exempt from state minimum wage, employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act must still pay at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour
- Year-to-year variation: Employers near the threshold should monitor annual income, as crossing $500,000 triggers state minimum wage obligations
Common Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from Missouri minimum wage requirements:
Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employees
Employees performing bona fide executive, administrative, or professional duties may be exempt if they meet both salary and duties tests under federal and state law. The specific salary threshold follows federal FLSA requirements, currently $684 per week ($35,568 annually) under federal regulations.
Outside Sales Employees
Employees whose primary duty is making sales away from the employer’s place of business and who are customarily and regularly engaged away from the employer’s business location may be exempt from minimum wage requirements.
Agricultural Workers
Missouri Revised Statutes § 290.507 provides that the minimum wage law does not apply to agricultural employees. This exemption includes:
- Employees of small-scale agriculture businesses (less than 500 person-days of agricultural labor in any quarter of the preceding year)
- Immediate family members of the employer working on farms
- Seasonal hand harvest laborers paid on a piece rate basis
- Young agricultural workers (age 16 or under) working on the same farm as their parents or guardians
- Employees mainly involved in livestock range production
Students and Learners
Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 290.517, the Director of the Division of Labor Standards may authorize special certificates allowing payment of wages less than the minimum wage for learners and apprentices during training periods, provided specific conditions are met.
Workers with Disabilities
Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 290.515, the Director may authorize special certificates allowing employers to pay subminimum wages to workers whose earning or productive capacity is impaired by age, physical or mental deficiency, or injury.
Independent Contractors
Properly classified independent contractors are not employees and therefore not covered by minimum wage requirements. However, Missouri applies tests to determine independent contractor status, and misclassification may result in penalties and back wages.
Other Exemptions
Additional exemptions under Missouri law include:
- Employees of educational, charitable, religious, or nonprofit organizations where no employer-employee relationship exists in the conventional sense
- Casual babysitters
- Volunteers for nonprofit organizations
Employer Obligations and Enforcement
Employer Compliance Requirements
Employers subject to Missouri minimum wage law must:
- Pay the applicable minimum wage of $15.00 per hour (or $7.50 per hour plus tips for tipped employees) for all hours worked
- Maintain accurate payroll records as required by Missouri Revised Statutes § 290.520, documenting hours worked and wages paid
- Display required posters informing employees of minimum wage rates as mandated by RSMo § 290.522
- Provide compliant wage statements showing gross wages, deductions, and net pay
- Ensure tipped employees receive full minimum wage when cash wages and tips are combined
- Comply with overtime requirements at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek
Recordkeeping Requirements:
Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 290.520, employers must maintain records including:
- Employee names and addresses
- Hours worked each workday and workweek
- Wage rates and total wages paid each pay period
- Deductions from wages
- Records must be preserved and made available for inspection by the Director of the Division of Labor Standards
Enforcement Agency and Process
The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards, enforces minimum wage requirements in Missouri. The agency:
- Investigates wage complaints filed by employees
- Conducts compliance inspections under authority of RSMo § 290.510
- Issues orders for payment of unpaid wages
- Refers cases for legal action when appropriate
- Provides guidance to employers on compliance requirements
Filing a Complaint:
Employees who believe they have not been paid proper minimum wage may file a complaint with the Division of Labor Standards through:
- Online: Minimum Wage Complaint Form
- Email: minimumwage@labor.mo.gov
- Phone: 573-751-3403
- Mail: Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards, P.O. Box 449, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0449
Missouri law prohibits retaliation against employees who file wage complaints or cooperate with investigations.
Penalties and Remedies
Employers who violate Missouri minimum wage law may be subject to:
Back Wages:
Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 290.527, employers must pay employees the full amount of unpaid wages owed. Employees can pursue private legal action to recover unpaid minimum wages.
Liquidated Damages:
Missouri law authorizes liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid wages owed. An employer who unlawfully pays sub-minimum wages shall be liable for the full amount of wages due as liquidated damages, less any amount actually paid.
Attorney Fees and Costs:
Employees who prevail in minimum wage actions may recover reasonable attorney fees and costs of litigation under RSMo § 290.527.
Private Right of Action:
Missouri law provides employees with a private right of action to pursue wage claims in court. The Division of Labor Standards is not authorized to pursue an employee’s wage claim in court on their behalf, but employees may file civil actions independently.
Federal Penalties:
Employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act who violate federal minimum wage requirements may face additional penalties including civil monetary penalties assessed by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Missouri Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
The Federal Minimum Wage Floor
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009. This federal rate sets a floor for minimum wage requirements nationwide and applies to employers engaged in interstate commerce or with annual gross sales exceeding $500,000.
When State Law Applies
Because Missouri’s minimum wage of $15.00 exceeds the federal minimum, most employees working in Missouri are entitled to the higher state rate. The federal minimum serves as a fallback only for the limited category of employers covered by federal but not state law—specifically, retail or service businesses with annual gross income below $500,000 but still covered by the FLSA.
Higher Applicable Rate Rule
The fundamental principle governing minimum wage compliance is that employers must pay whichever rate—federal or state—provides employees the highest hourly wage. This rule ensures workers receive maximum protection under applicable law.
Practical Application:
- Identify all minimum wage rates that may apply (federal and state)
- Determine which rates cover the specific employer and employee
- Pay the highest applicable rate
In Missouri, covered employers compare the federal minimum of $7.25 and the state minimum of $15.00, and must pay the higher $15.00 rate. Employers exempt from state law due to lower gross income must still comply with federal requirements if covered by the FLSA.
| Regional Minimum Wage Context | |
|---|---|
| Missouri’s minimum wage of $15.00 can be compared to surrounding states for regional context. | |
| State | 2026 Rate |
| Missouri | $15.00 |
| Illinois | $15.00 |
| Kansas | $7.25 |
| Arkansas | $11.00 |
| Oklahoma | $7.25 |
| Nebraska | $12.00 |
| Iowa | $7.25 |
| Tennessee | $7.25 |
Missouri’s rate matches Illinois and significantly exceeds the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour maintained by Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The state’s $15.00 rate also surpasses neighboring Arkansas ($11.00) and Nebraska ($12.00).
Note: Rates shown are standard minimum wages and may not reflect local or industry-specific variations in other states.
Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
Missouri law requires employers to display an official minimum wage notice in a conspicuous location accessible to all employees. The poster must include current wage rates, employee rights, and contact information for the Division of Labor Standards.
Where to obtain posters:
- Download from Missouri Department of Labor website
- Available in English and Spanish
- Request printed copies: Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards, P.O. Box 449, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0449, or call 573-751-3403
Posting locations:
The notice must be posted in each workplace location where employees can readily see it, typically near time clocks, in break rooms, or at other prominent locations. As required by Missouri Revised Statutes § 290.522, the summary must be posted in a conspicuous and accessible place at the business.
Compliance:
Failure to display required posters may result in citations from the Division of Labor Standards. Employers must update posters when minimum wage rates change. The current poster is effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions: Minimum Wage in Missouri 2026
What is the minimum wage in Missouri in 2026?
The minimum wage in Missouri is $15.00 per hour as of January 1, 2026. This rate applies to covered employers engaged in retail or service businesses with annual gross income of $500,000 or more, as well as all public employers.
When is the next minimum wage increase in Missouri?
No minimum wage increases are currently scheduled in Missouri. The rate will remain $15.00 per hour unless changed by future legislation. Automatic annual adjustments based on inflation, which were approved by voters in Proposition A, were eliminated by House Bill 567 in 2025.
Does Missouri allow tip credit?
Yes, Missouri permits employers to pay tipped employees a cash wage of $7.50 per hour (50% of the minimum wage), with up to $7.50 in tip credit, provided total compensation reaches $15.00 per hour. Employers must make up any difference if tips fall short.
Are there different minimum wages in different cities in Missouri?
No, Missouri maintains a uniform statewide minimum wage of $15.00 per hour. State law prohibits local jurisdictions from enacting different rates. Cities and counties cannot establish minimum wages higher than the state rate.
Who is exempt from minimum wage in Missouri?
Common exemptions from Missouri minimum wage include executive, administrative, and professional employees meeting salary and duties tests, outside sales employees, agricultural workers, and employees of retail or service businesses with annual gross income below $500,000. Independent contractors are not covered.
What happens if an employer pays below minimum wage in Missouri?
Employers who pay below minimum wage face liability for unpaid wages plus liquidated damages equal to the unpaid amount, and reasonable attorney fees. Employees can file complaints with the Division of Labor Standards at 573-751-3403 or email minimumwage@labor.mo.gov. Missouri law prohibits retaliation against workers who report violations.
Do small businesses have to pay minimum wage in Missouri?
Retail or service businesses with annual gross income under $500,000 are exempt from state minimum wage requirements. However, businesses must still comply with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which requires a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for employees engaged in interstate commerce.
Is Missouri’s minimum wage higher than the federal minimum?
Yes, Missouri’s minimum wage of $15.00 is $7.75 higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Employers in Missouri must pay the higher state rate for covered employees.
How often does Missouri increase its minimum wage?
Missouri’s minimum wage is currently set by legislation and does not automatically adjust. The $15.00 rate established for 2026 has no scheduled increases. Changes require new laws to be enacted by the Missouri legislature or approved by voters through ballot initiatives.
Can employers pay less than minimum wage during training?
Missouri law authorizes the Director of the Division of Labor Standards to issue special certificates permitting payment of wages less than the minimum wage for learners and apprentices during training periods. However, such certificates must meet specific criteria and not all employees qualify for training wage provisions.
How to file a minimum wage complaint in Missouri
Employees who believe they have not received proper minimum wage compensation may file a wage complaint with the Division of Labor Standards. Filing methods include:
- Online: Visit the Missouri Department of Labor minimum wage page and complete the complaint form
- Email: minimumwage@labor.mo.gov
- Phone: 573-751-3403
- Mail: Division of Labor Standards, P.O. Box 449, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0449
The Division of Labor Standards will investigate the complaint. Missouri law prohibits employer retaliation against workers who file wage complaints or participate in investigations. Employees also have a private right of action to pursue wage claims in court.
Do public employees get the Missouri minimum wage?
Yes, as of August 28, 2025, public employers including state agencies, political subdivisions, cities, counties, school districts, and other governmental entities must pay the Missouri minimum wage of $15.00 per hour to non-exempt employees. This requirement was established by House Bill 567, signed into law on July 10, 2025.
Information Verification Log
All information on this page has been compiled from official government sources and verified for accuracy as of the dates below.
| Information Verification Log | ||
|---|---|---|
| Source | Last Verified | Full URL |
| Missouri Revised Statutes §§ 290.500–290.530 | February 4, 2026 | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapterRng.aspx?tb1=290.500+to+290.530 |
| Missouri Department of Labor – Minimum Wage | February 4, 2026 | https://labor.mo.gov/dls/minimum-wage |
| Missouri House Bill 567 (2025) | February 4, 2026 | https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/bts_web/bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=9171446 |
| Missouri RSMo § 290.502 (Minimum wage rate) | February 4, 2026 | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=290.502 |
| Missouri RSMo § 290.512 (Tipped employees) | February 4, 2026 | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=290.512 |
| Missouri RSMo § 290.528 (Local minimum wage preemption) | February 4, 2026 | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=290.528 |
| Missouri 2026 Minimum Wage Poster | February 4, 2026 | https://labor.mo.gov/media/pdf/2026-minimum-wage-poster-english-jan-1-2026-dec-31-2026 |
| Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) | February 4, 2026 | https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa |