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What is the minimum wage in Missouri?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Missouri's minimum wage is set by the Missouri Minimum Wage Law, R.S.Mo. §§ 290.500-290.530, as amended by Proposition A (November 2024).

1. Current Rate

  • $13.75/hour effective January 1, 2025 (under Prop A 2024).
  • $15.00/hour effective January 1, 2026.
  • Beginning 2027, indexed annually to CPI-W (R.S.Mo. § 290.502.2).

    • 2. Proposition A (2024)

    Voter-approved in November 2024 (~58% yes). Two parts:

  • Minimum wage to $13.75 (2025) and $15 (2026), indexed thereafter.
  • Paid sick leave beginning May 1, 2025: 1 hour per 30 worked, up to 56 hours/year (large employers) or 40 hours/year (small).

    • 3. Tipped Workers

    R.S.Mo. § 290.512 — tipped employees may be paid 50% of the state minimum wage as a cash wage, with a tip credit of the other 50%:

  • 2025: cash wage $6.875, tip credit $6.875, total $13.75.
  • 2026: cash wage $7.50, tip credit $7.50, total $15.

    • Employer must make up shortfall.

    4. Local Preemption

    R.S.Mo. § 285.055 (passed 2017, sometimes called the "St. Louis preemption law") prohibits local minimum wages above state. St. Louis had passed a $10 minimum that was rolled back. Kansas City similarly preempted.

    5. Overtime

    R.S.Mo. § 290.505 — 1.5x after 40 hours/week. No daily overtime. No state requirement for double time.

    6. Exemptions (R.S.Mo. § 290.500(3))

  • Retail/service businesses with annual gross income under $500,000.
  • Public employers (state, county, municipal).
  • Executive, administrative, professional employees.
  • Outside salespersons.
  • Babysitters in employer's home.
  • Some seasonal amusement employees.
  • Agricultural workers.
  • Family members of the employer.

    • 7. Public Sector & State Government

    Missouri state employees have separate pay schedules. Prop A's minimum applies to private employers.

    8. Enforcement

    Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards. Private right of action under R.S.Mo. § 290.527:

  • Double damages for unpaid minimum wage/OT.
  • Attorney's fees.
  • 2-year statute of limitations (3 years willful).

    • 9. Paid Sick Leave (New 2025)

    Effective May 1, 2025 — most private employers must provide paid sick time accruing at 1 hour per 30 worked. Employers can require 90-day waiting period for new hires.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your employer denies Prop A paid sick leave
    • Your tipped cash wage + tips don't reach $13.75/$15
    • You want double damages under § 290.527
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • R.S.Mo. § 290.502
    • R.S.Mo. § 290.505
    • R.S.Mo. § 290.512
    • R.S.Mo. § 290.527
    • R.S.Mo. § 285.055
    • Prop. A (2024)

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.