Starting from January 1, 2026, the Missouri minimum wage is $15.00 per hour. This change comes from House Bill 567, which states that most employers across the state have to pay at least this amount. The earlier laws, due to which the Missouri minimum wage increases automatically with inflation, will no longer apply after 2026, which means the wage will not rise automatically in future years.
Most private and public employers are required to follow this $15.00 hourly rate. However, small retailers or service businesses that make less than $500,000 in annual gross sales are exempt from this and can pay a lower wage. Since Missouri’s minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, employers are required to pay workers the higher state rate.
Missouri Minimum Wage 2026
The Missouri minimum wage 2026 is $15.00 per hour for most workers. Some tipped workers may be paid a lower cash wage, but their total pay must still reach $15.00 per hour. Automatic inflation increases are no longer in effect, meaning the wage will stay the same unless the law changes.
| Category | Missouri Minimum Wage 2025 | Missouri Minimum Wage 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum Wage | $13.75 per hour | $15.00 per hour |
| Effective Date | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
| Automatic Inflation Adjustments (CPI-W) | Yes (final year) | No |
| Minimum Cash Wage for Tipped Employees | $6.88 per hour | $7.50 per hour |
| Maximum Tip Credit Allowed | $6.88 per hour | $7.50 per hour |
| Required Total Pay for Tipped Workers | $13.75 per hour | $15.00 per hour |
| If Tips Fall Short | Employer pays the difference | Employer pays the difference |
| Overtime Pay Requirement | 1.5× regular rate after 40 hours | 1.5× regular rate after 40 hours |
| Overtime Rate at Minimum Wage | $20.63 per hour | $22.50 per hour |
| Federal Minimum Wage | $7.25 per hour | $7.25 per hour |
| Small Business Exemption | Under $500,000 annual gross sales | Under $500,000 annual gross sales |
How Missouri’s Minimum Wage Is Increased Each Year
Before 2025, the Missouri minimum wage increased almost every year. Those increases were required by voter-approved laws and were designed to help wages keep up with inflation.
Two ballot measures, passed in 2006 and 2018, set a higher state minimum wage than the federal rate and scheduled yearly increases. After those scheduled raises ended, the law required the minimum wage to adjust each year automatically based on inflation.
In 2024, voters approved Proposition A, which planned to continue inflation-based increases after 2026. However, the state legislature later passed House Bill 567, which changed that plan. The law set Missouri’s minimum wage at $15.00 per hour and ended all future automatic increases tied to inflation. As a result, Missouri’s minimum wage will stay at $15.00 unless lawmakers pass a new law.
How Inflation Was Measured
When Missouri adjusted wages for inflation, it used a federal index called the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index tracks how prices change for workers who earn wages or work clerical jobs.
Each year, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations compares inflation data from July of the current year to July of the previous year. Based on that change, the next year’s minimum wage was adjusted and rounded to the nearest five cents.
When Missouri Announced New Minimum Wage Rates
Before House Bill 567, Missouri announced the upcoming minimum wage every fall. Employers and workers would know the new rate months before it took effect in January.
For example:
- The 2025 minimum wage of $13.75 was announced in late 2024
- The Missouri minimum wage 2026 rate of $15.00 was announced after House Bill 567 became law
Because automatic inflation adjustments have now ended, no future wage announcements are scheduled unless the law changes again.
Why Missouri’s Minimum Wage Cannot Drop Below a Certain Level
Missouri law includes a built-in protection for workers. Even when inflation adjustments were allowed, the minimum wage could never fall below the federal minimum wage.
That rule still applies today. If the federal minimum wage is raised above $15.00 per hour, Missouri employers would be required to pay the higher federal rate. Missouri law always requires employers to pay whichever wage is higher, state or federal.
Missouri Minimum Wage Rates History
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $15.00 per hour |
| 2025 | $13.75 per hour |
| 2024 | $12.30 per hour |
| 2023 | $12.00 per hour |
| 2022 | $11.15 per hour |
| 2021 | $10.30 per hour |
| 2020 | $9.45 per hour |
| 2019 | $8.60 per hour |
| 2018 | $7.85 per hour |
| 2017 | $7.70 per hour |
| 2016 | $7.65 per hour |
| 2015 | $7.65 per hour |
Missouri Minimum Wage vs Federal Minimum Wage
Employers must pay whichever minimum wage rate is higher, whether the federal or the state minimum wage rate. Missouri’s $15.00 rate exceeds the federal minimum of $7.25, so employers subject to the Missouri Minimum Wage Law must pay the state rate. Businesses with annual gross sales under $500,000 are exempt and may pay the federal rate or any wage, but they must still adhere to federal overtime and child labor laws.
| Wage Type | Federal Minimum Wage 2026 | Missouri Minimum Wage 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage rate (2026) | $7.25 per hour | $15.00 per hour |
| Tip credit | Employers may take a tip credit of $5.12, paying a cash wage of $2.13 under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) | Up to 50 % of the state minimum wage (cash wage at least $7.50) |
| Overtime threshold | Overtime is due after 40 hours per week. | Non‑exempt workers must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate after 40 hours per week. |
What Wages Should Multi-State Employers Follow?
Employers operating in multiple states should:
- Pay the highest applicable minimum wage in each state or locality.
- Maintain separate payroll records to show compliance with Missouri’s $15.00 rate and 50 % tip credit.
- Ensure that exempt employees working in Missouri satisfy the FLSA salary threshold.
- Review policies annually to capture changes in other states that may exceed Missouri’s requirements.
Tipped Employee Wage Rules in Missouri
Missouri permits a generous tip credit, but employers must follow strict rules to claim it. Section 290.512 allows employers of tipped employees to pay wages no higher than half the state minimum wage, provided that an employee’s tips bring their total pay to at least the full minimum wage. Employers must inform workers of the cash wage and tip credit, keep detailed records of tips, and ensure that tips belong to employees.
Tip credit amount allowed in Missouri
- Maximum tip credit: 50 % of the state minimum wage. With a $15.00 minimum, the maximum credit is $7.50 per hour.
- Minimum cash wage: Employers must pay at least $7.50 per hour in wages to tipped employees. If tips do not make up the difference to $15.00, the employer must pay the shortfall.
- Notice requirement: Employers must notify employees of the tip credit provisions, including the cash wage and the amount of credit claimed.
When Employers Must Pay the Full Minimum Wage
The tip credit cannot be used when employees perform non‑tipped duties unrelated to serving customers or when they do not earn sufficient tips during the workweek. Employers must pay the full $15.00 rate (plus overtime) during those hours.
Tip Pooling and Tip Ownership Rules
Missouri allows tip pooling but sets limits:
- Only employees who regularly receive tips may be included in a tip pool. Cooks, dishwashers, and managers cannot share in the pool unless the employer pays all employees the full minimum wage.
- Employees cannot be required to contribute more than is customary and reasonable to the pool, and they must retain at least the full minimum wage after pooling.
- Employers may not take any portion of tips or deduct credit‑card processing fees.
Employer Notice and Recordkeeping Duties
Employers claiming the tip credit must:
- Inform employees in writing of the cash wage and tip credit amount.
- Maintain payroll records showing each tipped employee’s cash wages, tips received, and hours worked.
- Make up any shortfall if tips plus cash wages fall below the $15 minimum.
- Provide pay statements for at least three years; failure to provide records can lead to penalties.
Overtime Rules Under Missouri Law
Missouri generally follows federal overtime standards. The Missouri Revised Statutes states that an employer may not employ an employee for a workweek longer than 40 hours unless the employee receives compensation for excess hours at one and one‑half times the regular rate. Missouri does not have a daily overtime requirement or special overtime calculations for tipped employees; overtime is calculated on the regular rate (exclusive of tips). The law also exempts employees who are exempt under federal law. Non‑exempt employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Missouri vs FLSA Overtime Rules
Section 290.505 directs courts to interpret Missouri’s overtime statute consistently with the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Portal‑to‑Portal Act. As a result, federal regulations on calculating the regular rate, compensable hours, and exemptions apply in Missouri unless state law offers greater protections.
Who Qualifies for Overtime?
Employees classified as executive, administrative, or professional (EAP) and certain outside sales and computer employees may be exempt if they meet the FLSA’s salary and duties tests. Employees not meeting all tests are non‑exempt and must receive overtime pay.
Salary Requirements for Exempt Employees in Missouri
Missouri applies federal exemption standards. To classify an employee as exempt from overtime under the executive, administrative, or professional exemption, employers must satisfy three tests: a salary basis test, a salary‑level test, and a duties test. Failing any one test makes the employee non‑exempt.
Salary-Based Requirement
The employee must receive a predetermined, fixed salary that is not reduced based on the quality or quantity of work. Deductions for partial‑day absences are generally prohibited.
Executive, Administrative, and Professional Exemptions
- Executive employees must manage the enterprise or a recognized department, direct at least two full‑time employees, and have authority over hiring or firing decisions.
- Administrative employees must perform office or non‑manual work directly related to management policies or business operations and exercise discretion and independent judgment.
- Professional employees must perform work requiring advanced knowledge typically acquired through prolonged study.
Required Labor Law Posters in Missouri
Missouri employers must display several state and federal notices where employees can easily see them. Required Missouri Labor Law Posters Include:
- Unemployment Benefits
- Workers' Compensation
- Discrimination in Employment
- Minimum Wage
- Public Accommodation
- Youth Employment
- Victims of Domestic Violence Leave
- Earned Paid Sick Time
Apart from State and local labor law posters, Missouri employers must also display Federal Labor Law Posters, including:
- EEOC "Know Your Rights" Notice
- Fed-OSHA "It's the Law" Notice
- Federal Minimum Wage Notice
- Employee Polygraph Protection Notice
- Family and Medical Leave Act Notice (download only where required)
- USERRA Rights and Benefits Notice
- Payday Notice (Meets notification requirements)
- IRS EITC / Notice 797 / W-4 Notice
- Employee "Right to Know" Notice
- USCIS Discrimination Notice
For complete compliance, employers in Missouri should reference a combined set of state and federal labor law posters to ensure all required notices are properly displayed.
Penalties for Minimum Wage Violations in Missouri
| Type of Violation | Penalties |
|---|---|
| Unpaid Minimum Wages | The employer must pay all unpaid wages owed to the employee |
| Liquidated Damages | The employer may owe an additional amount equal to the unpaid wages (double damages) |
| Overtime Violations | Unpaid overtime wages plus liquidated damages |
| Retaliation Against Employees | Reinstatement, back pay, additional damages, and attorney’s fees |
Missouri law allows employees to recover unpaid wages, double damages, and attorney’s fees when employers fail to comply with minimum wage or overtime requirements.
How to File a Minimum Wage Complaint
To file a complaint regarding minimum wage, follow the steps below:
- Contact DLS: Call 573-751-3403 or email [email protected]
- Complete the Complaint Form: Fill out the Minimum Wage Complaint Form with details about your employer, hours worked, and wages paid
- Submit Supporting Information: Include pay stubs, time records, tip records, or written wage agreements
- Investigation Begins: DLS reviews records and investigates whether the minimum wage law was violated
- Determination: If violations are found, DLS determines the unpaid minimum wages owed
Missouri Employer Compliance Checklist (2026)
Practical steps for employers to comply with Missouri wage and hour laws in 2026:
- Wage calculations
- Ensure hourly workers are paid at least $15.00 per hour.
- For tipped employees, pay a cash wage of at least $7.50 and ensure tips plus wages equal or exceed $15.00.
- Round wages to the nearest five cents when necessary.
- Tip credit compliance
- Provide written notice of the cash wage and tip credit.
- Record all tips and reconcile them with payroll.
- Prohibit managers or non‑tipped employees from sharing in tip pools.
- Overtime tracking
- Track daily and weekly hours for all employees.
- Pay 1.5 times the regular rate for hours above 40 in a workweek.
- Include nondiscretionary bonuses in the regular rate when calculating overtime.
- Poster updates
- Display the Missouri Minimum Wage poster 2026 along with other required state notices.
- Ensure federal posters are current.
- Provide electronic copies of posters to remote employees.
- Recordkeeping rules
- Maintain payroll records and tip reports for three years.
- Retain pay statements, schedules, and overtime calculations.
- Keep documentation supporting exempt classifications.
- Manager training
- Train managers on minimum wage, tip credit, and overtime rules.
- Ensure managers understand that they cannot participate in tip pools or require employees to perform unpaid work.
- Review the classification of employees to avoid misclassification.
Employer Takeaways
According to the Missouri minimum wage law of 2026, most employees are entitled to be paid $15.00 per hour at a minimum. Employers must also adhere to numerous regulations regarding tipped wages, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and providing adequate notice to their employees of the company’s wage policy. Finally, automatic increases to the minimum wage due to inflation will no longer occur. Employers must now comply with both state and federal laws regarding compensation for employees, and failure to do so will result in stiff penalties for employers. An employee who has not been compensated appropriately can file a complaint against their employer. Accordingly, it is essential for employers to become acquainted with labor law compliance to avoid the potential for financial penalties and disputes over pay by maintaining good records and frequently evaluating their pay procedures.
FAQs
Will the Missouri minimum wage increase in 2026?
Yes. Missouri’s minimum wage rises to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2026. Unlike past years, there are no automatic increases after 2026 because House Bill 567 eliminated CPI‑based adjustments.