Minimum Wage in Missouri
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Missouri's minimum wage is $12.30 per hour as of 2024, with annual increases tied to inflation.
How Missouri treats Minimum Wage
Missouri voters approved a minimum wage increase through a ballot measure, and the state now adjusts the rate annually based on inflation. The minimum wage applies to most private-sector employees without distinction by employer size or job category. Tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage from the employer; tips cannot substitute for the base wage requirement. Missouri's wage floor significantly exceeds the federal minimum.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.