Understanding Missouri's Minimum Wage in 2024
Whether you're entering the workforce or managing a small business, knowing Missouri’s current minimum wage is important. It affects your paycheck, your hiring decisions, and your budgeting. Missouri adjusts its minimum wage annually, so keeping up-to-date helps you stay financially informed.
What Is the Current Minimum Wage in Missouri?
As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Missouri is $12.30 per hour. This rate applies to most private-sector employees across the state. The increase is part of a voter-approved plan to raise wages gradually over time.
Missouri’s minimum wage increased from $11.15 in 2023 to $12.30 in 2024. The state plans to adjust wages for inflation moving forward starting in 2025.
Who Is Eligible for Minimum Wage in Missouri?
The Missouri minimum wage law covers most hourly workers. However, there are a few exceptions. It's important to know whether you or your employees qualify for the full minimum wage rate.
Exemptions include:
- Small businesses with gross annual sales under $500,000
- Employees who receive tips, though they must still earn at least $12.30/hour when tips are included
- Workers under 16 years old (with restrictions on types and hours of work)
- Certain seasonal or agricultural workers
What Is the Tipped Minimum Wage in Missouri?
For employees who regularly receive tips, such as restaurant servers and salon workers, the tipped minimum wage is different. In Missouri, tipped workers must receive a base wage of at least $6.15 per hour. However, total earnings with tips must equal or exceed the full minimum wage of $12.30 per hour.
If an employee's combined wages and tips fall short, the employer is legally required to make up the difference.
Minimum Wage vs. Living Wage in Missouri
The minimum wage is the legal minimum that employers must pay. A living wage, on the other hand, is the estimated amount that an individual needs to meet basic needs like housing, food, and transportation.
In Missouri:
- The state minimum wage in 2024 is $12.30 per hour
- The estimated living wage for a single adult with no children is around $15–$17 per hour (varies by region)
While the minimum wage helps ensure a base level of income, many workers aim for jobs that offer a wage closer to the living wage, especially in urban areas like St. Louis or Kansas City.
How Missouri’s Minimum Wage Compares to Federal and Neighboring States
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Missouri’s rate of $12.30 per hour is significantly higher, giving workers in the state a strong advantage when it comes to earnings.
Compared to neighboring states:
- Illinois – $14.00 per hour (2024)
- Kansas – $7.25 per hour (matches federal rate)
- Iowa – $7.25 per hour
- Arkansas – $11.00 per hour
- Oklahoma – $7.25 per hour
Missouri stands out among its neighbors for pushing toward higher wage standards, thanks to voter-approved increases and cost-of-living adjustments.
What’s Next for Missouri’s Minimum Wage?
Starting in January 2025, Missouri’s minimum wage will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. This means wages may change each year to reflect inflation and the cost of living.
The goal is to ensure workers can maintain their purchasing power without needing legislative approval for future increases.
FAQs About Missouri's Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage for part-time workers in Missouri?
Part-time workers in Missouri must be paid the same minimum wage of $12.30 per hour in 2024 unless exempt under federal or state law.
Do teenagers get a different minimum wage in Missouri?
Teenagers under 16 may have different labor rules, but if they are eligible, they must be paid the minimum wage of $12.30 per hour.
Can cities in Missouri have their own minimum wage?
No. State law prohibits local governments from setting their own minimum wage rates. The statewide wage is the same across Missouri.
Is overtime pay required in Missouri?
Yes. Any hours worked beyond 40 hours in a week must be paid at 1.5 times the regular rate of pay. This requirement follows federal law under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Do employers have to display the minimum wage rate?
Yes. Missouri employers must post a current minimum wage notice in a visible area for employees to review.
Why Missouri Minimum Wage Matters to You
Understanding the current minimum wage in Missouri helps you make better financial choices. If you're an employee, it ensures you're getting paid fairly. If you're an employer, it allows you to stay compliant and plan payroll accurately.
With cost-of-living rising and inflation impacting daily expenses, staying informed about wages is one step toward financial wellness. Missouri’s rising rate supports both economic growth and workforce stability.
Key Takeaways on Missouri’s Minimum Wage
- Missouri’s minimum wage in 2024 is $12.30 per hour.
- Tipped workers must earn at least $6.15 + tips to meet the minimum wage.
- Annual cost-of-living adjustments begin in 2025.
- Minimum wage law applies evenly across all Missouri cities and counties.
- Employers must follow these laws to avoid penalties and support fair labor practices.
Whether you’re earning a paycheck or issuing one, knowing the details of Missouri’s wage laws helps you stay empowered. As the economy evolves, keeping track of wage updates ensures you're always one step ahead.
