Missouri Minimum Wage 2026 — wage calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Missouri's minimum wage in 2026?

  $15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. This is more than double the federal FLSA minimum of $7.25/hr. The 2025 rate was $13.75/hr, representing a $1.25 increase for 2026.

• What is the minimum wage for tipped employees in Missouri in 2026?

  Tipped employees must receive at least $7.50/hr in direct cash wages from their employer (50% of the $15.00 minimum wage). Tips must bring total hourly compensation to $15.00. If tips are insufficient, the employer must make up the difference to ensure the $15.00/hr floor is met.

• How does Missouri's tipped minimum wage compare to federal law?

  Federal law allows employers to pay tipped workers only $2.13/hr in direct wages (a $5.12 tip credit against the $7.25 federal minimum). Missouri requires $7.50/hr in direct cash wages — nearly 3.5× the federal tipped minimum. Missouri employers cannot use the federal $2.13/hr floor when the state rate applies.

• Does Missouri's $15.00 minimum wage apply to all employers?

  Missouri's minimum wage law covers most private-sector employers. Federal FLSA exemptions (certain agricultural workers, some small businesses) may reduce coverage for some workers. When both state and federal law apply, employers must pay whichever rate is higher — which in Missouri is always the state rate.

• Are there sub-minimum wages for youth or training workers in Missouri?

  Missouri does not publish a separate sub-minimum youth or training wage below $15.00/hr as of 2026. The federal 90-day youth opportunity wage ($4.25/hr for workers under 20) technically exists under federal law, but Missouri's higher rate takes precedence for covered Missouri employers.

• What happens if my employer pays me less than $15.00/hr?

  You are owed the difference between what you were paid and the applicable minimum wage. You can file a complaint with the Missouri Division of Labor Standards at labor.mo.gov, or bring a private civil action in Missouri small claims or circuit court. Back wages plus damages may be awarded.

• Do any Missouri cities have minimum wages above $15.00/hr?

  As of 2026, no Missouri city has an effective local minimum wage above the state $15.00/hr rate. Missouri state law generally preempts local minimum wage ordinances that set rates above the statewide minimum. Verify with current local regulations for any recent changes.

• Will Missouri's minimum wage increase again after 2026?

  Future increases depend on additional voter-approved ballot measures or state legislation. Missouri's minimum wage has been rising through phased statutory increases; check labor.mo.gov for any announced changes for 2027 and beyond.

• Does overtime change under Missouri's $15.00 minimum wage?

  Yes — the overtime rate is tied to the regular rate of pay. At $15.00/hr, the FLSA/Missouri overtime rate (1.5×) is $22.50/hr for hours over 40 in a workweek. Missouri follows the FLSA 40-hour weekly overtime threshold with no daily overtime rule.