The minimum wage in Missouri is $15.00 per hour for all employers, effective January 1, 2026. Tipped employees must be paid at least $7.50 per hour, but employers must ensure wages and tips combined equal at least the minimum wage. Employees under 18 may be paid $8.40 per hour during their first 90 days of employment.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Missouri is $24.04. Wages vary by occupation, industry, and location.
The estimated living wage in Missouri is $21.27 per hour. A living wage represents the estimated hourly rate needed to cover basic living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essential costs.
A guide to hourly labor laws in Missouri
- Termination: Due immediately (MO.gov) (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 290.110).
- Resignation: No state/federal law. Employers should pay wages by the regularly scheduled payday (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 290.080) (MO DoL) (DoL).
No state/federal law restricting work hours beyond required school hours for non-hazardous occupations (MO.gov) (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 294.030) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
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