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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in Missouri

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$12.30

What is the minimum wage in Missouri?

The minimum wage in Missouri is $12.30 per hour for all employers, effective January 1, 2023. This is the result of a voter-approved initiative in 2018 that gradually increased the minimum wage from $7.85 to $12 over a five-year period.

There are a few exemptions to the minimum wage law in Missouri. Tipped workers are paid a lower minimum wage of $6.00 per hour, but they must also receive tips that bring their hourly earnings up to the minimum wage. Employees under the age of 18 are also paid a lower minimum wage of $8.40 per hour, but only if they are working in their first 90 days of employment.

The minimum wage is an important issue for many people in Missouri. It is a matter of fairness, economic security, and quality of life. The debate over the minimum wage is likely to continue for many years to come, but it is an issue that deserves our attention.

Missouri's minimum wage has seen recent updates, with incremental increases planned for subsequent years. These adjustments are part of a gradual process of phasing in a higher minimum wage in the state. Concerns have been raised about whether the current minimum wage adequately meets the needs of workers and their families, prompting debates on the topic. Supporters argue that increasing the minimum wage can help alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living for low-wage workers, while opponents voice concerns about potential job losses and negative effects on small businesses. It is essential to stay informed about the latest updates regarding the minimum wage in Missouri to understand its impact on workers and the economy.

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$27.68

What is the average wage in Missouri?

The average hourly wage in Missouri is $27.68 which is $57,580 annually. This is slightly lower than the national average wage.
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$31.18

What is the living wage in Missouri?

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$12.00

What is the minimum wage in St. Louis, Missouri?

The minimum and average wage are the same in St. Louis as they are in the state of Missouri. $12.00 per hour minimum wage and $27.56 average wage.

Wages aren’t everything!

While pay is one of the main factors that hourly employees consider when choosing to join (or stay at) a company, it’s not the end all be all. Research shows that advancement opportunities, supportive management, and schedule flexibility are all incredibly important as well.

Want to learn more about this trend? We dive deep into the data behind which perks and benefits matter most to hourly workers. Check out our full conversation with expert Sara Wasserteil of Cara Collective.

A guide to hourly labor laws in Missouri

Verified by Legal Counsel Brooke Davis

  • Standard Minimum Wage: $12.30 (MO.gov) (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 290.502).
  • Tipped Minimum Wage: $6.15, or 50% of the minimum, totaling at least minimum wage  with tips (MO.gov) (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 290.512).
  • Overtime: Hours exceeding 40 in a fixed week are overtime, paid at 1.5 times the regular rate (29 US Code § 207) (DoL). 
  • Meal Breaks: No state or federal law requiring meal breaks. Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bona-fide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. § 785.19) (DoL).
  • Rest Breaks: No state or federal law requires rest breaks. Breaks lasting 5–20 minutes must be paid (29 C.F.R. § 785.18). 
  • Wage Deductions: Only those required by law or written authorization by the employee. Deductions for shortages, breakages, and losses are allowed with written authorization. Third-party deductions benefitting the employer may not reduce wages below the applicable minimum (MO.gov) (29 C.F.R. § 4.168) (29 US Code § 203).
  • Final Paychecks:
  • Wage Payment Frequency: Semi-monthly (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 290.080).
  • Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: No paid leave is legally mandated. Up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for eligible employees (FMLA).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16: Youth under 14 may not work. No work during required school hours. Up to three hours per school day, eight hours per nonschool day, six days per week, or 40 hours per week. Work hours are restricted to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., and extended to 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day. Limited exceptions may apply (MO.gov) (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 294.030) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17: 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).

Frequently asked questions

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?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area.

Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:

  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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A Workstream hiring specialist can help you identify high impact ways to improve your applicant experience, and even help you determine what is a good hourly wage for your location and business.

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