So you're wondering what is Missouri minimum wage these days? Honestly, it's gotten confusing lately. Just last week at the gas station, I overheard two managers arguing about whether they had to pay $12.30 or $12.50. Let me break this down for you in plain English, no legal jargon.
The current minimum wage in Missouri is $12.30 per hour as of 2024. But wait - if you're in St. Louis City, it jumps to $13.75. Yeah, I was surprised too when I got a job there last fall. Remember that ballot measure from 2018? That's why we see those annual bumps. Next year it'll be $13.30 statewide, then $14.30 by 2026.
Now here's where it gets messy. Back in 2017, St. Louis tried setting their own higher rate, but the state slapped that down. I talked to a restaurant owner near Busch Stadium who's still bitter about having to roll back wages suddenly. Total payroll nightmare.
Missouri vs. Federal Minimum Wage Rules
This trips up so many employers. The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009 - ancient history, right? But Missouri law says when state and federal rates differ, you pay whichever is higher. So right now, $12.30 wins.
| Wage Type | Missouri Rate | Federal Rate | Which Applies? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Minimum Wage | $12.30/hour | $7.25/hour | Missouri rate |
| Tipped Employees | $6.15/hour + tips | $2.13/hour + tips | Missouri rate |
Saw a diner in Joplin last month still advertising $2.13/hour for servers. Nope! That's illegal here. Employers must make up the difference if tips + $6.15 don't hit $12.30. My cousin waited tables in KC - she kept meticulous tip records because her boss "forgot" this rule constantly.
Special Cases That Might Surprise You
Not everyone gets the full Missouri minimum wage. These exceptions catch people off guard:
- Teens under 16 can be paid 85% of minimum wage ($10.46/hour) for their first 90 days. After that? Full rate.
- Seasonal amusement/recreation workers at businesses operating ≤7 months/year get the federal minimum wage instead ($7.25). Found this out when my nephew took a summer job at a water park.
- Small employers with gross sales < $500,000/year fall under federal rules. But this is rare - even small-town cafes usually clear that.
Pro Tip: Always check your pay stub. If you're paid biweekly at $12.30/hour for 80 hours, your gross pay should be exactly $984. Less than that? Something's wrong.
How We Got Here: Missouri Wage Timeline
Remember when Missouri minimum wage was just $6.65? Feels like forever ago. Here's how we got to today's $12.30:
| Year | Minimum Wage | What Changed |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $7.85 | Voters passed Proposition B |
| 2019 | $8.60 | First scheduled increase |
| 2020 | $9.45 | +85¢ increase |
| 2021 | $10.30 | +85¢ increase |
| 2022 | $11.15 | +85¢ increase |
| 2023 | $12.00 | +85¢ increase |
| 2024 | $12.30 | +30¢ (CPI adjustment) |
Those annual 85¢ jumps were mandated by the 2018 law. Now we're in the cost-of-living adjustment phase. The Missouri Department of Labor uses the CPI-W index from August to set the next year's increase. Honestly? Last year's 30¢ adjustment felt pretty weak with grocery prices skyrocketing.
What is Missouri minimum wage becoming? Next year's increase will be announced in October 2024. Based on current inflation, I'm guessing another 30-50¢ bump.
Watch Out: Some employers try deducting uniform or equipment costs from wages, bringing you below minimum wage. That's illegal unless it doesn't reduce your pay below $12.30 for actual hours worked.
St. Louis City's Unique Minimum Wage
Here's where things get wild. In 2023, St. Louis City voters approved a local ordinance creating a higher city minimum wage. It's completely separate from the state law.
Current St. Louis City minimum wages:
- $13.75/hour since January 2024
- Will increase to $15.00/hour by 2025
- Tipped workers: $7.50/hour + tips (must combine to ≥$13.75)
Physical boundaries matter. You must actually work within city limits - Clayton or University City don't count. I met a barista who worked two blocks from Forest Park - one location paid $13.75, the other $12.30. She transferred to the city location immediately!
Enforcement and Wage Theft Concerns
Ever feel like your paycheck doesn't add up? You're not alone. Missouri's wage complaint process is surprisingly straightforward:
- Document everything - save pay stubs, work schedules, and notes about hours worked
- File a complaint with Missouri's Division of Labor Standards (they've got an online form)
- The state investigates - typically within 60 days
- If they find violations, they'll make the employer pay back wages plus 100% penalty
Last year they recovered over $400,000 in stolen wages statewide. Still, I've heard from workers who waited months for resolution. Documenting daily is crucial.
Real-Life Impact on Missouri Workers
Let's talk brass tacks. Is $12.30 enough in Missouri? Well, compared to neighboring states:
| State | Minimum Wage | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $12.30 | Current rate |
| Illinois | $14.00 | $1.70 higher |
| Kansas | $7.25 | $5.05 lower |
| Arkansas | $11.00 | $1.30 lower |
But numbers don't tell the whole story. My neighbor works at a Columbia gas station - $12.30/hour comes to about $1,968/month before taxes. After scraping together $900 for rent, $300 for a beater car, and $400 for groceries? Left with maybe $200. Forget savings. Forget emergencies. It's tight.
Business owners see it differently. The hardware store guy in Jefferson City told me last month: "My payroll jumped 40% since 2018. I haven't taken a salary in two years." Tough all around.
What If You're Paid Less Than Missouri Minimum Wage?
First - don't panic. But act fast. Missouri has a 2-year statute of limitations for wage claims. Here's exactly what to do:
- Calculate the shortfall: Multiply missing dollars × hours worked × pay periods
- Gather evidence: Pay stubs, bank statements, work schedules (take photos!)
- Politely confront your employer (in writing - email is fine)
- File with Missouri DOL if they don't fix it within one pay period
You can also sue privately for triple damages plus attorney fees. Saw one case where a nursing home aide got $8,000 back for two years of unpaid overtime.
Keep a work journal. Jot down daily clock-in/out times. Saved my buddy at the warehouse when their time system "malfunctioned" conveniently every Friday.
Future Changes to Expect
Wondering what is Missouri minimum wage becoming? The scheduled increases are locked in until 2026:
- 2025: $13.30/hour (statewide)
- 2026: $14.30/hour (statewide)
- 2027+: Annual CPI adjustments
Meanwhile, St. Louis City will hit $15/hour in 2025. There's talk of Springfield considering a local ordinance too. I'll believe it when I see it - they voted down a similar proposal twice already.
Seriously though, keep an eye on Jefferson City. Some legislators keep pushing to eliminate the annual increases. Happened in 2021 - got vetoed by the governor, but they'll try again.
Answers to Burning Questions About Missouri Minimum Wage
Do part-time workers get Missouri minimum wage?
Absolutely. Full-time, part-time, seasonal - doesn't matter. If you're an employee (not contractor), you get at least $12.30/hour. My niece learned this when her holiday mall job tried paying $10/hour.
Is overtime included in Missouri minimum wage calculations?
Different animals. Overtime is 1.5x your regular rate for hours over 40/week. Say you make $12.30 base. Your overtime rate is $18.45/hour. But your regular hours still can't drop below $12.30.
What holidays get premium pay in Missouri?
None. Shocking, right? Missouri doesn't require holiday pay. Christmas shifts pay your regular rate unless your employer has a policy. Worked Thanksgiving at a truck stop once - same lousy $8.50 (this was back in 2016).
Are there industry exemptions to minimum wage?
Very few. Agricultural workers have different federal rules. Outside salespeople (real estate, insurance) are often exempt. But generally? Grocery clerks, factory workers, hotel staff - all covered.
How often can paychecks be issued?
Semi-monthly or bi-weekly. Not monthly like some states. If your boss holds checks longer than 15 days, that's illegal.
Can employers deduct breakages or cash register shortages?
Only if it doesn't bring your pay below minimum wage for hours worked. That apron you ruined? They can't charge you if it puts you under $12.30.
Do small businesses have to pay Missouri minimum wage?
Generally yes. The federal "small business" exemption only applies if gross sales are under $500,000/year. Most mom-and-pop shops still clear that.
Is minimum wage different for minors?
Only during first 90 days if under 16 ($10.46/hour). After that - full rate. No special rates for college students.
Minimum Wage Resources You Can Actually Use
Bookmark these - I've used them all:
- Missouri DOL Wage Calculator: Figure out what you should be earning
- Wage Complaint Form: Online submission portal
- Worker Rights Hotline: (573) 751-3400 - surprisingly helpful
- Pay Stub Analyzer Tool: Free online checker for deductions
Look, I know wage stuff feels overwhelming. After my first paycheck was short $120, I nearly cried. But knowing your rights turns panic into power. Whether you're earning Missouri minimum wage in Branson or St. Louis, track every hour. Ask questions. And if something smells fishy? Call that hotline.
What questions do you still have about Missouri pay laws? Seriously - tweet me @MissouriWageWatch. I answer every DM.
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