Statutory minimum wage in Missouri (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Missouri has a state minimum wage of $15.00 per hour from 1 January 2026 under RSMo 290.502. If the federal rate is higher, the federal rate applies. The section as amended in 2025 lists no increase after 2026.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | $15.00 per hour [1] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | Employers must pay tipped employees at least 50% of the minimum wage ($7.50 an hour), plus any amount needed to bring total pay to $15.00 an hour. [2] |
| Overtime payEmployees | 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours a week; after 52 hours in seasonal amusement or recreation businesses. [3] |
| Higher local minimum wagesEmployees | No political subdivision may require a minimum or living wage above state law; state law pre-empts and nullifies local minimum wage ordinances (RSMo 290.528). [4] |
Notes
- Section 290.502 as in effect from 28 August 2025: $13.75 from 1 January 2025 and $15.00 from 1 January 2026. The yearly cost-of-living adjustment in subsection 2 ended on 31 December 2024. The higher federal rate applies if it exceeds the state rate.
- Section 290.502 sets one rate; exceptions are in other sections of sections 290.500 to 290.530, which were not reviewed.
- The section lists no increase after 1 January 2026; the federal rate applies if it is higher.
Sources
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes: RSMo Section 290.502 Minimum wage rate - increase or decrease, when (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards: Minimum Wage (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: State Minimum Wage Laws (updated 1 July 2026) (Internet Archive snapshot of 2 October 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes: RSMo 290.528. Minimum wage and employment benefits, limitations on political subdivisions (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| National statutory minimum wage | Yes (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Current adult minimum wage (gross) | $7.25 per hour (source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division) |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | A new employee under 20 years of age may be paid not less than $4.25 an hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with an employer. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Missouri and neighbouring states
| State | National statutory minimum wage | Current adult minimum wage (gross) | Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | Next scheduled change | Amount from next change (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Yes | $15.00 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arkansas | Yes | $11.00 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | Yes | $7.25 per hour (or federal if higher) | An employer is not required to pay the state hourly wage until the employee has completed 90 calendar days of employment; before that the employer must pay at least $6.35 per hour. | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Illinois | Yes | $15.00 per hour (age 18+) | Under 18 (<650 h/year): $13.00 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kansas | Yes | $7.25 per hour (state law) | 18 and under part-time not covered | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kentucky | Yes | $7.25 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nebraska | Yes | $15.00 per hour | $13.50 aged 14-15; 75% for student-learners | 1 January 2027 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Oklahoma | Yes (state law) | $7.25 per hour (larger employers) | No age bands; $2.00 per hour for small employers | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Tennessee | No state minimum wage | Federal $7.25 per hour | — | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Missouri
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes, with a registration card
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph unless posted · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 60 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers) · Minimum age to buy: 14 (under 14 with parent)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed carry banned only in restricted areas
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and front-seat passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: No for adults; children under 16 must be secured
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (supplying under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (supplying under 21 banned)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.