Missouri Minimum Wage 2026
Missouri's minimum wage of $15 in 2026 is among the highest in the United States, and it is significantly higher than than the base federal minimum wage of $7.25 still used in 20 states.
Federal 
Missouri Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the weekly minimum wage in Missouri is $600. For full-time employees working 52 weeks per year, the annual minimum wage in Missouri is $31.2K.
Based on $15/hr minimum
Based on $15/hr minimum
The minimum wage rate of Missouri and its neighboring states ranges from $7.25 to $15, with an average of $11.11. Missouri, at $15, has the highest hourly minimum wage within this group of states. Illinois and Nebraska share the same $15 hourly rate as Missouri. Arkansas ($11), Kansas ($7.25), Oklahoma ($7.25), and Tennessee ($7.25) have lower hourly rates than Missouri.
Missouri While the general minimum wage is $15 per hour in Missouri, there are several exceptions where workers may legally receive less than this amount:
Employers may pay tipped employees a reduced cash wage of $7.50/hr (50% of the 2026 minimum wage), provided that tips + cash wage together total at least $15.00/hr. Employer must make up any shortfall.
Retail or service businesses with annual gross income less than $500,000 are not required to pay the state minimum wage. They may pay any wage (subject to federal FLSA if applicable).
Most agricultural and farm employees engaged in farming operations are exempt from Missouri's state minimum wage law.
Salaried workers who meet the duties and salary-level tests (≥$1,128/week as of Jan 1, 2025) are exempt from minimum wage and overtime per FLSA.
Sales employees who customarily work away from the employer's place of business are exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements.
Workers hired for occasional tasks such as babysitting or yard work are not covered by Missouri state wage laws.
Employees of certain nonprofit programs such as camps, shelters, or community service programs may be exempt.
Workers enrolled in approved vocational or apprenticeship programs may be paid a sub-minimum wage under a special DOL certificate.
Employers may pay sub-minimum wages to workers with disabilities under a special certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (FLSA § 14(c)).
Employers may pay workers under age 20 a training wage of $4.25/hr for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment, per federal FLSA.
Missouri's cost of living index for 2025 is 89, which places it as the 47th most expensive state to live in the United States.
National 100
Missouri 89
Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the real wage in Missouri, adjusted for the state’s cost of living index of 89, is approximately $16.85 per hour. This means that while the nominal minimum wage is $15 per hour, the purchasing power of those earnings is higher due to Missouri's lower cost of living expenses. For full-time employees, the real weekly earnings amount to roughly $674.16, translating to an annual purchasing power of $35,056.18 when working 52 weeks per year.
Adjusted
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Adjusted
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According to the most recent data, the median household income in the United States has seen a significant increase in 2023.
Missouri’s minimum wage is set by state law under the Missouri Minimum Wage and Overtime Law and is enforced by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The state requires covered employers to pay at least the state minimum wage, which is higher than the federal minimum wage, with specific rules for tipped employees and other covered categories defined in statute and department guidance.
