Missouri HR laws for employers (2026)
The Missouri rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Missouri employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $15.00 per hour |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $7.50 per hour |
| Overtime | No daily overtime; 1.5x after 40 hours per week (after 52 hours for seasonal amusement or recreation businesses). |
| Final pay when fired | Due on the day of discharge; if the employee requests payment in writing and it is not paid within 7 days, wage-continuation penalties of up to 60 days apply. Verify |
| Final pay when an employee quits | No state law; pay by the next regular payday is standard practice. Verify |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Not required by state law unless the employer's policy or contract provides for it. Verify |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate. The voter-approved paid sick leave law (Prop A) was repealed effective Aug 28, 2025. Verify |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: $15.00/hour for 2026 (up from $13.75 in 2025). HB 567 (2025) eliminated the annual inflation adjustments that were to start in 2027, so no 2027 increase is scheduled. Retail/service businesses with annual gross sales under $500,000 are exempt from the state minimum wage.
Verify means we could not confirm that item from an official Missouri or US Department of Labor source, so check it with the state before relying on it.
Other Missouri rules to know
- Paid sick leave: the voter-approved law (Prop A) was repealed effective Aug 28, 2025, so employers are no longer required to provide paid sick leave.
- Minimum wage frozen at $15.00 after 2026 - no inflation indexing under HB 567.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Missouri in 2026?
$15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. $15.00/hour for 2026 (up from $13.75 in 2025). HB 567 (2025) eliminated the annual inflation adjustments that were to start in 2027, so no 2027 increase is scheduled. Retail/service businesses with annual gross sales under $500,000 are exempt from the state minimum wage.
When is a final paycheck due in Missouri?
If the employer ends employment: Due on the day of discharge; if the employee requests payment in writing and it is not paid within 7 days, wage-continuation penalties of up to 60 days apply. If the employee quits: No state law; pay by the next regular payday is standard practice.
Does Missouri require paying out unused vacation?
Not required by state law unless the employer's policy or contract provides for it.
Is paid sick leave required in Missouri?
No statewide mandate. The voter-approved paid sick leave law (Prop A) was repealed effective Aug 28, 2025.
Sources
HR laws in other states
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.