Missouri Minimum Wage 2025: Detailed Breakdown and Updates

Key Takeaways

• Missouri’s minimum wage rises to $13.75 per hour starting January 1, 2025, affecting all private-sector workers.
• Paid sick leave introduced by Proposition A faces repeal by Missouri Senate bill HB 567 in May 2025.
• Minimum wage will increase to $15.00 on January 1, 2026, with future hikes tied to inflation.

As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Missouri stands at $13.75 per hour, marking a significant change for workers and employers across the state. This increase follows the approval of Proposition A by Missouri voters on November 5, 2024. The new law not only raises the minimum wage but also introduces paid sick leave requirements—though recent legislative actions have created uncertainty around these benefits. Here’s a detailed look at what this means, who is affected, and what changes may be on the horizon.

Missouri’s Minimum Wage in 2025: What Changed and Why

Who: All private-sector workers in Missouri, including tipped employees, are directly affected by the new minimum wage law. Employers must also adjust their payroll and workplace policies to comply.

What: The minimum wage increased from $12.30 per hour in 2024 to $13.75 per hour in 2025. Tipped workers must now receive at least $6.875 per hour in direct pay, with tips making up the rest to reach the full minimum wage.

When: The new rate took effect on January 1, 2025.

Where: The law applies statewide in Missouri, covering all cities and counties.

Why: Proposition A was passed by voters to address rising living costs, improve economic security for low-wage workers, and ensure fairer workplace standards.

How: The law amended Chapter 290 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, setting a new wage floor and introducing paid sick leave, though the latter is now under review due to recent legislative changes.

Key Details of the 2025 Minimum Wage Law

Let’s break down the main points of the new law and what they mean for different groups:

Minimum Wage Rate

• 2025 Rate: $13.75 per hour for all private employers.
• 2024 Rate: $12.30 per hour.
• Scheduled Increase: The minimum wage will rise again to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2026.

Tipped Employees

• Tipped workers must receive at least $6.875 per hour in direct pay.
• Tips must bring their total earnings up to at least $13.75 per hour.
• If tips fall short, employers must make up the difference.

Paid Sick Leave

• Proposition A required that employees earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
• This benefit was designed to help workers take time off when sick without losing pay.
• However, a new bill passed by the Missouri Senate in May 2025 (HB 567) repealed the paid sick leave requirement. The final outcome is still pending, so workers and employers should stay alert for updates.

Annual Adjustments

• Starting January 1, 2027, the minimum wage will be adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• This means the wage will rise with inflation, helping workers keep up with the cost of living.

Exemptions

• Some workers, such as executive, administrative, and professional employees, may be exempt from minimum wage and overtime laws.
• These exemptions depend on specific job duties and salary levels.

Posting Requirements

• Employers must display updated Missouri Labor Law Posters showing the new minimum wage and paid sick leave rules.
• Failing to post these can lead to fines.

For more details and official updates, visit the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

How Did We Get Here? A Brief History

Missouri’s journey to a higher minimum wage has been shaped by voter action and ongoing debate:

• 2018: Voters approved Proposition B, raising the minimum wage from $7.85 in 2018 to $12.30 by 2024, with annual increases tied to inflation.
• 2024: Proposition A passed, marking the third major voter-approved wage hike since 2006.
• 2025: The minimum wage jumps to $13.75, with another increase to $15.00 set for 2026.

These changes reflect strong public support for higher wages and better workplace protections. Missouri now joins 18 other states and Washington, D.C., in requiring paid sick leave—though, as mentioned, this benefit is currently under review.

Recent Legislative Developments: The Paid Sick Leave Debate

On May 14, 2025, the Missouri Senate passed HB 567, a bill that repeals the paid sick leave requirement and part of the minimum wage increase set by Proposition A. This move has created uncertainty for both workers and employers:

• If the repeal stands: Paid sick leave will no longer be required, and the minimum wage schedule could change.
• If the repeal is blocked or overturned: The original Proposition A rules, including paid sick leave and the $15.00 wage in 2026, will remain in place.

The final status of this repeal is still being decided, either through further legislative action or court review. Both sides—workers’ advocates and business groups—are watching closely.

What Does This Mean for Workers?

For many workers in Missouri, the increase to $13.75 per hour is a welcome change. Here’s how it could affect different groups:

Low-Wage Workers

• Higher Pay: The new minimum wage means more money in each paycheck, helping workers cover basic needs like rent, food, and transportation.
• Economic Security: With inflation rising, a higher wage helps protect workers from falling behind.
• Paid Sick Leave: If the benefit survives, workers can take time off when sick without losing income. If not, they may have to choose between health and pay.

Tipped Workers

• Guaranteed Base Pay: Tipped employees must now receive at least $6.875 per hour in direct pay, plus enough in tips to reach $13.75.
• Employer Responsibility: If tips don’t add up, employers must make up the difference.

Workers Without Paid Sick Leave

• Uncertainty: The repeal of paid sick leave means some workers may lose this new benefit before it’s fully in place.
• Health Concerns: Without paid sick leave, workers may feel forced to work while ill, risking their own health and that of others.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

Employers across Missouri must adapt to the new law, which brings both challenges and responsibilities:

Payroll and Budgeting

• Higher Labor Costs: Businesses must pay at least $13.75 per hour, with another increase to $15.00 coming soon.
• Tipped Employee Tracking: Employers must carefully track tips to ensure all workers receive at least the minimum wage.

Compliance

• Posting Requirements: Updated labor law posters must be displayed in the workplace.
• Record-Keeping: Employers need to keep accurate records of hours worked, pay, and (if required) sick leave accrual.

Legal Risks

• Non-Compliance: Failing to follow the new rules can lead to fines, lawsuits, or other penalties.
• Changing Laws: With the paid sick leave repeal under review, employers must stay informed and ready to adjust policies quickly.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Supporters and Opponents

The debate over Missouri’s minimum wage and paid sick leave has drawn strong opinions from many sides.

Supporters

• Workers’ Advocates: Groups supporting Proposition A say higher wages and paid sick leave improve quality of life, reduce poverty, and help families stay healthy.
• Economic Boost: Supporters argue that when workers earn more, they spend more, which helps local businesses and the broader economy.

Opponents

• Business Groups: Some employers and industry groups worry about rising labor costs, especially for small businesses.
• Job Loss Concerns: Opponents claim that higher wages could lead to fewer jobs or reduced hours for workers.
• Legal Challenges: Several groups have filed lawsuits to block or change Proposition A, focusing on its impact on business operations.

Political Debate

The Missouri Senate’s move to repeal paid sick leave and part of the wage hike shows that the issue remains politically charged. Lawmakers are divided, with some pushing for worker protections and others seeking to ease burdens on businesses.

What’s Next? The Future of Minimum Wage in Missouri

Looking ahead, several key changes and questions remain:

• 2026 Increase: Unless new laws or court decisions intervene, the minimum wage will rise to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2026.
• Annual Adjustments: Starting in 2027, the wage will increase each year based on inflation, helping workers keep up with rising costs.
• Paid Sick Leave: The final status of this benefit is still uncertain. Workers and employers should watch for updates from the state government and courts.
• Ongoing Debate: As Missouri’s economy and political landscape change, further adjustments to wage and leave laws are possible.

Practical Steps for Workers and Employers

With so much change, it’s important for everyone to stay informed and prepared. Here’s what you can do:

For Workers

• Check Your Pay: Make sure you’re being paid at least $13.75 per hour (or $6.875 plus tips if you’re a tipped worker).
• Know Your Rights: Stay updated on the status of paid sick leave and other workplace protections.
• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about your pay or benefits, talk to your employer or contact the Missouri Department of Labor.

For Employers

• Update Payroll: Adjust pay rates to meet the new minimum wage.
• Review Policies: Make sure your sick leave and wage policies match current laws.
• Display Posters: Put up the latest labor law posters in your workplace.
• Stay Informed: Watch for updates on the paid sick leave repeal and any other legal changes.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check these official sources:

• Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Find minimum wage rates, labor law posters, and compliance guides.
• Missouri Secretary of State: Access the full text of Proposition A and voter information.
• Missouri Division of Labor Standards: Get legal advice and answers to common questions.

If you have questions about your rights or need help with a workplace issue, these agencies can provide guidance.

Missouri’s Minimum Wage in Context: How Does It Compare?

Missouri’s new minimum wage puts it ahead of many neighboring states and close to national leaders in worker pay. The scheduled increase to $15.00 per hour in 2026 will make Missouri one of the highest minimum wage states in the region.

• National Trend: More states are raising minimum wages and adding paid sick leave, reflecting growing concern about worker well-being.
• Local Impact: According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are expected to benefit about 728,000 Missouri workers who previously lacked paid sick leave, though the final outcome depends on the repeal’s status.

Summary Table: Missouri Minimum Wage 2025

*Paid sick leave status is pending due to legislative repeal.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Missouri’s minimum wage increase to $13.75 per hour in 2025 marks a major step for workers and employers. While the law aims to improve pay and workplace protections, recent legislative actions have created uncertainty, especially around paid sick leave. Both workers and employers should stay informed, check official sources, and be ready to adjust as new developments unfold.

For the latest updates and official guidance, visit the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

By keeping up with these changes, everyone in Missouri can make sure they’re following the law and making the most of new opportunities and protections.

Learn Today

Minimum Wage → The lowest hourly pay rate legally allowed for workers in Missouri under state law.
Proposition A → A Missouri voter-approved law raising minimum wage and requiring paid sick leave, enacted in 2025.
Tipped Employees → Workers who receive tips and must earn a minimum direct wage plus tips to meet wage laws.
Paid Sick Leave → Paid time off for illness earned by employees, introduced by Proposition A but under repeal review.
Consumer Price Index → A government measure of inflation used to adjust minimum wage annually starting in 2027.

This Article in a Nutshell

Missouri increased its minimum wage to $13.75 in 2025 after voters approved Proposition A. Paid sick leave rules face repeal, creating uncertainty. Employers and workers must stay informed as future wage hikes and policy changes approach.
— By VisaVerge.com