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Labor laws in Missouri are in place to uphold fairness, equitable compensation, and safety in the workplace for employees. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), for instance, serves as a guiding framework, addressing key aspects like minimum wage and overtime for all employees in the US.
The Missouri labor laws distinguish themselves by granting employees enhanced protections beyond federal mandates. This includes a higher minimum wage and additional healthcare coverage obligations for smaller employers. Still, the state generally aligns with federal law on matters like pre-employment background checks and military leave.
Standard Working Hours
In Missouri, ensuring fair compensation for employees extends beyond federal regulations, requiring employers to adhere to additional state laws.
Minimum Wages
As of January 1, 2025, Missouri’s minimum wage is $13.75 per hour. In 2026, it will rise to $15.00 per hour. After that, the minimum wage will be adjusted each year according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Yet the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) can still apply to these companies, mandating that they offer the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Tipped Minimum Wages
As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage for tipped workers in Missouri is $6.875 an hour. The employer may pay tipped employees this base rate as long as the employee’s combined wages and tips together amount to at least the regular minimum wage rate of $13.75 an hour.
Overtime Laws
In Missouri, workers are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their normal rate of pay for every hour worked over 40 in one workweek. This standard adheres to federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations, which establish national requirements for overtime pay.
Missouri labor laws for salaried employees apply to any employee who is covered by the FLSA’s overtime provisions. However, certain employees are exempt from overtime pay under both federal and state law. These exemptions include:
Employers must closely examine every employee’s job responsibilities and wages to ascertain if they are exempt. Failing to accurately classify employees can result in wage claims, fines, and back wages payable.
Meal And Rest Breaks
Missouri labor laws breaks for the majority of employees. That is to say, generally speaking, employers are not under law compelled to give breaks in the workday.
Nevertheless, when employers offer breaks, the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) come into play. Under such federal regulations, employers are required to compensate employees for shorter breaks, usually less than 30 minutes.
Leave Laws
| Leave Type | Description / Rules |
| Extended Leave | Employees sometimes need extended leave for personal issues, including medical treatment, family care, recovery from health issues, or jury duty.
There are laws protecting job security during these times. |
| Pregnancy Disability Leave | Pregnant employees are protected by federal and state law against discrimination. Pregnancy or maternity leave qualifies as FMLA leave, up to 12 weeks within a year. |
| Vacation Leave | Missouri does not have state or federal vacation time laws mandating employers to provide paid or unpaid vacation. |
| Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) | Employers with 50 or more employees for 20 weeks in the current or previous year must comply with the FMLA.
Duration: Up to 12 weeks in 12 months, renewed annually. Military caregiver leave: Up to 26 weeks per injury, not cumulative. |
| Paid Sick Leave | Effective May 1, 2025, employers must provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour per 30 hours worked. |
Child Labor Laws
As per the Missouri labor laws for minors, the age of employment is considered 14 years. But there are exceptions:
Work Certificates for Minors
Minors aged 14 and 15 should have a work certificate before employment. This is issued by the child’s parents or guardians, the employer, and a representative of the school.
The employers who have employees under 16 should have the following records:
- Daily work times and hours.
- Minor’s name, address, and age.
- Copy of the work certificate.
These should be kept for 2 years. Employers are also required to display a list of employees under 16 in the workplace.
Work Hour Limits
14- and 15-year-olds:
When school is in session:
- Work permitted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., outside of school hours
- Maximum 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days
- Maximum 6 days or 40 hours a week
When school isn’t in session:
- Work permitted between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Maximum 8 hours/day and 40 hours/week
16- and 17-year-olds:
No state law limit on hours.
For an entire list of banned work, employers and parents can look to official Missouri labor resources.
Workplace Safety & Health
Private employers in Missouri are protected by the federal Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act and regulations. The act guarantees that all workplaces are healthy and safe for all employees.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are required under the OSH Act to:
- Ensure a workplace free of serious risks.
- Equip employees with essential tools and equipment to carry out their work safely.
- Inform employees and visitors of hazards through signs, labels, and posters.
- Provide safety training in the employees’ native language.
Missouri employers can use a variety of programs to ensure a safe workplace:
- Safe at Work: Provides workplace safety and health data, model OSHA programs, and other employer and employee resources.
- Workers’ Safety Program: Provides safety and health services through workers’ compensation insurance carriers, certified professionals, and program materials.
- On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program: For small employers (less than 250 employees on-site) in high-hazard occupations.
By realizing and executing these requirements, Missouri businesses are able to be in adherence with federal safety statutes, safeguard employees, and mitigate workplace hazards.
Paystub In The USA: Everything Employers And Employees Need To Know
Taxes In Missouri
Missouri collects a graduated state individual income tax of 2.00% to 4.80%, based on income level. Beyond state taxation, certain local governments also impose local income taxes, which differ by locality.
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Curious Minds Also Ask
Is it illegal to work 8 hours without a break in Missouri?
No, the Missouri statute does not obligate employers to give adult employees meal or rest breaks. There are no Missouri labor laws for hourly employees.
What are the labor laws in Missouri?
Missouri employment regulations cover wages, overtime, minor labor, and occupational safety, according to federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) standards.
Is working 32 hours considered full time in Missouri?
Missouri statute does not establish a definition of full-time employment. Employers usually treat 32 to 40 hours a week as full-time according to company policy.
How many hours can you legally work in a day in Missouri?
There is no daily cap on work hours for Missouri adults, but overtime is required for non-exempt employees working
more than 40 hours a week.
How many days in a row can you work without a day off in Missouri?
Missouri statutes don’t cap the number of consecutive days an adult can work, although employers are subject to federal overtime and safety regulations.
Is there a sick day law in Missouri?
Missouri lacks a state-level paid sick leave statute. Companies can provide it under company policies or local legislation.
Who is exempt from overtime pay in Missouri?
Executive, administrative, professional, and outside sales workers are exempt from overtime compensation under Missouri and federal law.
Are lunch breaks required by law in Missouri?
No, the Missouri statute does not mandate meal or rest breaks for adult employees. They can be offered by employers voluntarily.
How many hours is part-time in Missouri?
Part-time employment is not defined by statute in Missouri. It usually means less than 30–35 hours per week.
What is the new labor law in Missouri?
As of 2025, the primary labor law amendment in Missouri is a state minimum wage boost, raised annually by inflation.
Can an employer require a doctor’s note for one day in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri employers can ask for a doctor’s note even for one day off if it is in accordance with company policy.
What are the PTO laws in Missouri?
Missouri law does not require Paid Time Off (PTO). Employers have rules, but must enforce them equally.
What rights do employees have in Missouri?
Missouri workers are entitled to fair pay, safe workplaces, legal overtime pay, and freedom from discrimination.
Did Missouri get rid of paid sick leave?
Missouri never had a paid sick leave law at the state level, so nothing was repealed. Local or employer rules might be in effect.
FAQ's
What is the minimum wage in Missouri for 2025?
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As of 2025, Missouri’s minimum wage is $13.75 per hour for most employees. Employers can pay tipped workers at least 50% of the minimum wage, provided their tips make up the difference.
Are Missouri employers required to provide paid sick leave?
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Missouri does not have a statewide law requiring private employers to offer paid sick leave. However, some employers may provide it voluntarily or as part of company policy.
How does Missouri law regulate overtime pay?
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Under Missouri labor laws, non-exempt employees must receive 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, following federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules.
What rights do Missouri employees have regarding meal and rest breaks?
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Missouri labor laws do not require employers to provide meal or rest breaks. If breaks are given, short breaks (under 20 minutes) must be paid, while meal breaks (30 minutes or longer) can be unpaid if the employee is fully relieved of duties.
