Overview of Missouri's Minimum Wage Requirements
As of 2023, the minimum wage in the state of Missouri is $12.00 per hour. This increase was a result of a voter-approved initiative in 2018 that gradually raised the minimum wage from $7.85 to $12.00 over a five-year period. The minimum wage in Missouri is adjusted annually based on a set formula. However, it's worth mentioning that in cases where the federal minimum wage is greater than the state minimum wage, the federal law prevails. In Missouri, the state minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25.
It's important to note that employers are required to pay premium rates for work done after 40 hours in a week. The law also exempts certain businesses from these requirements, specifically those in the retail or service sector with gross annual sales or business done of less than $500,000. Additionally, premium pay is required after 52 hours in seasonal amusement or recreational businesses.
Understanding Local Minimum Wage Variations
As of 2024, the minimum wage in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jackson County, St. Louis City, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and Independence, Missouri, is $12.30 per hour for private employers. The rate is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. For tipped employees, employers must pay at least 50% of the minimum wage, which is $6.15 per hour, plus any additional amount necessary to ensure the employee's total compensation reaches the minimum of $12.30 per hour.
However, in Greene County, the minimum wage was set at $15.04 per hour as of 2023. This significant change impacted 24 employees within the county, as per the official 2023 county budget. The Greene County Commission officially adopted this budget on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.
Minimum Wage Eligibility and Exemptions
In the state of Missouri, the minimum wage for 2024 is set at $12.30 per hour for all private and non-exempt businesses. This rate is adjusted based on the increase or decrease in the cost of living according to the Consumer Price Index. However, there are certain exemptions to this rule.
Tipped employees, for instance, are required to be paid at least 50 percent of the minimum wage, which is $6.15 per hour. However, employers are obligated to pay any additional amount necessary to ensure that the employee’s total compensation equals a minimum of $12.30 per hour. This rule applies to most employees, but there are exceptions for certain occupations and situations.
Minimum Wage Considerations and Compliance Tips
As of 2024, food business employers in Missouri state need to be aware of several key minimum wage legal and compliance considerations. The minimum wage is set at $12.30 per hour for all private and non-exempt businesses. This rate will be adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index after 2023.
Employers are also required to display the 'Missouri Minimum Wage Law (LS-52)' poster in a conspicuous place where employees can easily access it. This poster can be printed from the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website or requested from the Division of Labor Standards at 573-751-3403.
FAQs
- What is the current minimum wage in Missouri? As of 2023, the minimum wage in Missouri is $12.00 per hour.
- Are there any exemptions to the minimum wage in Missouri? Yes, certain businesses and employees, such as tipped workers and those under 18 in their first 90 days of employment, are exempt.
Information Source Links
- Missouri Wage Index
- U.S. Department of Labor
- Missouri Department of Labor
- United States Department of Labor
- Greene County's official website
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