Missouri · updated 2026-10
Missouri Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
1.5x after 40/week (RSMo 290.505). Seasonal amusement/recreation businesses pay after 52 hours. Employees exempt under the FLSA are exempt. Retail/service businesses with under $500k gross annual sales are outside the state wage law, but the FLSA may still apply.
Meal break
Not required
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Missouri; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Rest breaks
Not required
Missouri law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$15.00
$15.00 an hour (since 2026-01-01). Tipped cash wage is $7.50 (50%). Retail/service businesses with under $500k gross annual sales are exempt from the state minimum. Proposition A's CPI indexing after 2026 was reportedly repealed by 2025 HB 567 (unverified).
Missouri time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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Missouri pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Missouri?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. 1.5x after 40/week (RSMo 290.505). Seasonal amusement/recreation businesses pay after 52 hours. Employees exempt under the FLSA are exempt. Retail/service businesses with under $500k gross annual sales are outside the state wage law, but the FLSA may still apply.
Are lunch breaks required in Missouri?
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Missouri; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Are rest breaks required in Missouri?
Missouri law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in Missouri?
$15.00 an hour (since 2026-01-01). Tipped cash wage is $7.50 (50%). Retail/service businesses with under $500k gross annual sales are exempt from the state minimum. Proposition A's CPI indexing after 2026 was reportedly repealed by 2025 HB 567 (unverified).
Workers under 18 in Missouri
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Missouri teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards.