Missouri Minimum Wage Increases to $12.30 Per Hour for 2024

What Changed

Missouri's state minimum wage increases from $12.00 to $12.30 per hour, effective January 1, 2024. This increase is an annual cost-of-living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index, as mandated by Proposition B, which was approved by Missouri voters in November 2018.

Proposition B originally established a schedule of annual increases to bring Missouri's minimum wage to $12.00 per hour by 2023, with subsequent annual adjustments tied to CPI. The $12.30 rate reflects the first CPI-based adjustment beyond the original schedule.

This is a mandatory change that triggers an updated minimum wage compliance poster.

Who Is Affected

All Missouri employers paying hourly workers at or near the current minimum wage. The minimum wage applies to most private-sector employees. Tipped employees must be paid a minimum cash wage of at least 50% of the minimum wage (i.e., $6.15 per hour for 2024), with tips making up the difference. Retail and service employers with gross annual sales of less than $500,000 are exempt.

Where It Applies

Missouri statewide. Note that some Missouri municipalities may have higher local minimum wages — employers should verify applicable local requirements.

When It Takes Effect

January 1, 2024. Employers must be paying the new rate and have updated posters displayed by this date.

Why It Matters

Failing to pay the correct minimum wage exposes employers to wage claims, back pay obligations, and potential penalties. The poster update is a mandatory compliance requirement — displaying an outdated poster is a separate violation. Missouri's Department of Labor and Industrial Relations enforces minimum wage compliance and can assess penalties for non-compliance.

The Humareso Take

This is a routine annual adjustment, but "routine" does not mean "optional." If you have Missouri employees earning near the minimum wage, make sure your payroll is updated before January 1. And do not forget the poster — it is easy to overlook, but it is a mandatory requirement that regulators check. Get the new poster up and the old one down before the new year.

Recommended Action Steps

Update payroll systems to reflect the new $12.30/hour minimum wage rate for all affected Missouri employees effective January 1, 2024.
Post the updated Missouri minimum wage compliance poster in a conspicuous location at each Missouri work site.
Review tipped employee wages to ensure the cash wage meets the new minimum of $6.15/hour.
Audit current pay rates for any employees earning between $12.00 and $12.30 to ensure compliance.
Contact your Humareso representative if you need assistance obtaining updated Missouri compliance posters or adjusting payroll.