Missouri New Minimum Wage 2026: Missouri workers will start the new year with higher pay. The state will raise the minimum wage again on January 1, 2026. This new increase comes from a law that updates the minimum wage every year to help workers keep up with rising prices. Many people in the state depend on this change because the cost of living keeps going up and every extra dollar matters for families.
State officials say the update is part of the plan that Missouri voters approved earlier. The goal is to raise the minimum wage step by step so workers have more fair pay. Missouri wants to help people handle daily needs while also trying not to hurt small businesses that operate on thin budgets.
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New Wage Will Reach $15 Per Hour
Missouri has confirmed that the minimum wage will become $15.00 per hour in 2026. State leaders said this is a big moment because it is part of the final stages of the wage increase plan. They want to give workers pay that matches the economy. They also want to make sure employers can keep their doors open.
The change will help thousands of workers who earn hourly wages in many types of jobs. People in restaurants, stores, cleaning services, construction and other service roles will all feel the effects of this new rule. But some workers have different rules under state and federal laws.
Who Gets the New Minimum Wage?
Most private workers in Missouri will get the new $15 pay rate. But the rules are not the same for everyone. Some groups have different systems that the law already allows. Employers must follow those systems, and workers should understand them.
- Tipped workers may have a smaller base wage because their tips count toward the required minimum pay.
- Some workers are exempt under federal rules that put them in special job categories.
- Very small businesses may not meet the income or employee limits to be included in the law.
Both workers and employers should check the exact rules because these exceptions can change how pay is handled.
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What Workers Should Do in January
Anyone who works in Missouri should look at their first paycheck of 2026 to make sure the new wage is applied correctly. If something does not look right, they can ask their boss or their human resources office for help. Workers have the right to understand their pay and the laws that protect them.
People who want more information can also check state labor resources online or contact the proper offices.
