Missouri HR Consulting & Employment Law for Small Businesses

Missouri has a minimum wage above federal set by ballot initiative, a moderately broad civil rights act, and a right-to-work law, making it a moderate environment for employment compliance.

Missouri employers must track an annually rising minimum wage (set by ballot initiative), comply with the Missouri Human Rights Act (which covers employers with 6 or more employees), and maintain workers' compensation at 5+ employees. Kansas City has enacted a higher local minimum wage. Missouri courts enforce non-competes with a reasonableness test.

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment laws change frequently. Consult a qualified employment attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Key Missouri Employment Laws

Missouri Human Rights Act

Missouri's Human Rights Act applies to employers with 6 or more employees and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, and age. Enforcement is through the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

Missouri Minimum Wage (Ballot Initiative)

Missouri's minimum wage is set by constitutional amendment and rises annually. Kansas City has a higher local minimum wage that applies to employers in that jurisdiction. Employers must use the higher applicable rate.

Missouri Non-Compete Enforceability

Missouri courts enforce non-compete agreements that are reasonable in duration, geographic scope, and that protect a legitimate business interest such as trade secrets or customer relationships. Courts apply a balancing test and may modify overly broad provisions.

Missouri Workers' Compensation

Missouri requires workers' compensation for employers with 5 or more employees (3 or more in the construction industry). The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations enforces workers' comp requirements.

Compliance Thresholds for Missouri Employers

1+ Employees: employees

  • Missouri minimum wage applies (above federal, rising annually)
  • At-will employment broadly recognized

5+ Employees: employees

  • Missouri Workers' Compensation required
  • Missouri is a right-to-work state (2017)

6+ Employees: employees

  • Missouri Human Rights Act anti-discrimination protections

50+ Employees: employees

  • Federal FMLA applies
  • ACA employer mandate
  • COBRA obligations

Common Questions About Missouri Employment Law

Does Missouri require paid sick leave or paid family leave?

No. Missouri has no statewide paid leave mandate. Federal FMLA provides 12 weeks of unpaid leave for eligible employees at covered employers.

What is the Missouri minimum wage?

Missouri's minimum wage is set by ballot initiative and rises annually. Kansas City may have a higher local minimum wage. Employers must track which rate applies. The Missouri Department of Labor publishes current rates.

What does Missouri's Human Rights Act cover?

Missouri's Human Rights Act applies to employers with 6 or more employees and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, and age.

Are non-competes enforceable in Missouri?

Yes. Missouri courts enforce reasonable non-competes protecting legitimate business interests. Duration of 1-2 years and geographic scope limited to areas where the employee worked are generally upheld.

Is Missouri an at-will state?

Yes. Missouri broadly recognizes at-will employment and became a right-to-work state in 2017. Document business reasons for all terminations.

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