Incoming Missouri minimum wage increase brings relief for some local workers
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Minimum wage workers across Missouri will soon see a boost in their paychecks.
In November 2024, voters approved Proposition A, a ballot measure designed to raise the state’s minimum wage and provide earned paid sick leave for certain workers. As part of that measure, Missouri’s minimum wage will increase from $13.75 to $15 an hour in 2026.
The increase was initially set to begin annually starting in 2027, but that was repealed over the summer along with the earned paid sick leave requirement, through House Bill 567.
Several workers told ABC 17 News the increase will still make a meaningful difference.
Julian Horton, who recently started working at a Jimmy John’s, said the pay cut compared to his previous jobs has been difficult.
“It definitely needs to go up,” Horton said. “We’ve been stuck at $13 for a while, and I think a lot of people here aren’t making enough money.”
By 2026, Missouri’s minimum wage will have increased by $7.35 over the past 11 years.
Missouri Minimum Wage History:
- 2015: $7.65
- 2016: $7.65
- 2017: $7.70
- 2018: $7.85
- 2019: $8.60
- 2020: $9.45
- 2021: $10.30
- 2022: $11.15
- 2023: $12.00
- 2024: $12.30
- 2025: $13.75
- 2026: $15.00
However, not all employers are required to follow the state’s minimum wage law. According to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, small retail or service businesses earning less than $500,000 annually are exempt and may pay workers below the state minimum wage.
“Some companies don’t make enough money to afford that,” Mike Emfinger, employee for Rally House Sports. “But for the ones that do, they should absolutely be paying employees for the hard work they do every day.”
According to the Department of Labor, an employer is allowed to lower an employee’s pay under the law. However, employers covered by Missouri’s Minimum Wage Law or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act cannot reduce wages below the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher.
Missouri law also requires employers to give workers written notice at least 30 days before any pay cut takes effect. If an employer fails to provide that notice, it must pay each affected employee $50. Employees can recover that money by filing a private lawsuit if the employer does not pay voluntarily.
Kabul Market, a family-owned Afghan market in downtown Columbia, opened four months ago. Workers there said while the wage increase may not affect them, they support higher pay for employees.
Meanwhile, Missouri continues to rank among the lowest cost-of-living states in the country, placing sixth lowest nationwide, behind Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, and Kansas.
Costs vary widely across Missouri, with Joplin ranking among the least expensive cities, while Springfield ranks as the most expensive. Joplin falls below the state’s overall cost-of-living index, while St. Louis, Columbia, and Springfield are among the highest-cost cities in the state.
According to the latest state data, Missouri’s cost of living index for Q3 2025 was 89.0, with housing costs significantly lower than the national average of 100.
Even with the low living costs being reported, some workers said that there is still a daily struggle.
“I know a lot of people are barely getting by,” Horton said. “Food prices keep going up, and that’s hitting people really hard.”
Missouri’s job market is continuing to grow with private industries, like fast food and retail, adding 4,400 jobs. Government employment also increased by 13,900 jobs. Overall, the state added nearly 49,000 jobs over in past year, with the biggest gains in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government jobs.
