Missouri Overtime Laws
Missouri has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$13.75
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Important Notes
Missouri follows federal weekly overtime rules.
Minimum wage increased to $13.75 due to Proposition A (November 2024).
State Labor Department
Missouri Economy and Workforce
Missouri's economy reached $455 billion by late 2024, ranking as the 22nd largest in the nation. The state grew at 3.8% in Q3 2024, outpacing the national average. Missouri is the 3rd most economically diverse state, with strength in retail trade, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Missouri industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Healthcare
Missouri's healthcare sector grew by 6.5% in 2024, outpacing the national rate. Nurses, medical technicians, and hospital staff frequently work overtime to meet patient care demands across the state's many healthcare systems.
Retail Trade
Retail trade accounted for 33% of Missouri's economic growth, with retail workers often working overtime during holiday seasons, sales events, and inventory periods.
Manufacturing
Representing nearly 13% of the state's gross product, manufacturing workers in aerospace, food processing, and electrical equipment production commonly work overtime to meet production quotas.
Transportation and Logistics
With access to major highways, railroads, and the Mississippi River, warehouse and transportation workers frequently work extended hours during peak shipping periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Missouri law and the federal FLSA require employers to pay 1.5 times your regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. With Missouri's 2025 minimum wage at $13.75 per hour, the minimum overtime rate is $20.63 per hour.
No. Under both state and federal law, employees cannot voluntarily waive their right to overtime pay. Any employer who asks you to accept straight time instead of overtime pay is violating the law, and you should file a wage complaint.
You can recover your unpaid overtime wages plus an equal amount as liquidated damages (effectively doubling your recovery). You may also recover attorney fees and court costs. The statute of limitations is 2 years, or 3 years if the violation was willful.
How to File a Wage Claim in Missouri
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Keep detailed records of all hours worked, including overtime, and gather pay stubs and time records
Attempt to resolve the issue directly with your employer first, documenting all communications
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division online, by phone at 1-866-487-9243, or at a local office
Note: The Missouri Division of Labor Standards cannot pursue wage claims in court on your behalf. Consider hiring a private attorney for litigation
Important Missouri Consideration
Unlike many states, Missouri's Division of Labor Standards is not authorized by law to pursue employee wage claims in court. This means workers must either file with the federal Department of Labor or hire a private attorney to recover unpaid overtime through litigation. However, successful plaintiffs can recover liquidated damages equal to their unpaid wages, plus attorney fees.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.