Wage and hour laws in Missouri exist to ensure employees receive fair compensation for their work. However, many workers may not be aware of their rights or how to address potential wage violations. At LG Law LLC, we assist Kansas City employees in navigating wage and hour disputes to ensure they receive the pay they are legally entitled to.

Missouri Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws

Missouri’s minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage, with annual adjustments based on cost-of-living increases. As of 2024, the minimum wage for non-exempt workers is $12.30 per hour, with exceptions for tipped employees, who must be paid at least 50% of the state minimum wage, plus tips that bring their earnings up to or beyond that threshold.

Under Missouri overtime laws, non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours per week must receive 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for the extra hours. However, some employees, such as certain salaried professionals and independent contractors, may be exempt from overtime pay.

Common Wage Violations in Missouri

Some employers fail to comply with Missouri wage laws, whether intentionally or due to misunderstanding. Common wage violations include:

• Failure to pay minimum wage: Paying employees below the legal threshold or miscalculating tipped wages.
• Unpaid overtime: Denying overtime pay to eligible employees.
• Off-the-clock work: Requiring employees to perform tasks before or after their shift without compensation.
• Misclassification of employees: Incorrectly categorizing workers as independent contractors or salaried employees to avoid wage obligations.

What to Do If You Suspect a Wage Violation

If you believe your employer is not paying you fairly, take the following steps:

1. Review your pay stubs and compare them with Missouri wage laws.
2. Document your hours worked to track any unpaid wages.
3. Speak with your employer to address potential errors.
4. Consult an employment law attorney if your employer refuses to correct violations.

At LG Law LLC, we are committed to helping Kansas City workers fight for their rightful wages. If you believe your employer has violated wage and hour laws, contact us for a consultation to explore your legal options.