Overtime Calculator for Missouri

Missouri mandates overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. This regulation aligns with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) but does not include daily overtime for working more than eight hours in a single day. For example, the minimum overtime rate in 2026 will be $22.50 per hour, based on Missouri's minimum wage of $15.00 per hour. Understanding these basic rules is crucial for employees and employers alike to ensure compliance and fair compensation.

Missouri's overtime statute, RSMo § 290.505, mirrors federal standards and applies the more favorable law if differences arise. Employers must keep meticulous records of all work hours, ensuring that overtime calculations are accurate and comply with legal standards. This transparency protects both employee rights and employer obligations.

Determining who is eligible for overtime in Missouri involves understanding both state and federal exemptions. Employees must earn at least $684 per week on a salary basis and perform specific duties to qualify as exempt under the FLSA. Common exempt categories include executive, administrative, and professional roles. Missouri also exempts agricultural workers and employees of businesses with revenues under $500,000 from overtime laws.

Non-exempt employees, including those paid hourly or on commission, are typically eligible for overtime. Employers must calculate overtime pay based on the regular rate, which includes base wages and other compensation like bonuses. For salaried non-exempt workers, the regular rate is their weekly salary divided by the standard 40-hour week.

Calculating overtime pay in Missouri requires a systematic approach to ensure accuracy. First, determine the total hours worked in a week. Subtract 40 from this total to find the number of overtime hours. Next, calculate the regular rate of pay. For hourly workers, this is straightforward; for salaried employees, divide the weekly salary by 40. Then, multiply the regular rate by 1.5 to find the overtime rate.

For example, an employee earning $15 per hour who works 45 hours in a week will have an overtime rate of $22.50 per hour for the 5 overtime hours, resulting in an additional $112.50 in overtime pay. Understanding this process helps ensure that employees receive the full compensation they are entitled to under Missouri law.

In Missouri, employers can require overtime, and refusing it may lead to disciplinary actions. However, employees cannot waive their right to overtime pay, even if they agree to work extra hours at straight time. Employers must pay for all hours worked, including unauthorized overtime, though they can enforce policies to prevent unapproved extra work.

Accurate record-keeping is essential for compliance, as employers are required to maintain detailed logs of hours worked. Employees have up to three years to file claims for unpaid overtime under Missouri law, making it imperative for businesses to adhere to these regulations to avoid potential legal issues.

Some industries in Missouri have unique overtime rules. For instance, amusement and recreation businesses require overtime only after 52 hours per week. Agricultural workers are generally excluded from overtime laws, reflecting the state's adaptation of federal exemptions. Healthcare facilities may apply an "8/80 rule," providing overtime for hours over eight in a day or 80 in a two-week period, if applicable.

Understanding these nuances is critical for both employers and employees in these sectors to ensure compliance and fair compensation. Businesses with low gross annual revenues may also be exempt from state overtime laws, further emphasizing the importance of understanding specific legal contexts in Missouri.