Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:48:55 +0000

Minimum Wage in Missouri: A Shocking Failure No Politicians Will Acknowledge In the heartland of America, Missouri stands as a striking example of how wage policies long ignored in mainstream national dialogue are deeply flawed—and quietly causing hardship. Despite Tennessee and Kansas raising their minimum wages in recent years, Missouri has remained stubbornly tethered to a recorded minimum wage freeze, leaving poor workers, families, and small businesses struggling under outdated standards. ### What’s the Current Minimum Wage in Missouri? As of 2024, Missouri’s state-mandated minimum wage remains a dismal $10.50 per hour, a figure frozen in place for over a decade. Since 2009, this stagnant rate has failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living, particularly in urban centers like Kansas City and St. Louis. In contrast, neighboring states such as Illinois have adopted a $15 minimum wage, while neighboring Kansas increased its floor to $10.50—but only after political battles. Missouri’s inaction speaks volumes.