Minimum Wage

What amount must an employer pay a tipped employee?

Compensation for a tipped employee must total at least the minimum wage rate which currently is $15.00 per hour. Employers subject to the provisions of the law are required to pay tipped employees at least 50 percent of the minimum wage of $15.00, or $7.50 per hour. 

Employers of tipped employees must pay more than 50 percent of the minimum wage rate to tipped employees if it is necessary to bring the employee′s total compensation up to at least the minimum wage rate per hour. 

If the federal minimum wage is less than Missouri′s minimum wage, what will happen if I decide to pay only the lower federal rate?

You will be in violation of the law. If the Missouri Division of Labor Standards receives a complaint or becomes aware of a situation where an employer, who is covered by the law, is not paying the Missouri minimum wage, the office will conduct an investigation to assure compliance.