Missouri Employment Law

Missouri Human Rights Act covers employers with 6+ employees. 2017 amendments added higher burden of proof. Age protection capped at 70. Punitive damages capped.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

Yes

EEOC Deferral

300 days

Min. Wage

$15.00

Missouri State Laws (1)

MHRA

Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 213.010-213.137

180 days
6+ employees

The Missouri Human Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age (40 to 70), and disability. The Act covers employers with six or more employees and complaints must be filed within 180 days with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. Notably, 2017 amendments to the MHRA imposed a higher burden of proof by requiring the "motivating factor" standard rather than the more employee-friendly "contributing factor" standard. Age discrimination protection is capped at 70, and punitive damages are capped at the greater of five times compensatory damages or $500,000.

Protected Classes

racecolorreligionnational originsexancestryage (40-70)disability

Key Provisions

  • ✓Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age (40-70), and disability
  • ✓2017 amendments imposed "motivating factor" burden of proof, making it harder for employees to prevail
  • ✓Age protection is limited to individuals between 40 and 70 years old
  • ✓Punitive damages are capped at the greater of 5 times compensatory damages or $500,000
  • ✓Missouri Commission on Human Rights investigates complaints and may pursue administrative proceedings

Remedies

Back payFront payCompensatory damagesPunitive damages (capped at the greater of 5x compensatory damages or $500,000)Attorney fees and costsInjunctive reliefReinstatement
File with: Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR)180 days from the discriminatory act

Local Ordinances in Missouri (1)

St. Louis

St. Louis CREA

St. Louis Revised Code Title 3, Ch. 3.44

180 days
1+ employees

St. Louis's civil rights ordinance prohibits employment discrimination and is enforced by the City of St. Louis Civil Rights Enforcement Agency (CREA). Provides protections for sexual orientation and gender identity that go beyond Missouri state law.

Protected Classes

racecolorreligionsexsexual orientationgender identitynational originancestryagedisabilityfamilial status

Federal Laws That Apply in Missouri

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in Missouri. As a deferral state, the EEOC filing deadline is extended to 300 days for most claims.

Title VII15+ employees
300 days
ADA15+ employees
300 days
ADEA20+ employees
300 days
EPA1+ employees
730 days
PDA15+ employees
300 days
PWFA15+ employees
300 days
FMLA50+ employees
730 days
FLSA1+ employees
730 days
Section 19811+ employees
1460 days
GINA15+ employees
300 days
USERRA1+ employees
— days
NLRA1+ employees
180 days
OSH Act1+ employees
30 days
WARN Act100+ employees
— days
Rehabilitation Act1+ employees
300 days
SOX Section 8061+ employees
180 days
INA Section 1324b4+ employees
180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in Missouri

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Missouri laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in Missouri for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: February 2025.