Missouri Employment Contract Template

A Missouri employment contract is a written agreement between an employer and employee. It outlines responsibilities, pay, and workplace policies. Missouri follows the at-will employment rule, meaning either party can end the relationship at any time unless a contract or law provides otherwise.

• At-will employment: Employment is at-will, with exceptions for discrimination, retaliation, or violations of public policy.
• Minimum wage: $13.75/hour as of January 1, 2025, with yearly adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index. Tipped employees must receive at least 50% of the state minimum in direct pay, plus tips to bring the employee’s total compensation to $13.75 per hour.. From January 1, 2026, it will be $15.00.
• Overtime: Non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week (Missouri Revised Statutes § 290.505).
• Meal/rest breaks: Missouri law does not require breaks. Federal rules apply: breaks under 20 minutes must be paid; meal breaks of 30+ minutes may be unpaid if relieved of all duties.
• Paid leave: No state requirement for private employers to provide sick leave or vacation. Policies are employer-determined.
• Pay frequency: Employers must set regular pay periods. Wages must be paid at least semi-monthly (MO Rev Stat § 290.080).
• Final pay: Missouri law does not require wages to be due when an employee quits a job. However, if they are not paid by the next regular pay period, legal action can be taken.
• Child labor: Minors under 16 face hour and occupation restrictions. Work permits are required for ages 14–15. Hazardous jobs are off-limits under 18.
• Non-competes: Enforceable if reasonable in scope, geography, and duration, and tied to protecting legitimate business interests.
• E-signatures: Missouri recognizes electronic records and signatures under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA)(MO Rev Stat § 59.569).
• Recordkeeping: Employers must follow federal standards, keeping payroll and employment records for at least 3 years (MO Rev Stat § 290.520).

Missouri employers should draft contracts that reinforce the state’s at-will framework while setting clear workplace expectations. Here’s how to structure yours:

1. Add party details: Include employer and employee names, job title, and start date.
2. Define job duties: Clarify responsibilities, supervisor, and work location.
3. Set pay and schedule: State hourly wage or salary, pay frequency, and overtime rules.
4. List benefits: Specify any PTO, holidays, or health benefits your company offers.
5. Address breaks: Note your company’s break policy, even though Missouri law doesn’t require it.
6. Confidentiality and IP: Protect company trade secrets and intellectual property.
7. Restrictive covenants: Use reasonable non-compete or non-solicit clauses tied to business needs.
8. Termination terms: Confirm at-will status while stating any notice or severance policy.
9. Governing law and signatures: Specify Missouri law applies and confirm e-signatures are valid.