Use our Missouri Paycheck Calculator to quickly figure out how much you’ll take home after taxes. Just enter your salary, pay frequency, and deductions and get a detailed breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and net pay in seconds.
How Your Missouri Paycheck is Calculated
Your take-home pay in Missouri depends on your income, filing status, and various tax withholdings. Here’s the basic formula used to calculate your net pay:
Gross Pay – (Federal Taxes + State Taxes + Local Taxes + FICA) = Net Pay
Here’s what each term means:
- Gross Pay: The total amount you earn before any deductions or taxes.
- Federal Income Tax: The tax withheld by the federal government based on your income and filing status.
- FICA Taxes: These include Social Security and Medicare taxes that fund federal programs.
- State Income Tax: The tax collected by the State of Missouri based on your taxable income.
- Local Taxes: Additional taxes that may be imposed by certain cities or counties.
A Guide to Missouri State Payroll Taxes
Missouri State Income Tax
Missouri has a progressive income tax system with several brackets. The rates are gradually reduced in recent years as part of state tax reforms. Below are the 2025 Missouri state income tax rates for single filers and married individuals filing jointly:
| Missouri Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $1,224 | 0% |
| $1,225 – $2,448 | 1.5% |
| $2,449 – $3,672 | 2.0% |
| $3,673 – $4,896 | 2.5% |
| $4,897 – $6,120 | 3.0% |
| $6,121 – $7,344 | 3.5% |
| $7,345 – $8,568 | 4.0% |
| $8,569 – $9,792 | 4.5% |
| Over $9,793 | 4.8% |
Standard Deduction: Missouri matches the federal standard deduction — $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married couples filing jointly in 2025.
Personal Exemption: Missouri does not offer a personal exemption for income tax purposes.
Your employer will use these rates to determine how much state income tax to withhold from your paycheck based on your W-4 Missouri Employee’s Withholding Certificate.
State-Specific Programs & Withholdings
Missouri does not require employees to contribute to state disability insurance (SDI) or paid family leave programs. However, employers pay into the state unemployment insurance (SUI) system, but employees are not required to contribute.
The state’s payroll deductions are straightforward, generally limited to federal, state, and local taxes, along with any voluntary benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or flexible spending accounts.
Understanding Federal & FICA Taxes
In addition to Missouri taxes, every worker in the United States pays federal taxes. These include income taxes and FICA contributions.
- Social Security Tax: 6.2% on wages up to $168,600 in 2025.
- Medicare Tax: 1.45% on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% for high earners making over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
Employers also match these contributions, paying the same amount for each employee. Together, these taxes fund Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Local Taxes in Missouri
Several cities in Missouri impose additional local income taxes. These are usually collected on top of state and federal taxes. For example:
- Kansas City has a local earnings tax of 1%.
- St. Louis also imposes a 1% earnings tax.
If you live or work in one of these cities, your employer will automatically withhold the appropriate local tax from your paycheck. Most other areas in Missouri do not levy additional income taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Missouri Paychecks
What is the minimum wage in Missouri?
As of 2025, Missouri’s minimum wage is $13.75 per hour. This rate applies to most employees, though tipped workers may have a lower base rate.
How often are paydays in Missouri?
Missouri does not have a specific law mandating pay frequency. Most employers pay employees on a bi-weekly or semi-monthly basis. Your pay schedule should be stated in your employment agreement.
What is the Missouri state tax rate for 2025?
For 2025, Missouri’s state income tax rates range from 0% to 4.8%, depending on your taxable income.
Are 1099 contractors subject to Missouri taxes?
Yes. Independent contractors must pay both federal and Missouri state income taxes directly, as no employer withholds these taxes for them. They are also responsible for self-employment taxes, which cover Social Security and Medicare contributions.
What are the overtime laws in Missouri?
Missouri follows federal overtime laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular pay rate for any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek, unless they are exempt from overtime rules.
Disclaimer
This Missouri Paycheck Calculator provides an estimate based on current tax rates and available information. Actual paycheck amounts may vary depending on your specific situation, deductions, and employer policies. For personalized tax advice, consult a licensed tax professional or financial advisor.
Check out other calculators