№ 04 · May 2026
beaconcover
Independent comparison desk
State regulatory desk

Small-business cover in Missouri.

In Missouri, workers’ comp is required at Non-construction: 5+ employees; construction: required at 1+ employee[S]Missouri workers' compensation threshold. Missouri generally requires workers' comp at five or more employees for non-construction employers, but all construction-industry employers must cover from the first employee. Trade licensing is largely municipal. Regulated by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Workers' Compensation.

Updated 2026-05-16 · Beaconcover editorial
§ 01
Workers' comp

What Missouri requires.

MO threshold

Non-construction: 5+ employees; construction: required at 1+ employee[C]Missouri workers' compensation threshold

Missouri generally requires workers' comp at five or more employees for non-construction employers, but all construction-industry employers must cover from the first employee. Trade licensing is largely municipal. Regulated by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Workers' Compensation.

§ 02
Licensing & bonding

State licensing notes.

  • Construction is held to the one-employee threshold
  • Licensing predominantly at the city/county level
§ 03
Missouri by trade

One page per trade × state.