State regulatory desk
Small-business cover in Missouri.
Workers’ comp threshold in Missouri: Non-construction: 5+ employees; construction: required at 1+ employee[S].
Updated 2026-05-16 · Beaconcover editorialThe short answer: In Missouri, construction employers need workers' compensation from the first employee and other employers from the fifth. Most clients and licenses also ask for general liability before you can take a job.
§ 01
Workers' comp
What does Missouri require?
MO threshold
Non-construction: 5+ employees; construction: required at 1+ employee[C]
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
What licensing and bonding does Missouri require?
- Construction is held to the one-employee threshold
- Licensing predominantly at the city/county level
§ 03
Missouri by trade
One page per trade × state.
HAHandymanCLCleaning BusinessJAJanitorial ServiceHVHVAC ContractorGEGeneral ContractorELElectrical ContractorPAPainting ContractorLALandscaping BusinessPLPlumbing ContractorRORoofing ContractorTITile ContractorCACarpet Cleaning BusinessLALawn Care ServicePOPool Service BusinessPEPest Control BusinessFOFood Truck BusinessPHPhotographerPEPersonal TrainerDADaycare / Childcare BusinessHAHair SalonNANail SalonDODog Walker / Pet SitterMOMobile Auto DetailingCACarpenterWEWelderTRTree Service BusinessPRPressure Washing BusinessCACatering BusinessMAMassage TherapistBUBusiness ConsultantINInsurance AgentACAccountant / CPAATAttorney / Law FirmARArchitectNONotary / Notary Signing AgentREReal Estate AgentITIT ConsultantHOHome InspectorRIRideshare Driver (Uber / Lyft)DEDelivery Driver (DoorDash / Instacart / Amazon Flex)