Minimum Wage in Massachusetts
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Massachusetts requires employers to pay at least $15.00 per hour as of 2024, with annual increases scheduled through 2028.
How Massachusetts treats Minimum Wage
Massachusetts has one of the highest minimum wages in the nation and adjusts it annually based on inflation. The state applies the same minimum wage to all employees regardless of job type or employer size. Tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage; tips do not reduce the employer's wage obligation. The state's minimum wage exceeds the federal floor, so Massachusetts employers must follow the state standard.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.