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What is the minimum wage in Massachusetts?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Massachusetts minimum wage is governed by the Massachusetts Minimum Fair Wage Law, M.G.L. c. 151.

1. Current Rate

  • $15.00/hour since January 1, 2023.
  • Set by the Grand Bargain of 2018 (Acts 2018, c. 121), which phased the rate from $11 to $15 over 5 years.

    • 2. No Annual Indexing

    Unlike WA, AZ, OH, FL, Massachusetts does NOT automatically index to inflation. Future increases require legislative action. As of 2026, no further increases are scheduled, though several bills are pending.

    3. Tipped Workers — Question 5 (2024)

    Question 5 on the November 2024 ballot would have phased out the tip credit by 2029. Voters rejected Question 5 (~64% no). The tip credit remains:

  • Cash wage: $6.75/hour.
  • Tip credit: up to $8.25/hour.
  • Tips + cash must reach $15.00; if not, employer makes up the shortfall (M.G.L. c. 151, § 7).

    • 4. Overtime (M.G.L. c. 151, § 1A)

  • 1.5x after 40 hours/week.
  • No daily overtime.
  • Many exemptions unique to Mass. (hotels, restaurants, gas stations historically had different rules — most aligned with FLSA but check § 1A).

    • 5. Sunday/Holiday Premium

    The "Blue Laws" required time-and-a-half on Sundays and holidays for retail workers. The Grand Bargain phased this out, ending Jan. 1, 2023. No more Sunday premium pay.

    6. Earned Sick Time (M.G.L. c. 149, § 148C)

    Workers accrue 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours/year. Employers with 11+ employees must pay sick time; smaller employers may provide unpaid.

    7. Local Preemption

    M.G.L. c. 151, § 1 occupies the field. Mass. localities cannot enact higher minimum wages.

    8. Salary Threshold

    Massachusetts follows the federal $684/week threshold for executive/admin/professional exemptions, though pending bills would raise it.

    9. Enforcement

    Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division enforces. Workers have a private right of action under M.G.L. c. 149, § 150:

  • Treble (3x) damages mandatory for unpaid wages, including minimum wage and overtime.
  • Attorney's fees and costs.
  • 3-year statute of limitations.

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your employer takes the tip credit but tips don't reach $15
    • You worked Sundays and weren't paid premium (during phase-out period)
    • You want mandatory treble damages under c. 149, § 150
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • M.G.L. c. 151, § 1
    • M.G.L. c. 151, § 1A
    • M.G.L. c. 151, § 7
    • M.G.L. c. 149, § 148C
    • M.G.L. c. 149, § 150
    • Acts 2018, c. 121

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.