Hourly Minimum Wage in Massachusetts

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The state-wide minimum wage for Massachusetts is $15.00 per hour as of January 01, 2023.

View all Massachusetts minimum wage values

Hourly Minimum Wage for Massachusetts and neighboring states in 2023

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Massachusetts minimum wage rate is $15.00 per hour in 2023. Workers receive a higher minimum wage in Massachusetts that exceeds the Federal Minimum Wage of $7.25. The Massachusetts minimum wage applies to most employees, with limited exceptions, including certain tipped employees, students or part-time workers, and other exempt occupations. The top 5 minimum wage states in the U.S. are District of Columbia, Washington, California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour and has not increased since 2009. Demand for a living wage that is fair to workers is rising. In response to this rising demand, numerous states, cities, and other localities have already enacted or will change minimum wage levels. In the few states with no established minimum wage, the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour will continue to apply.
Based on local legislation, many states have already enacted minimum wage increases or approved increases due for implementation at a future date.
These ever-changing laws, effective dates, and methodologies result in minimum wages that may change at different times or differ dramatically within a state or region. Minimum wage changes can be triggered for a location when these pre-determined conditions change and require careful monitoring to ensure compliance to the latest wage levels.
Salary.com continuously tracks all these complex changes. We can help to keep you informed about future changes and stay up to date on the latest minimum wage levels in your essential locations. Show me more data to view U.S. state minimum wages for future years.

Browse Minimum Wage by Year, and Forecast Minimum Wage Increase Trends in Massachusetts

The minimum wages in some states are higher than the federal minimum wage in 2023, including District of Columbia, Washington, California, Connecticut, and others. Many of the minimum wage increases were effective on January 01, 2023. Some states have effective dates occurring at different months of the year. Check the chart to stay up to date on the hourly minimum wage in Massachusetts.
View upcoming minimum wage changes to be on top of future changes to the minimum wage in your location.
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Hourly Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees in Massachusetts

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The tipped minimum wage is the lowest amount employers can pay an employee in occupations such as a bartender or server, that regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips. In some states, the tipped minimum wage may be lower than the non-tipped minimum wage because employers can claim a tip credit.
It is important to note that the tipped minimum wage can vary depending on where your business is and the size of the business. In some states, the tipped minimum wage is equal to the overall minimum wage for that state. In some locations, the federal tipped minimum wage applies. In other locations, the state-tipped minimum wage is set above the federal minimum. Tipped minimum wages may vary from state to state and can be frequently adjusted, making it essential to stay informed about the latest wage levels.
In Massachusetts, the tipped minimum wage is the same as the state minimum wage. It may be subject to adjustment based on other criteria, such as the size of the business.
See tipped data learn more about tipped and non-tipped minimum wage in Massachusetts.

What is the minimum wage in Massachusetts in 2023?

Massachusetts minimum wage in 2021: US$13.5 (effective January 1, 2021)

Massachusetts minimum wage in 2020: US$12.75

Massachusetts minimum wage in 2000: US$6 ($9.24 after inflation adjustment)|| Massachusetts minimum wage in 1980: US$3.10 ($10.39 after inflation adjustment)

People's Opinions on Minimum Wage in Massachusetts

Employment attorney Ben Steffans has represented numerous employees across Massachusetts on an individual and class basis in unpaid minimum wage and unpaid overtime claims.

09/25/2021

The overtime rate for tipped employees who are entitled to overtime in Massachusetts is one and one half times the Massachusetts basic minimum wage, not the service rate.

09/16/2021

All Massachusetts employees working over 40 hours in a work week are entitled an overtime wage of at least 1.5 times their regular hourly pay rate - therefore, the overtime minimum wage in MA is.

09/14/2021

For business owners and those looking to start a business or franchise in Massachusetts, it is important to know about the laws as they relate to employment and the minimum wage in Massachusetts.

08/27/2021

In addition to any Massachusetts-specific minimum wage exemptions described above, the Federal Fair Labor Standards act defines special minimum wage rates applicable to certain types of workers.

08/24/2021

Vermont and Maine already have planned increases that will automatically take place, upping minimum wage to rate that would be higher than Massachusetts within the next two years.

08/24/2021

Amid persistently high unemployment and the resulting downward pressure on wages, increasing the state’s minimum wage would provide a welcome lift to the Massachusetts economy.

08/19/2021

Farnitano also says evidence from the Massachusetts increase, as well as minimum wage increases in other states, suggests that higher minimum wages help local communities.

07/26/2021

If you are a Massachusetts employee in or around Springfield, Lowell, Worcester, Fall River, New Bedford, Pittsfield, or Cape Cod with questions regarding minimum wage and overtime laws.

07/24/2021

The Massachusetts legislature is debating the laws concerning minimum wage in the state, and people are pushing the government to consider increasing the minimum wage in the upcoming years.

07/15/2021

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Minimum Wage by State in 2023