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Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws: Minimum Wage, Overtime, and Pay Guide

Quick Answer: Massachusetts has a $15.00/hour minimum wage (2025)—more than double federal. Tipped workers receive $6.75/hour plus tips. Overtime is 1.5x after 40 hours. Massachusetts requires meal breaks and has Sunday/holiday premium pay rules. Strong wage enforcement through the Attorney General.

Massachusetts provides robust wage protections.

Massachusetts Wage Overview

Key Wage Laws

Massachusetts Wage Act:

  • Minimum wage requirements
  • Timely payment rules
  • Strong enforcement
  • Triple damages for violations

Blue Laws:

  • Sunday/holiday premium pay
  • Retail workers protection
  • Being phased out

Compared to Federal

Feature Massachusetts Federal
Minimum wage $15.00/hour $7.25/hour
Tipped wage $6.75/hour $2.13/hour
Overtime 1.5x after 40 hrs Same
Meal breaks Required Not required

Massachusetts Minimum Wage

2025 Rate

Standard minimum wage: $15.00/hour

Tipped workers: $6.75/hour (plus tips to reach $15.00)

Service rate: $6.75/hour (tipped employees)

Who’s Covered

Most employees:

  • Private sector workers
  • Part-time employees
  • Limited exemptions

Tipped Workers

Special rules:

  • $6.75/hour base wage
  • Tips must bring total to $15.00
  • Employer makes up shortfall
  • Better than federal $2.13

Massachusetts Overtime Laws

Requirements

Overtime pay:

  • 1.5x regular rate
  • After 40 hours per week
  • No daily overtime

Who Gets Overtime

Non-exempt employees:

  • Hourly workers
  • Most salaried under threshold
  • Manual laborers

Exemptions

May be exempt:

  • Executive employees
  • Administrative employees
  • Professional employees
  • Outside salespeople

Meal Breaks

Required Breaks

Massachusetts requires:

  • 30-minute meal break
  • After 6 hours of work
  • May be unpaid if duty-free

Exceptions

May waive if:

  • Employee agrees in writing
  • Nature of work allows eating while working
  • Very limited circumstances

Sunday and Holiday Pay

Blue Laws Changes

Phased reduction:

  • Previously 1.5x premium required
  • Being phased out through 2023
  • Now employers may require Sunday work
  • Check current requirements

Holiday Work

Premium pay:

  • Certain holidays had premiums
  • Rules have changed
  • Verify current requirements

Final Paychecks

Massachusetts Wage Act

Timing:

  • Fired employees: Same day of discharge
  • Quit employees: Next regular payday (or Saturday if no regular payday)
  • Very strict requirements

What’s Included

Must include:

  • All wages earned
  • Accrued vacation (if policy provides)
  • Commissions earned

Triple Damages

Violations:

  • Mandatory triple damages
  • Plus attorney’s fees
  • Strong enforcement

Recovering Unpaid Wages

Attorney General’s Office

Fair Labor Division:

  • Phone: 617-727-3465
  • Online complaint
  • Strong enforcement

Private Lawsuit

Court options:

  • Triple damages mandatory
  • Attorney’s fees
  • Powerful incentive

Statute of Limitations

Time limits:

  • 3 years for most claims
  • Act promptly

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Paid Below Minimum

Situation: Employer paying $12/hour.

Analysis: Violation. Must pay $15.00. File complaint.

Scenario 2: No Meal Break

Situation: Work 8-hour shifts without break.

Analysis: Violation. 30-minute break required after 6 hours.

Scenario 3: Late Final Paycheck

Situation: Fired, haven’t received pay after 1 week.

Analysis: Serious violation. Should be paid same day. Triple damages.

Scenario 4: Tipped Below Minimum

Situation: Cash wage plus tips doesn’t reach $15.

Analysis: Employer must make up difference.

Scenario 5: Unpaid Overtime

Situation: Work 50 hours, paid straight time.

Analysis: Should get 1.5x for 10 hours. Triple damages possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Massachusetts minimum wage?

$15.00/hour in 2025.

Does Massachusetts require meal breaks?

Yes. 30-minute break after 6 hours of work.

When do I get overtime?

After 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5x rate.

When must I get final paycheck?

Same day if fired. Next payday if you quit.

What damages can I recover?

Triple damages mandatory for wage violations, plus attorney’s fees.

Related Topics

Take Action

If you have wage concerns:

  1. Calculate what you’re owed
  2. Gather pay stubs and records
  3. Document hours worked
  4. Contact Attorney General’s Office
  5. Consider consulting attorney (triple damages)

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about Massachusetts wage and hour laws and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed Massachusetts employment attorney.

For official information: