Employment Law Aid

Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws: Minimum Wage, Overtime & Pay Rights (2026)

Updated 2026-12-27
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Quick Answer

Comprehensive guide to Massachusetts wage and hour laws covering minimum wage, overtime, Sunday pay, and worker pay protections.

Massachusetts provides strong wage protections with a high minimum wage and additional protections like Sunday premium pay (phasing out) and mandatory break requirements.


Quick Facts: Massachusetts Wage Laws

Topic Massachusetts Federal (FLSA)
Minimum Wage $15.00/hour $7.25/hour
Overtime After 40 hours/week After 40 hours/week
Meal Breaks 30 min after 6 hours Not required

Minimum Wage (2026)

Standard Rate

$15.00/hour

Tipped Employees

  • Service rate: $6.75/hour
  • With tips must equal full minimum

Overtime

Time-and-a-half after 40 hours per workweek.


Meal Breaks

30-minute meal break required for shifts over 6 hours.


Filing Wage Claims

MA Attorney General's Office

Fair Labor Division handles wage complaints.


Finding Legal Help

  • AG Fair Labor: mass.gov/ago
  • WHD (Federal): dol.gov/agencies/whd

Related Resources


Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Massachusetts wage and hour laws and is not legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is standard Rate?
$15.00/hour
What is tipped Employees?
Service rate: $6.75/hour With tips must equal full minimum
What is meal Breaks?
30-minute meal break required for shifts over 6 hours.
What is mA Attorney General's Office?
Fair Labor Division handles wage complaints.
What is finding Legal Help?
AG Fair Labor: mass.gov/ago WHD (Federal): dol.gov/agencies/whd

Legal Disclaimer

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment laws vary by state and change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed employment attorney in your state. Employment Law Aid is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. No attorney-client relationship is created by using this website.