Statutory minimum wage in Massachusetts (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Massachusetts has a state minimum wage of $15.00 per hour under Chapter 151, section 1 of the General Laws. A lower wage is allowed only where the commissioner has approved it, and the rate may never be less than 50 cents above the federal rate.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | $15.00 per hour [1] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | The service rate is $6.75 an hour for workers who serve customers and receive more than $20 a month in tips; tips must make up the rest of the $15.00 minimum wage. [2] |
| Overtime payEmployees | 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours a week. [3] |
Notes
- Section 1 presumes a wage below $15.00 per hour oppressive and unreasonable unless the commissioner has approved a lesser wage under sections 7 and 9, and sets the minimum at no less than 50 cents above the federal rate. Read from an Internet Archive snapshot of the official page because the live site refused connections.
- Reduced rates exist only where the commissioner approves them under sections 7 and 9, which were not read.
- No scheduled change was found in the source read.
Sources
- Massachusetts Legislature: General Law - Part I, Title XXI, Chapter 151, Section 1 (Internet Archive snapshot of 1 January 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Trial Court Law Libraries: Massachusetts law about minimum wage (Internet Archive snapshot of 25 September 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: State Minimum Wage Laws (updated 1 July 2026) (Internet Archive snapshot of 2 October 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| National statutory minimum wage | Yes (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Current adult minimum wage (gross) | $7.25 per hour (source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division) |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | A new employee under 20 years of age may be paid not less than $4.25 an hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with an employer. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Massachusetts and neighbouring states
| State | National statutory minimum wage | Current adult minimum wage (gross) | Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | Next scheduled change | Amount from next change (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Yes | $15.00 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Connecticut | Yes | $16.94 per hour | Under 18: 85% for first 90 days | 1 January 2027 | $17.48 per hour |
| New Hampshire | Yes | $7.25 per hour | 16 and under: 75% of minimum wage | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New York | Yes | Employees, NYC, Long Island, Westchester: $17.00 per hour (NYC, Long Island, Westchester) Employees, Rest of state: $16.00 per hour (rest of state) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rhode Island | Yes (state law) | $16.00 per hour | Ages 14-15: 75% (up to 24 hours a week) | 1 January 2027 | $17.00 per hour |
| Vermont | Yes (state law) | $14.42 per hour | One rate; no age bands; students excluded | 1 January 2027 (annual adjustment) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Massachusetts
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 6 plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 40 mph (prima facie)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16½ (junior operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1 and 2 (bicycle)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers included)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named unless locking or spring-release · Locking or one-handed knives: Locking-draw devices banned; switchblade ban void
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (sales to under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (sales to under 21 banned)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% = licence suspension (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.