The Massachusetts Minimum Wage
The prevailing Massachusetts minimum wage legislation for 2025 maintains its rate at $15 an hour, significantly higher than the national level at $7.25. Those receiving tips in excess of $20 per month get a nominal rate of $6.75 an hour, with employers supplementing tips so that the average rate is at least $15 an hour, in toto.
Except for limited instances involving youth below 17 or family members, agriculture jobs begin at no less than $8 an hour.
A rate was thus agreed upon and set since January 2023, with roots going back to the 2018 Grand Bargain legislation that aimed at gradually implementing an increase within five years.
The Real Impact of the Massachusetts Minimum Wage
Workers need to cover basics like housing and groceries in a high-cost state, and ideally require state help. The Massachusetts minimum wage ensures people get paid fairly. It applies equally to full and part-time jobs, covering most private-sector roles without favoring weekends or holidays. The law shields employees from deductions that drop pay below these thresholds, except for approved items like uniforms or meals.
Why does this actually matter? The wage supports millions of workers, retail clerks, and caregivers in a state like Massachusetts, which historically has higher living costs.
Though debates rage on about small business strains, as stable pay cuts turnover, employers are stable too. One can always cross-check with the Attorney General's Fair Labor Division for compliance.
How Minimum Wages Work Across Massachusetts Regions
Massachusetts has no regional variations in minimum wage like some of its neighbors - it conforms to a uniform wage across the state. Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and rural spots like Barnstable all follow the $15/$6.75 per hour split for non-tipped/tipped roles. Municipal workers fall under federal rules but often align higher via local charters.
That said, overtime kicks in at 1.5 times pay after 40 hours weekly statewide. No extra premiums for nights or Sundays under wage law, though blue laws add retail holiday nuances. For city-specific enforcement, you can visit your local section on the Massachusetts Minimum Wage info page.
Minimum Wage Rules by City and Employee Type
Wages stay consistent across cities, but employee categories shift the baseline:
| City/Region | Non-Tipped | Tipped | Agricultural |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $15 | $6.75 | $8 |
| Worcester | $15 | $6.75 | $8 |
| Springfield | $15 | $6.75 | $8 |
| Cambridge | $15 | $6.75 | $8 |
| Statewide | $15 | $6.75 | $8 |
Outside salespeople, religious trainees, and certain nonprofits are covered under exemptions. With equitable tip pools, tipped staff get written notice of the lower rate. Complaints/disputes in this regard are filed on this online portal.
Minimum Wage Breakdown by Key Industries
Most industries stick to $15, but service-heavy sectors lean on tips - you can go through a summary here:
- Hospitality/Restaurants: $6.75 base + tips to hit $15; quick-service counter staff are included.
- Retail: Full $15; no Sunday premium since Grand Bargain legislation has been phased out.
- Agriculture/Farms: $8 for most, exempting immediate family members.
- Domestic Care (e.g., Au Pairs): Full $15 + overtime, as per court rulings.
Restaurant overtime follows federal FLSA, not state exemptions. One can track any changes to the above rates on the U.S. DOL State Wage table.
The Evolution of Minimum Wage in Massachusetts
Massachusetts pioneered the U.S. minimum wage in 1912, targeting women and minors amid the Lawrence mill strikes. The 1938 federal FLSA set a national $0.25 floor, which states could exceed, but such early laws focused on living costs, while lacking the teeth necessary to enforce them. Public shaming was thought to be a befitting punishment more than fines, which would bring corporations and employers alike into line.
Fast-forward to 2018 - the Grand Bargain legislation ramped the minimum wage up from $11 to $15 by 2023 ($12/2019, $13.50/2021, etc.), trading Sunday pay hikes.
A 2024 ballot that pushed for tipped wage equality failed, holding the $6.75 floor rate per hour. There is no 2025 bump planned, but inflation talks are still on the simmer. The budget archives encourage you to dive into the history of the State’s minimum wages a bit more.
Massachusetts Historical Minimum Wage Rates (2005-2025)
Here's a clean table reflecting annual Historical Data for Massachusetts minimum wage rates, which were effective from January 1 each year, for the last 20 years. This was sourced from the official U.S. Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) via the U.S. Department of Labor.
| Year | Minimum Wage ($/hour) |
|---|---|
| 2005 | $6.75 |
| 2006 | $6.75 |
| 2007 | $7.50 |
| 2008 | $8.00 |
| 2009 | $8.00 |
| 2010 | $8.00 |
| 2011 | $8.00 |
| 2012 | $8.00 |
| 2013 | $8.00 |
| 2014 | $8.00 |
| 2015 | $9.00 |
| 2016 | $10.00 |
| 2017 | $11.00 |
| 2018 | $11.00 |
| 2019 | $12.00 |
| 2020 | $12.75 |
| 2021 | $13.50 |
| 2022 | $14.25 |
| 2023 | $15.00 |
| 2024 | $15.00 |
| 2025 | $15.00 |
What we can infer from the above is that the rates stayed flat at $15 since 2023 under the 2018 Grand Bargain legislation. There is no scheduled increase for 2025 or 2026 announced yet. For the full dataset back to 1968, visit this FRED page.
FAQs
1. What is the Massachusetts Minimum Wage?
Massachusetts maintains its minimum wage rate at $15 an hour. Those receiving tips in excess of $20 per month get a nominal rate of $6.75 an hour, with employers supplementing tips so that the average rate is at least $15 an hour.
2. Does the minimum wage apply to salaried workers?
There is no automatic exemption, as job duties matter. Executives or pros may qualify under MGL c.151 1A.
3. What if tips fall short of the Massachusetts Minimum Wage?
It is mandated to cover the gap to $15 by the shift end.
4. How does one report violations?
You can use the AG's Fair Labor form or call 617-626-6951.
5.Are there any changes slated for 2026?
Currently, there are none announced; watch this space - MMWP updates.