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Minimum Wage in Massachusetts

Massachusetts's minimum wage is $15.00 per hour, and tipped service employees must receive a cash wage of at least $6.75 per hour.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Massachusetts at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$15.00
By law the state rate must also stay at least $0.50 above the federal minimum wage.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$6.75
Applies to service employees who regularly receive more than $20 a month in tips; tips must bring pay up to $15.00.
Next scheduled increase
None scheduled
No further increase is written into the statute.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Massachusetts

What is the minimum wage in Massachusetts in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in Massachusetts: $15.00. By law the state rate must also stay at least $0.50 above the federal minimum wage.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in Massachusetts?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in Massachusetts: $6.75. Applies to service employees who regularly receive more than $20 a month in tips; tips must bring pay up to $15.00.

When is the next minimum wage increase in Massachusetts?

Next scheduled increase in Massachusetts: None scheduled. No further increase is written into the statute.

Where do the Massachusetts minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151, 1 and Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151, 7. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.