Labor Rights in Massachusetts
Massachusetts combines a $15.00 minimum wage with one of the strongest paid family and medical leave programs in the country (up to 26 weeks, max $1,230.39 per week in 2026). It has statewide paid sick leave, a day-of-rest law, and same-day final paychecks for fired workers. The minimum wage has been flat since 2023 because it is not indexed to inflation.
Data last verified 2026-10-12
Workplace rights in Massachusetts at a glance
| Minimum wage (2026) | $15.00 per hour. Unchanged since January 1, 2023; the rate is not indexed to inflation. |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage (2026) | $6.75 per hour cash wage (the service rate). Maximum tip credit is $8.25; if tips plus cash wage do not reach $15.00 per hour for a shift, the employer must make up the difference. |
| Overtime | 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, consistent with federal FLSA. The old Sunday and holiday premium for retail workers was fully phased out on January 1, 2023. |
| Paid sick leave | Yes. Employees earn 1 hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. Employers with 11 or more employees must pay it; employers with 10 or fewer employees must provide the same leave unpaid. |
| Paid family and medical leave | Yes. Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). Up to 12 weeks of family leave, 20 weeks of medical leave, or 26 weeks combined per benefit year. Maximum weekly benefit is $1,230.39 in 2026. Funded by a 0.88% payroll contribution for employers with 25 or more covered individuals (0.46% for smaller employers), split between employer and employee. |
| Meal breaks | 30-minute unpaid meal break after 6 hours of work. Massachusetts also has a Day of Rest law: employees are generally entitled to one day off in every 7 calendar days. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement beyond federal. |
| Right-to-work law | No |
| At-will employment | Public policy and covenant of good faith exceptions recognized (the Fortune doctrine); implied contract generally not recognized where handbook disclaimers are clear. Confirm with your state labor department. |
| Final paycheck | Due on the day of discharge if fired. If the employee quits, due on the next regular payday. |
How Massachusetts compares to federal law
Massachusetts sets a minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25 an hour, so the state rate is what most employers must pay. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Neighboring states
- New Hampshire$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.
- Vermont$14.42 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- New York$17.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- Connecticut$16.94 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
Compare all 50 states and DC side by side
Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Massachusetts in 2026?
$15.00 per hour. It has been unchanged since January 2023 and is not indexed to inflation.
Does Massachusetts have paid family leave?
Yes. The state PFML program pays up to 26 weeks of combined family and medical leave per year, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,230.39 in 2026.
Is Massachusetts a right-to-work state?
No. Massachusetts is not a right-to-work state.
When must my final paycheck be paid in Massachusetts?
On the day you are discharged if fired; on the next regular payday if you quit.