MAMassachusetts pay rules
Minimum wage $15.00. Overtime after 40 hours in a week. If you are fired, your last check is due immediately, on the day you are fired.
Massachusetts minimum wage$15.00 now
Massachusetts overtime lawsWeekly overtime after 40 hours
Massachusetts final paycheck lawFired: immediately, on the day you are fired
Massachusetts PTO payout lawPayout required by law
| Rule | Massachusetts | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $15.00 an hour since January 1, 2023. No change planned. Statewide. Sunday and holiday retail premiums were phased out by 2023. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Cash pay if you get tips | At least $6.75 an hour. Tips may make up the rest, up to $8.25. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Overtime | 1.5x after 40 hours in a work week. No daily overtime. | M.G.L. c. 151, s. 1Achecked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if fired | Immediately, on the day you are fired, including your unused vacation | M.G.L. c. 149, s. 148, 150checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if you quit | Next regular payday | M.G.L. c. 149, s. 148, 150checked October 29, 2026 |
| If the last check is late | Three times the unpaid amount (3x) for late or unpaid wages under the Wage Act. | M.G.L. c. 149, s. 148, 150checked October 29, 2026 |
| Unused vacation when you leave | Must be paid out. Earned but unused vacation is wages and must be paid when you leave the job. | M.G.L. c. 149, s. 148checked October 29, 2026 |
| Meal break | 30-minute meal break for each 6 hours worked in a calendar day. Employee must be free of duties. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Rest break | No paid rest period requirement. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
These rules cover the whole state. Cities and industries with their own rules are noted in the table. Checked October 29, 2026. Next check: January 1, 2027.