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What Is the Massachusetts Minimum Wage?

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9 min read
Massachusetts minimum wage
Categories Legal & Finance

Massachusetts has a reputation for being a progressive state with strong labor laws. For instance, the Massachusetts minimum wage is higher than that of most other states in the nation. Massachusetts has also enacted a number of labor laws to protect workers’ rights, such as paid leave laws and laws against wage discrimination.

So, what are these laws and how can employers ensure regulatory compliance?

In today’s comprehensive guide, we will share everything you need to know about the Bay State’s progressive labor wage laws. We will also share best practices and explain how Factorial empowers businesses to stay compliant with Massachusetts wage laws while upholding fair labor practices.

US Minimum Wage Tiers

In the United States, there are different minimum wage rates set at the federal, state, and city levels. This can make it confusing to figure out the minimum wage that employers need to pay their workers.

Let’s break it down to help you understand how it works.

Firstly, the federal minimum wage is the lowest amount that employers can pay their workers. It is set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is currently $7.25 per hour. This applies to businesses that operate across state lines or have a large enough revenue.

In addition, twenty-six states, including Massachusetts, have their own state minimum wage laws. These state minimum wages must be at least as high as the federal minimum wage. Some states have set their minimum wages higher than the federal minimum wage to better reflect the cost of living in their state.

Moreover, a growing number of cities have also set their own municipal minimum wage rates. These localized minimum wages are often higher than both the state and federal minimum wage. They are meant to reflect the unique economic needs of that particular city.

Finally, there are additional factors that can affect the minimum wage that an employer must pay their workers. More on these exemptions and special cases shortly.

History of the Massachusetts Minimum Wage

Massachusetts has a long and rich history of advocating for workers’ rights, and the minimum wage is no exception. In 1912, Massachusetts became the first state in the United States to establish a minimum wage, setting a benchmark for other states to follow. This groundbreaking legislation aimed to protect women and children from exploitative labor practices and ensure a fairer wage for all workers.

Over the years, Massachusetts has continued to lead the way in raising the minimum wage, consistently exceeding the federal minimum wage. In 2023, the MA minimum wage reached $15 per hour, making it one of the highest in the country. This progressive approach reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring that all workers earn a living wage and have the opportunity to share in the state’s economic prosperity.

Ultimately, the history of the Massachusetts minimum wage is a testament to the state’s commitment to fairness and economic justice. By consistently raising the minimum wage, Massachusetts has helped to improve the lives of countless workers and set an example for other states to follow. As the state continues to address issues of income inequality and economic disparity, the minimum wage in Massachusetts remains an important tool in ensuring that all workers have access to a fair and equitable standard of living.

Massachusetts Minimum Wage Rates

So, what is the minimum wage in Massachusetts? Does this rate apply to all workers in the state? Is the minimum wage going up in Massachusetts next year?

Firstly, for non-tipped employees, the current Massachusetts minimum wage is $15.00 per hour, a uniform rate applicable across all industries. This consistent approach ensures that hard-working individuals in all sectors, from retail and hospitality to healthcare and education, receive a fair wage that reflects their contributions to the state’s economy.

In addition, and recognizing the unique nature of tipped employment, Massachusetts has established a distinct minimum wage structure for these workers. Tipped employees receive a base hourly wage of $6.75, ensuring a guaranteed minimum income regardless of tip fluctuations. If an employee makes less than $15.00 per hour including tips then the employer must make up the difference (tip credit).

Furthermore, Massachusetts has proactively scheduled minimum wage increases to ensure that workers’ compensation keeps pace with the rising cost of living. For non-tipped employees, the Massachusetts state minimum wage is set to increase to $15.75 per hour in 2024 and $17.00 per hour in 2025. In addition, although the base hourly wage for tipped employees will remain at $6.75 throughout this period, the expected tip credit will increase to $5.17 per hour in 2024. This effectively raises the minimum wage for tipped employees to $7.30 per hour in 2024.

One other final important point worth mentioning is that Massachusetts is the only state in the United States that does not allow municipalities to set their own minimum wage rates. This means that the statewide minimum wage of $15.00 per hour applies to all workers in the state, regardless of where they live or work.

Exemptions & Special Cases

While the Massachusetts minimum wage of $15.00 per hour applies to most non-tipped employees, there are certain exemptions and special cases that affect the applicable minimum wage in specific situations.

Exempt Employees

Firstly, certain categories of employees are exempt from the Massachusetts minimum wage requirements.

For example:

  • Independent contractors. Individuals who are considered independent contractors, rather than employees, are not subject to minimum wage laws.
  • Volunteers. Individuals who volunteer their time for charitable or non-profit organizations are not entitled to the minimum wage.
  • Certain agricultural workers. Some agricultural workers, such as seasonal workers and family members of farm owners, are exempt from the minimum wage.

Special Wage Provisions

In addition to exempt employees, certain types of employment have special wage provisions that may affect the minimum wage.

For example:

  • Minimum wage for small employers. Massachusetts has a lower minimum wage for employers with fewer than 11 employees. The minimum wage for small employers is $13.50 per hour, as of January 1, 2023. This lower minimum wage is scheduled to increase to $14.25 per hour on January 1, 2024, and $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2025.
  • Tipped employees. As mentioned earlier, tipped employees receive a base hourly wage of $6.75. The expectation is that tips will supplement their earnings to reach the equivalent of the non-tipped minimum wage. However, employers are required to pay tipped employees the full minimum wage if their combined hourly wage and tips fall below the non-tipped minimum wage.
  • Youth subminimum wage. For employees under the age of 20, employers can apply a lower minimum wage of $8.25 per hour during their first 90 days of employment.
  • Students in cooperative education programs. Employers of students in cooperative education programs can pay a lower minimum wage of $9.50 per hour.
  • Apprentices. Employers of apprentices can pay a lower minimum wage based on the apprentice’s skill level and experience.

Who Enforces the Massachusetts Minimum Wage?

The Fair Labor Division (FLD) of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office is responsible for enforcing the state’s minimum wage laws. The FLD investigates complaints from employees who believe they have been underpaid and takes enforcement action against employers who violate the minimum wage law.

Here are the specific ways that the FLD enforces the minimum wage law:

  • Investigating complaints. When an employee files a complaint with the FLD, the division investigates the complaint to determine whether the employer has violated the Massachusetts minimum wage law. The FLD will review the employer’s records and interview the employee and other witnesses.
  • Taking enforcement action. If the FLD determines that an employer has violated the Massachusetts minimum wage law, the division can take a variety of enforcement actions, including:
    • Ordering the employer to pay back wages to the affected employees.
    • Issuing civil penalties against the employer.
    • Seeking injunctive relief to prevent the employer from continuing to violate the law.
  • Providing education and outreach. The FLD also provides education and outreach to employers and employees about the Massachusetts minimum wage law. The division offers training sessions and workshops, and it publishes informational materials on its website.

Additional Massachusetts State Wage Laws

In addition to the Massachusetts minimum wage, the Bay State has several additional wage laws that employers need to be aware of.

For example:

  • Wage discrimination. Massachusetts employers must not discriminate against employees based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
  • Recordkeeping. Massachusetts employers must maintain certain records related to their employees’ wages and hours worked. These records must include the employee’s name, address, date of hire, occupation, rate of pay, hours worked, and pay deductions. Employers must keep these records for at least three years.
  • Paid leave. Massachusetts’ Paid Family and Medical Leave law (PFML) provides eligible employees with up to 26 weeks of paid leave. Employees can use this to care for a new child, bond with a new family member, or recover from a serious illness or injury. Several cities and towns have also enacted their own local paid sick leave ordinances.
  • Pay parity. Massachusetts prohibits employers from paying employees of different sexes different wages for performing equal work under similar working conditions. The law also prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their sex in terms of other forms of compensation, such as bonuses, commissions, and promotions. This is in line with the federal Equal Pay Act, design to promote pay parity and pay transparency.
  • Overtime pay. Massachusetts employers must offer employees overtime pay when they work over 40 hours in a workweek. This overtime pay is calculated at one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay.

These are just some of the Massachusetts state wage laws that employers should be aware of. For more information, visit the website of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.

Best Practices to Ensure Wage Law Compliance

It’s essential for employers to comply with Massachusetts minimum wage and additional labor laws to avoid legal repercussions and maintain a fair and equitable work environment.

Here are some best practices to ensure wage law compliance:

  • Accurately classify employees. Firstly, correctly classify employees as either non-exempt or exempt to determine the applicable minimum wage. Avoid misclassifying employees as independent contractors to circumvent Massachusetts minimum wage requirements.
  • Stay informed about the latest minimum wage rates. Secondly, check for updates to the Massachusetts minimum wage, as it may increase periodically.
  • Maintain accurate records. Thirdly, keep detailed records of all employee hours worked, including start and end times, breaks, and overtime. These records should be readily accessible for inspection by the Fair Labor Division (FLD).
  • Understand overtime pay requirements. In addition, keep in mind that non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
  • Comply with tip pooling and crediting rules. What’s more, if you employ tipped employees, make sure they receive their full tips, and that tip pooling and crediting practices comply with state regulations.
  • Provide training to managers and supervisors. Also, make sure you educate your managers and supervisors on minimum wage laws, overtime pay requirements, and recordkeeping practices to minimize the risk of non-compliance.
  • Regularly audit your payroll practices. Finally, conduct periodic audits of your payroll practices to identify and address any potential compliance issues.

The Role of Technology in Supporting Compliance

Payroll software plays a crucial role in ensuring wage law compliance. The right solution can help you streamline your payroll processes, automate payroll calculations, and obtain valuable insights into employee compensation.

Here are some specific ways in which payroll software supports wage law compliance:

  • Accurate calculations and recordkeeping. Payroll software eliminates manual errors in wage calculations, overtime pay, and deductions, ensuring employees receive accurate compensation. It also maintains detailed records of employee hours worked, pay rates, and deductions, providing a comprehensive audit trail for compliance purposes.
  • Enforced compliance with minimum wage and overtime rules. Certain payroll software solutions incorporate the latest minimum wage rates and overtime pay requirements. This ensures that employee compensation aligns with state and federal regulations. Software can also flag potential compliance issues, such as overtime pay miscalculations or minimum wage discrepancies.
  • Streamlined tax withholding and reporting. Payroll software automates tax withholding and reporting, ensuring employers comply with federal, state, and local tax laws. It can calculate and withhold the appropriate taxes from employees’ paychecks and generate accurate tax reports for timely submission.
  • Data-driven insights and reporting. Payroll software generates detailed reports that can help employers identify potential wage law compliance issues. The best solutions can also track employee pay trends and overtime patterns. That way, employers can take prompt and proactive measures to address any concerns.

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How Factorial Can Help You Comply with Massachusetts Wage Laws

Navigating the complexities of wage law compliance can be daunting for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Factorial, a comprehensive payroll and HR platform, simplifies this process by providing a range of features that ensure adherence to Massachusetts wage laws.

Features include:

  • Streamlined payroll processes. Firstly, Factorial’s centralized payroll management system simplifies the entire payroll management process, from payroll calculations and tax filings to employee paystubs and reports. This automation reduces the risk of errors and ensures timely payroll processing.
  • Pay raises. Secondly, Factorial streamlines the implementation of pay raises, ensuring that employee pay increases are accurately reflected in payroll calculations and that effective dates are correctly applied.
  • Pay periods. Thirdly, Factorial allows you to choose the appropriate pay period for your business, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly.
  • Holiday pay. In addition, Factorial automatically calculates holiday pay for eligible employees based on Massachusetts state regulations, eliminating the need for manual calculations and ensuring compliance. This includes pay rates for Massachusetts state holidays.
  • Payroll security. Moreover, Factorial employs robust payroll security measures to protect sensitive employee data. These measures include multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and regular security audits. This commitment to data security safeguards employee information and helps businesses comply with Massachusetts data privacy regulations.
  • Massachusetts minimum wage. Finally, Factorial automatically applies the updated Massachusetts minimum wage to all non-exempt employees, ensuring they are paid the correct hourly rate.

Ultimately, with Factorial’s comprehensive payroll platform, businesses can confidently manage their payroll processes, ensure compliance with Massachusetts wage laws, and build a happy and productive workforce.

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Cat Symonds
Cat Symonds is a freelance writer, editor, and translator. Originally from Wales, she studied Spanish and French at the University of Swansea before moving to Barcelona where she lived and worked for 12 years. She has since relocated back to Wales where she continues to build her business, working with clients in Spain and the UK.  Cat is the founder of The Content CAT: Content And Translation, providing content development and translation services to her clients. She specializes in corporate blogs, articles of interest, ghostwriting, and translation (SP/FR/CA into EN), collaborating with a range of companies from a variety of business sectors. She also offers services to a number of NGOs including Oxfam Intermón, UNICEF, and Corporate Excellence - Centre for Reputation Leadership.  For more information or to contact Cat visit her website (thecontentcat.com) or send her a message through LinkedIn.

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