Massachusetts Minimum Wage 2026
Massachusetts' minimum wage of $15 in 2026 is among the highest in the United States, and it is significantly higher than than the base federal minimum wage of $7.25 still used in 20 states.
Federal 
Massachusetts Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the weekly minimum wage in Massachusetts is $600. For full-time employees working 52 weeks per year, the annual minimum wage in Massachusetts is $31.2K.
Based on $15/hr minimum
Based on $15/hr minimum
The minimum wage rate of Massachusetts and its neighboring states ranges from $7.25 to $17, with an average of $14.44. Massachusetts, at $15, has an above average hourly minimum wage within this group of states. New York ($17), Connecticut ($16.94), and Rhode Island ($16) all have higher hourly rates than Massachusetts. Vermont ($14.42) and New Hampshire ($7.25) have lower hourly rates than Massachusetts.
Massachusetts While the general minimum wage is $15 per hour in Massachusetts, there are several exceptions where workers may legally receive less than this amount:
The minimum wage of a tipped employee is the same as the state minimum wage - $15.00 per hour - but may be comprised of both tips and a flat service rate, provided the sum of these two parts is at least $15.00. The minimum service rate is $6.75.
Full time students employed in their place of education or in a hospital or laboratory affiliated with their institution are eligible for a minimum wage at 80% of the state minimum, or $12.00 per hour.
The Director of the Department of Labor Standards may issue to any seasonal camp a waiver permitting payment of less than the minimum wage to seasonal camp counselors or counselor trainees for such period of time as shall be fixed by the Director and stated in the waiver.
Employees whose earning capacity has been impaired may be paid less than the basic minimum wage if the employer obtains from the Director a special certificate in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts state law. These provisions are rare.
Agricultural and farm employees have a minimum wage of $8.00 per hour.
Massachusetts' cost of living index for 2025 is 141.2, which places it as the 3rd most expensive state to live in the United States.
National 100
Massachusetts 141.2
Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the real wage in Massachusetts, adjusted for the state’s cost of living index of 141.2, is approximately $10.62 per hour. This means that while the nominal minimum wage is $15 per hour, the purchasing power of those earnings is lower due to Massachusetts' higher cost of living expenses. For full-time employees, the real weekly earnings amount to roughly $424.93, translating to an annual purchasing power of $22,096.32 when working 52 weeks per year.
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According to the most recent data, the median household income in the United States has seen a significant increase in 2023.
Massachusetts’ minimum wage is set under state law and is periodically increased through legislation rather than automatic indexing. The state last implemented a phased increase to reach $15 per hour, along with adjustments to the tipped service rate, as part of broader wage and labor reforms enacted by the legislature.
