The minimum wage in Massachusetts will increase to $15 per hour effective January 1, 2023.
The minimum wage increase is part of a bill that also called for an annual sales tax break in August and paid vacations for workers. Governor Charlie Baker signed the bill into law during the summer of 2018.
Massachusetts will now have one of the highest minimum wages in the United States, second only to Washington DC, which has a minimum wage of $16.10 per hour.
Here’s what you need to know about the minimum wage increase:
The law
In 2018, Massachusetts passed a law that would increase the minimum wage by $1 an hour each year until it reaches $15 an hour in 2023.
Who benefits from the law
The minimum wage for employees will be $15 an hour starting January 1, 2023. One estimate says this will affect a quarter of workers in the state.
Tipped employees will also receive an increase each year until they reach $6.75 per hour in 2023. If the total hourly rate does not add up to $15 per hour, the employer must make up the difference.
to whom it does not apply
The minimum wage applies to all employees except farm workers, for most of whom the minimum wage is $8, members of a religious order, workers receiving training at certain educational, nonprofit, or religious, and outside vendors.
What to do if the law is not followed
If you believe your rights have been violated in the workplace, please call the Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465 or file a complaint online here.
During fiscal year 2022, the Fair Labor Division assessed more than $11.8 million in restitution and penalties against employers on behalf of Massachusetts workers.
For all state employment and wage laws, you can find more information here: