Massachusetts HR laws for employers (2026)
The Massachusetts rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Massachusetts employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $15.00 per hour |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $6.75 per hour |
| Overtime | No daily overtime; 1.5x after 40 hours per week. |
| Final pay when fired | Immediately - in full on the day of discharge. |
| Final pay when an employee quits | By the next regular payday (or the following Saturday if there is no regular payday). |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Required - earned vacation and holiday pay owed under an oral or written agreement count as wages and must be paid with final wages. |
| Paid sick leave | Yes: 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year; paid for employers with 11+ employees, unpaid for smaller employers. |
| Meal breaks | 30-minute meal break for every 6 hours worked in a day, free of all duties and free to leave the workplace. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: $15.00/hour since Jan 1, 2023, the final step of the 5-year schedule; no further increases are scheduled for 2026 or 2027. State law keeps the rate at least $0.50 above the federal minimum.
Other Massachusetts rules to know
- Pay transparency: employers with 25+ employees must include pay ranges in job postings (since Oct 29, 2025).
- State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program funded through payroll contributions.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Massachusetts in 2026?
$15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2023. $15.00/hour since Jan 1, 2023, the final step of the 5-year schedule; no further increases are scheduled for 2026 or 2027. State law keeps the rate at least $0.50 above the federal minimum.
When is a final paycheck due in Massachusetts?
If the employer ends employment: Immediately - in full on the day of discharge. If the employee quits: By the next regular payday (or the following Saturday if there is no regular payday).
Does Massachusetts require paying out unused vacation?
Required - earned vacation and holiday pay owed under an oral or written agreement count as wages and must be paid with final wages.
Is paid sick leave required in Massachusetts?
Yes: 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year; paid for employers with 11+ employees, unpaid for smaller employers.
Sources
HR laws in other states
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.