Intro to Massachusetts Labor Laws

Get an overview of the Massachusetts labor laws small businesses should know when hiring, and updates on employment laws that could impact your business.

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Last updated on September 19th, 2024

Minimum Wage

The state minimum wage in Massachusetts is $15 per hour.

References: Massachusetts Minimum Wage(opens in a new tab)

Minimum Exempt Salary Requirements

Massachusetts follows the federal minimum exempt requirement of $684 per week or $35,568 per year for most exemptions from minimum wage and overtime.

References: Federal Minimum Exemption Threshold(opens in a new tab)

Meal & Rest Laws

In Massachusetts, employees who work over six hours are entitled to a 30-minute meal break, which may be paid or unpaid. Employees must be compensated if they choose to work during their meal break.

References: Meal Break Requirements(opens in a new tab)

Lactation Accommodation Laws

Under the Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, employers must provide reasonable accommodations during pregnancy or following childbirth. This includes granting more frequent or longer breaks, modifying work responsibilities or schedules, offering new equipment, and providing a private space to pump breast milk that isn’t a bathroom.

References: MA Pregnant Workers Fairness Act(opens in a new tab)

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.

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