Massachusetts · updated 2026-10
Massachusetts Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
1.5x after 40/week (M.G.L. c.151 §1A). The state has its own exemption list, which includes FLSA-style white-collar roles plus state-specific ones such as seasonal camps/resorts, farm work, gas station employees and hospitals using 14-day periods. Sunday/holiday retail premium pay was phased out and ended 2023-01-01.
Meal break
30 min
Yes: 30 minutes for shifts over 6 hours, usually unpaid. 30 min for each 6 hours worked in a calendar day (M.G.L. c.149 §100). The employee must be relieved of all duties and free to leave; otherwise the break is paid. Some manufacturing settings (iron, glass, paper mills, print works, etc.) are excluded.
Rest breaks
Not required
Massachusetts law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$15.00
$15.00 an hour (since 2023-01-01). Tipped service rate $6.75 (max tip credit $8.25) for workers who get more than $20/month in tips. Statewide rate, no local rates.
Massachusetts time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
|---|
Massachusetts pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Massachusetts?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. 1.5x after 40/week (M.G.L. c.151 §1A). The state has its own exemption list, which includes FLSA-style white-collar roles plus state-specific ones such as seasonal camps/resorts, farm work, gas station employees and hospitals using 14-day periods. Sunday/holiday retail premium pay was phased out and ended 2023-01-01.
Are lunch breaks required in Massachusetts?
Yes: 30 minutes for shifts over 6 hours, usually unpaid. 30 min for each 6 hours worked in a calendar day (M.G.L. c.149 §100). The employee must be relieved of all duties and free to leave; otherwise the break is paid. Some manufacturing settings (iron, glass, paper mills, print works, etc.) are excluded.
Are rest breaks required in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in Massachusetts?
$15.00 an hour (since 2023-01-01). Tipped service rate $6.75 (max tip credit $8.25) for workers who get more than $20/month in tips. Statewide rate, no local rates.
Workers under 18 in Massachusetts
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Massachusetts teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, Fair Labor Division (wage & hour enforcement).