Massachusetts Overtime Laws 2026: 40-Hour Rule & Service Rate

Massachusetts overtime is generally a weekly 40-hour rule: most non-exempt employees must be paid one and one-half times their regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The state minimum wage is $15.00/hour as of July 4, 2026.

Massachusetts overtime formula

Service rate and tipped workers

Massachusetts permits a service rate of $6.75/hour only when tip rules are satisfied and the worker's total pay reaches at least the state minimum wage. Overtime for service-rate employees should be checked carefully because the full minimum wage floor and regular-rate rules can matter.

Sunday and holiday pay in Massachusetts

Many searchers confuse Massachusetts overtime with Sunday or holiday premium pay. For many retail workers, older Sunday and holiday premium requirements have been phased out. A private employer policy, union agreement, or contract can still provide premium pay, but the general overtime calculation remains focused on hours worked over 40 in the workweek.

For holiday-specific pay questions, use the holiday pay calculator and review the holiday time-and-a-half guide.

Massachusetts payroll checklist

• Confirm the worker is non-exempt before calculating overtime.
• Count actual hours worked in the workweek, not only scheduled hours.
• Check whether bonuses, commissions, or differentials affect regular rate.
• Separate employer holiday premiums from statutory weekly overtime.
• Use Mass.gov and the Attorney General's Fair Labor Division for current rules.