Overtime for Massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts (MA) Key Facts
Minimum Wage
$15.00
Overtime Rule
Weekly only (40 hrs/week)
Weekly Overtime Threshold
40 hours
Overtime Multiplier
1.5x regular rate
State Income Tax Rate
5%
How This Calculator Works in Massachusetts
This overtime calculator applies Massachusetts's specific overtime rules to estimate your total pay including overtime. Enter your hourly rate and total hours worked to see your regular pay, overtime pay, and gross total. It accounts for Massachusetts's weekly 40-hour rule and the standard 1.5x overtime multiplier.
Massachusetts Overview
Massachusetts follows the federal 40-hour weekly overtime standard. The phase-out of mandatory Sunday premium pay for retail workers means some employees see reduced weekend earnings compared to prior years. The state minimum wage is $15.00 per hour — Massachusetts has a $15/hr minimum wage. The state previously required time-and-a-half pay on Sundays and holidays for retail workers, but this premium is being phased out.
How Massachusetts Compares
Massachusetts's minimum wage of $15.00 is above the federal minimum of $7.25. Like most states, Massachusetts relies on the federal 40-hour weekly threshold for overtime. Neighboring Connecticut has a minimum wage of $16.35 and uses only the weekly overtime standard.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $16.35/hr min wage | Connecticut follows the standard federal overtime rule of 1.5x after 40 hours per week. |
| Rhode Island | $14.00/hr min wage | Rhode Island follows the standard federal overtime rule of 1.5x after 40 hours per week. |
| New Hampshire | $7.25/hr min wage | New Hampshire follows the standard federal overtime rule of 1.5x after 40 hours per week. |
The federal overtime standard requires 1.5x pay after 40 hours per week. Massachusetts's minimum wage of $15.00 exceeds the federal minimum of $7.25. Only a few states, including California and Alaska, mandate daily overtime in addition to the weekly threshold.
Tips for Massachusetts Residents
- 1Massachusetts's minimum wage is $15.00 per hour. Verify your base rate meets or exceeds this before calculating overtime — overtime pay is calculated on your regular rate, not the minimum.
- 2Massachusetts follows the federal weekly overtime standard: time-and-a-half for every hour beyond 40 in a workweek. There is no daily overtime trigger, so long individual shifts do not generate overtime unless your weekly total exceeds 40.
- 3Overtime pay in Massachusetts is subject to the state income tax (top rate 5%) plus federal taxes. Your effective overtime rate after taxes will be less than the gross 1.5x figure — budget accordingly.
- 4Track your hours meticulously. Under the FLSA, employers must pay overtime for all qualifying hours regardless of whether the overtime was pre-approved. Keep your own records as a backup.
- 5Salaried employees are not automatically exempt from overtime. To be exempt, you must meet specific duties tests and earn above the salary threshold. If you are classified as exempt but believe you should qualify, consult Massachusetts's department of labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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