Massachusetts Overtime Laws
Massachusetts has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$15.00
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Important Notes
Massachusetts follows federal weekly overtime rules.
State Labor Department
Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards
Phone: (617) 626-6952
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-labor-standards
Massachusetts Economy and Workforce
Massachusetts has one of the strongest economies in the United States, with a real GDP of $633.6 billion in 2024, ranking among the top states for GDP per capita at $88,790. The state is a global leader in life sciences, biotechnology, and healthcare, with Boston serving as a major hub for medical research and technology innovation.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Massachusetts industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Healthcare and Life Sciences
With over 152,000 healthcare employees in Boston alone and Mass General Brigham employing over 81,000 workers, nurses, medical technicians, and research staff frequently work overtime due to patient care demands and research deadlines.
Technology and IT
Home to more than 3,000 IT companies and 170,000 tech jobs, software developers and IT professionals often work extended hours during product launches, system updates, and project deadlines.
Higher Education
Massachusetts hosts numerous prestigious universities where administrative staff, facilities workers, and research assistants commonly work overtime during peak academic periods.
Manufacturing
Over 250,000 manufacturing workers produce electronics, machinery, and medical devices, often requiring overtime to meet production quotas and delivery schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Massachusetts requires employers to pay 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Unlike some states, Massachusetts does not require daily overtime pay for working more than 8 hours in a single day.
Under Massachusetts state law, you have 3 years from the date of the violation to file a claim for unpaid overtime wages. If you win your case, you may be entitled to treble (triple) damages under the Massachusetts Wage Act, plus attorney fees and court costs.
Salaried employees earning below $844 per week ($43,888 annually) are generally entitled to overtime pay. The salary alone does not determine exemption. Your job duties must also meet specific criteria for executive, administrative, or professional exemptions.
How to File a Wage Claim in Massachusetts
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Gather documentation including pay stubs, time records, and any written communications about your wages
File a wage complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division online or by calling (617) 727-3465
Alternatively, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-487-9243
You may also file a private lawsuit in Massachusetts court to recover unpaid wages, treble damages, and attorney fees
Important Massachusetts Consideration
Massachusetts is one of the few states that mandates treble (triple) damages in wage violation cases. Under the Massachusetts Wage Act, if you win an unpaid overtime claim, your employer must pay three times the amount of unpaid wages, plus your attorney fees and court costs, making it one of the strongest worker protection laws in the country.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.