Tipped workers and those making minimum wage in Massachusetts to see bump in pay; Sunday pay to change

Those making minimum wage in Massachusetts are about to see a bump in pay.

In June of 2018, Governor Baker signed H.4640, an Act relative to minimum wage, paid family medical leave and the sales tax holiday, also known as the “Grand Bargain.” The legislation created a permanent sales tax holiday, increase in the minimum wage over five years and created a new paid family and medical leave program in Massachusetts.

A raise of the Commonwealth’s minimum wage to $15/hour over five years began in January 2019 with a bump up to $12 an hour. A raise to the minimum base wage rate for tipped workers to $6.75, also phased in over a 5-year period, began in January of 2019 with a raise to $4.35 an hour.

Beginning January 1st, 2023, the standard minimum wage will increase to $15.00, and the tipped minimum wage will bump up to $6.75.

The minimum wage applies to all employees except agricultural workers ($8.00 per hour is the minimum wage for most agricultural workers), members of a religious order, workers being trained in certain educational, nonprofit, or religious organizations, and outside salespeople.

Also, beginning on the first of the year, Premium Sunday and holiday pay are eliminated.