Massachusetts employers would pay a $20 minimum wage in 2029

Covered public and private employers would have to pay the scheduled minimum hourly wage. The rule would cover employment in Massachusetts under the general minimum wage section, including public and private employers. The scheduled rates would apply only if the proposal becomes law. The proposed rates start January 1 of each listed year: $16.25 in 2026, $17.50 in 2027, $18.75 in 2028, and $20 in 2029.

The proposal would set a separate hourly wage rate for workers covered by section 7 of Massachusetts' wage law. Only workers covered by section 7 would fall under this separate schedule. Their eligibility cannot be confirmed. The scheduled rates would apply only if the proposal becomes law. Starting January 1, 2030, this rate would equal 60% of the general minimum wage determined by the state's labor office. The proposed rates start January 1 of each listed year: $7.92 in 2026, $9.19 in 2027, $10.55 in 2028, and $12 in 2029.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development would adjust the general minimum wage each year using inflation. The calculation would apply to the general minimum wage set under section 1 of Massachusetts' wage law. The calculation would use the federal consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, or its replacement, which tracks changes in prices. The office would use the 12 months before September 1 and round the wage to the nearest cent. The first calculation would occur September 30, 2029, for January 1, 2030. Each later calculation would occur September 30 and take effect the following January 1.