- Hourly employees in Massachusetts are guaranteed a minimum starting wage of $8 an hour, according to the official website of the commonwealth of Massachusetts. There are exceptions to this rule, however, as in the case of tipped workers--such as waiters, hairstylists and valets. Those workers must be paid a guaranteed lower minimum rate, which takes into account their earnings from tips.
- For any time worked over 40 hours, employees in Massachusetts must be paid a wage no less than 1 1/2 times their hourly rate, according to Massachusetts law governing minimum fair wages. There also are exceptions to this rule for workers in specialized positions--for instance, executive or professional employees.
- It is not required for employers in Massachusetts to provide benefits--such as health insurance and pensions--to their employees, according to the state website. Paid time off is also not required of employers; however, employers with six or more employees must provide six weeks of unpaid maternity leave to eligible employees for "purposes of giving birth or adopting a child."
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