Massachusetts Wage Act FAQs

The Massachusetts Wage Act governs the timely payment of wages, final pay requirements at termination, required sick time under state law, proper classification of employees, and more.

If an employer violates the Wage Act, Massachusetts law requires that they pay treble damages. That means a $1,000 mistake in failing to pay for a week's vacation could become a $3,000 liability. The law also requires that the employer reimburse the employee for attorneys fees and costs if the employee wins a wage claim.

Below are some frequently asked questions, and links to the answers, about the Massachusetts Wage Act and minimum wage law requirements.

What Are the Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws

What is the Massachusetts Wage Act?
What is the difference between the Wage Act and the minimum wage laws?
Who is covered by the Wage Act?
Is my classification as an independent contractor legal?

What Wages Are Required to be Paid

Are commissions considered wages under the Wage Act?
Is vacation pay considered wages?
What travel time is paid time?
Do wage and hour laws apply to "on call" time?
Can I be paid only on a commission basis?
What wages have to be paid at termination?

Massachusetts Minimum Wage

What is the Massachusetts minimum wage in 2022?
Is there a small business exemption for minimum wage laws?
What is the minimum wage for tipped employees?
What are the rules about tip pooling?
Who is exempt from Minimum Wage?

Late Payment of Wages

When are wages due?
When should I be paid commissions?
When is my final paycheck due?

Wage Deductions and Changes to Compensation

Can my employer reduce my wages or commissions?
What can be legally deducted from my paycheck?
What happens to accrued vacation if my employer changes the vacation policy?
What happens to my past commissions if my employer changes the commission policy?

Remedies for Wage and Hour Violations

What can I do if I was not paid on time?
Can I be fired for asking to be paid legally?
What are available damages under the Wage Act?
What are some examples of Wage Act violations in Massachusetts?

Need Help With a Wage Act Problem?

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Questions about MA minimum wage employment lawyer Emily Smith-Lee

How Can We Help?

We have years of experience representing both employers and employees under the wage and hour laws. You can use the button below to schedule a call back from a member of our team, or give us a call at 781-784-2322.