Massachusetts Minimum Wage Will Increase to $15/hour on January 1, 2023

December 8, 2022

The new year will once again bring an increase to the minimum wage in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage will rise to $15.00. With this increase, the minimum wage will reach the $15.00/hour goal established by state legislature in 2018. This represents a seventy-five-cent increase from this past year’s rate of $14.25 and a $1.50 increase from 2021’s wage of $13.50.

 

The minimum wage for tipped workers will increase to $6.75 in January of 2023, up from $6.15 this past year. A tipped employee is anyone who makes more than $20 a month in tips. These workers must receive at least the overall minimum wage when combining tips and wages. Also of note, Sunday premium pay, and holiday pay will be eliminated as of January 1, 2023.

 

Many businesses have begun to raise their own minimum wages beyond what is required. For example, Bank of America raised their minimum wage to $22.00 an hour effective as of the end of June 2022.  The increase may be cause for concern for many businesses as the financial effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt.

 

The minimum wage in Connecticut recently increased to $14.00, effective July 1, 2022.

 

The minimum wage in Vermont will increase to $13.18, effective January 1, 2023, up from $12.55 in 2022.

 

The minimum wage in Rhode Island will increase to $13.00, effective January 1, 2023, up from $12.25 in 2022.

 

The minimum wage in New Hampshire is currently $7.25, mirroring the federal minimum.

 

If you have questions about the minimum wage increase, or any other general employment issues, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at The Royal Law Firm at 413-586-2288.

Royal Attorneys Secure Summary Judgment at Massachusetts Appeals Court

December 5, 2025
Our attorneys successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of the Defendant from the Massachusetts Appeals Court in a Wage Act and contract dispute. The Complainant alleged entitlement to a substantial variable compensation award following resignation. We demonstrated that the compensation plan made such awards discretionary and contingent on continued employment at the time of payout. The Appeals Court agreed, finding that the award did not constitute wages under the Wage Act and that the Defendant acted lawfully in denying payment. All claims were dismissed in their entirety.

Amy Royal Named 2025 Super Lawyer!

By The Royal Law Firm • November 5, 2025
Attorney Amy Royal has once again been selected as a Super Lawyer ! As published by Super Lawyers Amy B. Royal is a top-rated attorney, with her firm headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. Providing legal representation in the New England states and New York, for a variety of different issues, Amy Royal was selected to Super Lawyers for 2014 - 2016, 2019 - 2025. Attorneys like Amy B. Royal are recognized by their peers for their outstanding work and commitment to the spirit of the legal profession. Their knowledge of the law, professional work ethic, and advocacy on behalf of their clients allow them to stand out among other attorneys in the field.