Massachusetts Pay Period and Frequency Laws

Various labor laws and regulations are in effect across the United States. Some federal laws apply to all states, but no law is in place around pay period and frequency on a nationwide level. Explore the requirements around the schedule for paying employees in Massachusetts.

Does Massachusetts Have Pay Period and Frequency Laws That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, Massachusetts has pay period and frequency laws in effect that differ from federal law. The law mandates how often certain employees must be paid.

How Often Do Employers Need to Pay Employees in Massachusetts?

Hourly, non-exempt employees in Massachusetts must be paid weekly or biweekly. Salaried, exempt employees may be paid on a semi-monthly basis, although an employee who fits this criteria can elect to be paid monthly.

How Long After a Pay Period Must Wage be Paid in Massachusetts?

The deadline for employers to pay wages is six or seven days after the end of a pay period. Those working five or six days during the week must be paid within six days of the end of the pay period. Employees who work between one and four or seven days must be paid within seven days of the end of a pay period.

What Are the Penalties to Employers for Late Paychecks in Massachusetts?

Employers facing late paycheck issues may be subject to penalties totaling triple the amount of unpaid wages, in addition to any court costs and legal fees. A recent ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court clarified that treble damages apply even if the employee receives payment prior to filing a lawsuit.

What Are the Paycheck Requirements for An Employee Whose Employment Has Been Terminated?

If an employer is laid off or fired, they must receive full payment on the last day of work. If an employee resigns, they must receive full payment on the next standard payday or by the first Saturday after resigning (if no regular payday occurs).

Are There Any Municipalities or Cities in Massachusetts That Have Differing Pay Period or Pay Frequency Laws?

No city- or municipality-specific laws regarding pay period or frequency laws are in place. State law mandates that most non-exempt employees paid hourly must be paid weekly or bi-weekly.

Are There Any Other Laws in Massachusetts Regarding Pay Periods and Pay Frequency?

Employers are restricted from requiring employees to use a specific financial institution in order to receive their pay via direct deposit. Additionally, charging a fee to access pay is not allowed.

A paystub requirement is also in effect. Employers must provide statements to workers with their pay. It must include:

• Employee name
• Employer name
• Payment date (month, day, year)
• Hourly pay rate
• Number of hours worked during the pay period
• Dates of the pay period
• Deductions and increases

Paystubs can be issued electronically, as long as the employee is not required to pay for access or printing of the stub.

Accurate hours are critical to accurate paychecks. An automated time and labor platform like WorkforceHub streamlines how you collect employee time data. Integrations with top payroll platforms ensure that employees receive the proper pay for hours worked. Plus, you can set up pay periods within the platform that comply with Massachusetts regulations.