How Much Do You Take Home on Minimum Wage in Massachusetts?
The minimum wage in Massachusetts is $15.0 per hour in 2026. Working a standard 40-hour week for 52 weeks, your gross annual income is $31,200. After federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare, your estimated take-home pay is $27,249 per year.
Note: This calculator shows federal taxes only. Massachusetts also has state income tax which will further reduce take-home pay.
| Time Period | Gross Pay | Federal Tax Est. | Take Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $15.00 | $1.90 | $13.10 |
| Weekly (40 hrs) | $600 | $76 | $524 |
| Monthly | $2,600.00 | $329.23 | $2,271 |
| Annual | $31,200 | $3,951 | $27,249 |
What Taxes Come Out of a Minimum Wage Paycheck in Massachusetts?
Working at the Massachusetts minimum wage of $15.00/hr, three federal taxes are deducted from every paycheck:
- Federal Income Tax - After the $16,100 standard deduction for 2026 (single filer), $15,100 of your $31,200 annual income is taxable, starting in the 10% federal bracket.
- Social Security (6.2%) - Deducted on all earned income up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500. Minimum wage earnings are always fully subject to it.
- Medicare (1.45%) - Deducted on all earned income with no cap.
Massachusetts Minimum Wage Details for 2026
Massachusetts reached $15.00/hr in 2026 through a scheduled series of increases.
Take-home pay: A full-time Massachusetts worker at $15.00/hr earns $31,200 per year before taxes. After 2026 federal income tax ($1,564) and FICA ($2,387), estimated take-home is about $27,249 per year - roughly $2,271 per month or $524 per week. Massachusetts also levies a state income tax, so your actual net pay will be somewhat lower than this federal-only estimate.
Local rates: No Massachusetts city sets a wage above the state rate.
Scheduled changes: Massachusetts completed its legislated climb to $15.00 in 2023; further increases would require new legislation.
Cost of living: Greater Boston's high housing costs mean even the $15.00 wage falls well short of a single-adult living wage in the metro area.
Wage figure verified against the U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table (updated July 1, 2026). Federal tax estimates use the 2026 IRS standard deduction of $16,100 for single filers. This is an estimate, not tax advice.
How This Is Calculated: Massachusetts Worked Example
Every figure in the table above comes from the same four-step calculation, using the 2026 IRS standard deduction, 2026 federal tax brackets, and current FICA rates. Here is the full math for one year of full-time work at the Massachusetts minimum wage:
- Step 1 - Annual gross pay: $15.00/hour × 40 hours × 52 weeks = $31,200.
- Step 2 - Apply the standard deduction: The 2026 IRS standard deduction for a single filer is $16,100.
- Step 3 - Federal income tax: Taxable income is $31,200 − $16,100 = $15,100. The first $12,400 is taxed at 10% ($1,240) and the remaining $2,700 at 12% ($324), for a total of $1,564.
- Step 4 - FICA taxes: Social Security (6.2%) plus Medicare (1.45%) equals 7.65% of gross pay: $31,200 × 0.0765 = $2,386.80. FICA applies from the first dollar earned - the standard deduction does not reduce it.
Annual take-home: $31,200 − $1,564 − $2,386.80 = $27,249.20. That matches the Annual row in the table above. Assumptions: single filer, no dependents, standard deduction, no state or local income tax withheld in this federal estimate, no pre-tax benefits. Your actual paycheck may differ - this is an educational estimate, not tax advice.
Massachusetts Minimum Wage FAQ
Data sources: Minimum wage rates from U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. Tax calculations based on 2026 IRS federal tax brackets. State-specific rates verified against state labor department websites. Last updated: April 2026
Disclaimer: These calculators provide estimates for federal taxes only and should not be considered tax advice. Actual take-home pay may vary based on additional deductions, state/local taxes, filing status, and other factors. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.