Massachusetts Minimum Wage
Massachusetts minimum wage is $15 per hour, effective January 1st, 2023.
For Employers: Setting Pay Rates
Every College student working in a Harvard College department will receive the same starting base pay, which is determined by Harvard College. Effective August 1, 2020, the base pay for undergraduate student workers will be $15 per hour.
Employers who do not participate in the Federal Work Study Program may use the FWSP undergraduate and graduate pay rates as a guideline.
Graduate school starting wage ranges vary, but typically fall within $18- $21.00 per hour. For any position that may fall under the Graduate Student Union collective bargaining agreement, please refer to the HGSU's most recent contract for more information regarding wages and other requirements. For union-specific questions, please email hgsu.general@gmail.com
Undergraduate FWSP Wage Rates:
When determining federal work study wage rates, there are several factors that should be considered. At minimum, students must be paid the greater of either the federal or state minimum wage rate, currently $15/hour in Massachusetts. Generally speaking, the undergraduate wage rate across campus falls between $15 and $18/hour. Please take a thoughtful approach and keep these factors in mind when set your rate:
· The skills needed to perform the job;
· How much working professionals with those skills are paid for doing similar work;
· Rates you would normally pay students who do not have FWSP