Massachusetts could raise minimum wage for tipped workers. Here’s what to know

If Massachusetts voters approve a ballot initiative, the state will gradually raise minimum wage for tipped workers until it matches the state minimum wage—or from $6.75 to $15 per hour by 2029.

The federal minimum wage for tipped workers has stood at US$2.13 an hour since 1991. Back then, it amounted to half the $4.25 regular minimum wage. But Congress has failed to increase the tipped minimum while periodically raising the regular wage floor. Today, the tipped rate is less than one-third of the $7.25 federal full minimum wage.