There is one state in New England with a really low minimum wage and that lucky state is New Hampshire.

Massachusetts had a plan to get the minimum wage up to $15.00 by January of 2023 and that it did. There was no planned or approved increase for Massachusetts for 2024.

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Four other surrounding New England states have respectable minimum wages, except for New Hampshire.

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Not that minimum wage rates is the deciding factor on where you ultimately end up, but it's worth noting that New Hampshire's minimum wage is a pathetic $7.25 an hour (the federal minimum). I realize that pathetic is subjective and that small businesses can absolutely struggle to keep up with higher minimum wages, but still.

There are currently only 19 states with a $7.25 minimum wage.

Gov. Chris Sununu and Nikki Haley In Above Photo

The minimum wage in New Hampshire hasn’t changed in over 10 years, and in 2023 it remained at $7.25. There have been a number of attempts to raise the minimum wage over the years, but New Hampshire has remained consistent with the federal minimum wage.

New England Minimum Wages for 2024

Massachusetts - $15.00

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Hanif Zahari
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Connecticut - $15.69

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Rhode Island - $14.00

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Vermont - $13.67

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Maine - $14.15

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New Hampshire - $7.25

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Overtime In NH

In New Hampshire, employees working more than 40 hours a week are guaranteed time and a half for all hours worked. There are some exemptions here, including seasonal employees who work fewer than six months a year.

Massachusetts has the third highest minimum wage in the U.S. behind only Connecticut, California, and Washington.

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Gallery Credit: Aubrey Jane McClaine

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