MIT study finds Massachusetts wages lagging severely behind cost of living
BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Cost of living is leaving the minimum wage in the dust in Massachusetts.
According to a study by MIT, the hourly wage needed to cover cost of living in the Bay State increased by more than $6 in 2023.
MIT’s Living Wage Calculator showed that a single adult in Massachusetts needs to bring in $27.89 an hour just to support themselves.
This is up from $21.35 an hour in 2023.
A full-time working couple with one child needs to earn $28.38 an hour each just to cover basic expenses.
This figure is up from $24.72 an hour in 2023.
The numbers just continue to climb for larger families and single parents.
“The cost of living has increased, and the minimum wage needs to too,” said Joseph Travers, a skycap at Logan Airport who earns $17 per hour. “A raise would help people across Massachusetts keep up with our bills and support our families.
