Hiring and intern in MA, what are the rules?

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March 10, 2026

by a searcher in Boston, MA, USA

Is it possible to hire an intern in Massachusetts without pay? I have students interested to get involved, and looking for thoughts from anyone that might have looked into it. Thanks!
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Reply by an intermediary
from Syracuse University in Leominster, MA, USA
My understanding is that it is possible only if it is part of their academic program and they are getting academic credit for the job. see here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/volunteers-and-interns
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Reply by an investor
from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, MA, USA
Hey ^redacted‌ thanks for the mention, and apologies on the late reply. In MA there's only two ways to hire an intern. As ^redacted‌ mentioned the only way to get around paying them at least minimum wage is that the internship is part of their educational program and the program is signing off on the work as well for credit. If it's not part of their educational program and you're doing this just as an internship it has to be paid under Federal Wage rules and MA will require it to be at least minimum wage. There's just no way around this and the penalties for violating this are significant and severe.
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