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What is the minimum wage in Maryland?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Maryland minimum wage is governed by the Maryland Wage and Hour Law, Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. §§ 3-401 to 3-431.

1. Current Rate

  • $15.00/hour for ALL employers since January 1, 2024 — accelerated from the original schedule by the Fair Wage Act of 2023 (Acts 2023, ch. 2).
  • Originally scheduled to reach $15 in 2025 (large) and 2026 (small), the Fair Wage Act eliminated the small-employer tier and brought everyone to $15 a year early.
  • No automatic CPI indexing — future increases require legislative action.

    • 2. Tipped Workers

    Cash wage of $3.63/hour (Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-419). Tip credit up to $11.37 to reach $15. Employer must make up shortfall. Maryland tip pooling rules permit pooling among customarily-tipped employees only.

    3. Local Minimum Wages (2025)

  • Montgomery County: $17.15 (large employers, 51+); $15.50 (mid-size, 11-50); $15.00 (small, 10 or fewer). Effective July 1, 2024 — annual CPI adjustments.
  • Howard County: $16.00 (large, 15+ employees); $14.00 (small) — effective Jan. 1, 2024, with phase-up.
  • Prince George's County: Follows state $15.

    • Where local rate is higher, local applies.

    4. Overtime (Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-415)

  • 1.5x after 40 hours/week.
  • No daily overtime.
  • Some industry exceptions (e.g., bowling alleys, residential care institutions have different OT thresholds).

    • 5. Salary Threshold

    Maryland uses the federal $684/week threshold for executive/administrative/professional exemptions.

    6. Exemptions (§ 3-403)

  • Executive, administrative, professional employees.
  • Outside salespersons.
  • Drive-in theater employees.
  • Bowling establishments (modified OT).
  • Certain agricultural workers.
  • Restaurant employees of small establishments under $400,000 annual gross.
  • Family members of the employer.

    • 7. Enforcement

    Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Labor and Industry, Employment Standards Service. Private right of action under § 3-427:

  • Treble damages for willful violations (Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law, Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-507.2).
  • Attorney's fees.
  • 3-year statute of limitations.

    • 8. Wage Payment & Collection Law

    Separately from minimum wage, Maryland's Wage Payment and Collection Law (Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-501 et seq.) requires:

  • Payment of all wages on regular paydays.
  • Final wages by next regular payday.
  • Treble damages and attorney's fees for willful nonpayment.

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your Montgomery or Howard County employer pays only state minimum
    • Your final paycheck was withheld in willful violation
    • Your tipped cash wage + tips don't reach $15
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-413
    • Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-415
    • Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-419
    • Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-427
    • Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-507.2

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.