Maryland Minimum Wage and Local Authority Limits

Maryland's minimum wage reached $15.00 per hour in January 2024 for all employers under the Fair Wage Act. The Labor and Employment Article 3-413 governs the wage floor and overtime. Unlike many states, Maryland does not fully preempt local minimum wage ordinances; charter counties may enact higher minimum wages, and Montgomery County, Howard County, and Prince George's have done so. Tipped employees receive a tipped minimum with required employer make-up. Subminimum wages for workers with disabilities have been phased out. The Department of Labor enforces wage and hour rules.

Wage violations entitle workers to back pay, treble damages, and attorney's fees; willful employer violations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per worker.