🇺🇸 Maryland Minimum Wage — 2026 UPDATE

Maryland Minimum Wage 2026

⚠️Informational only — not legal or tax advice.

Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Last Reviewed: February 4, 2026
Applicable Period: 2026
Jurisdiction: State of Maryland, United States
Update Schedule: Quarterly reviews in 2026; annual reviews thereafter

Minimum Wage in Maryland 2026

Table of Contents

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Introduction

The minimum wage in Maryland establishes the lowest hourly compensation that employers must legally provide to covered employees. For 2026, Maryland maintains a statewide minimum wage of $15.00 per hour, with three counties—Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George’s—having enacted higher local rates that apply to employers operating within their jurisdictions.

Minimum wage regulations in Maryland operate under Maryland Labor and Employment Code § 3-413 alongside federal requirements established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). When state or local minimum wage rates exceed the federal standard, employers must comply with the higher applicable rate. Maryland permits tip credits, and three local jurisdictions have enacted minimum wage ordinances exceeding the state rate.

This page provides an authoritative overview of Maryland minimum wage law for 2026, including current rates, local wage ordinances, tipped employee provisions, coverage and exemptions, enforcement procedures, and compliance requirements. All information is compiled from official government sources.

Maryland Minimum Wage — 2026 Quick Reference
Category Rate Effective Date Official Source
State minimum wage $15.00/hour January 1, 2024 MD Code § 3-413
Tipped minimum wage $3.63/hour Ongoing MD Code § 3-419
Tip credit allowed Yes (up to $11.37) — Maryland Department of Labor
Next scheduled increase None at state level N/A MD Code § 3-413
Rate adjustment mechanism Fixed — Requires new legislation
Federal minimum wage $7.25/hour July 24, 2009 FLSA
Local minimum wages Yes (3 counties) Varies Local ordinances

Last verified: February 4, 2026 via Maryland Department of Labor website

Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Maryland

Legal Authority

Maryland minimum wage requirements are established under the Maryland Wage and Hour Law, specifically Labor and Employment Code § 3-413. The Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Labor and Industry, Employment Standards Service administers and enforces minimum wage regulations in Maryland. The state minimum wage law was significantly amended in 2019 through the Fair Wage Act, which accelerated the path to $15.00 per hour, with the final increase taking effect January 1, 2024—one year ahead of the original schedule.

Relationship to Federal Law

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum wage establishes a floor of $7.25 per hour for covered employers and employees. Maryland law operates independently of federal minimum wage standards. When both state and federal minimum wage laws apply, employers must pay whichever rate is higher.

Because Maryland’s minimum wage of $15.00 exceeds the federal minimum, most covered employers must comply with the state rate. However, employers covered only by federal law but not state law must pay at least the federal minimum wage.

Coverage Scope

Maryland minimum wage law applies to all employers regardless of size. The law covers governmental units as well as private employers. Specific industries and employee types are exempt under state law, which are detailed in the Coverage and Exemptions section. Employers not subject to state minimum wage requirements but covered by federal law must comply with FLSA standards.

Higher Rate Principle

The principle of “higher prevailing rate” requires employers to pay the highest applicable minimum wage—whether federal, state, or local. In Maryland, this means employers must identify and apply whichever minimum wage rate provides employees the highest hourly compensation. For employers operating in Montgomery, Howard, or Prince George’s Counties, local rates may exceed the state minimum.

Current Minimum Wage Rates in Maryland 2026

Standard Hourly Minimum Wage

As of January 1, 2024, the standard minimum wage in Maryland is $15.00 per hour for all covered employees. This rate applies to employers of all sizes, eliminating the previous distinction between large employers (15 or more employees) and small employers (14 or fewer employees) that existed during the phase-in period from 2019 to 2023.

Maryland’s Fair Wage Act of 2023 accelerated the minimum wage increase schedule, achieving the $15.00 rate one year earlier than originally planned. The legislation unified rates for all employer sizes effective January 1, 2024. No further increases are currently scheduled under state law, and any future changes would require new legislation.

Youth Minimum Wage

Maryland permits employers to pay employees under 18 years of age a reduced rate of 85% of the state minimum wage. For 2026, this youth wage equals $12.75 per hour ($15.00 × 0.85).

This youth wage applies regardless of the employee’s experience or length of employment with the employer. The reduced rate continues until the employee reaches age 18, at which point the full minimum wage applies. Employers must comply with all other applicable labor standards for minor employees, including work hour restrictions and occupational limitations.

Scheduled Increases

No further minimum wage increases are currently scheduled in Maryland at the state level. The minimum wage will remain at $15.00 per hour unless modified by future legislation. The Maryland Wage and Hour Law does not include automatic annual adjustments based on inflation or cost-of-living indices.

However, three Maryland counties—Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George’s—have enacted local minimum wage ordinances with scheduled increases and automatic annual adjustments. Employers operating in these jurisdictions must comply with the higher local rates. See the Local Minimum Wage Ordinances section for details on county-specific rates and increase schedules.

Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees

Tipped Employee Cash Wage

Maryland permits employers to pay tipped employees a reduced cash wage, provided that employee tips combined with the cash wage equal at least the full minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.

Cash wage requirement: $3.63 per hour
Maximum tip credit: $11.37 per hour
Total minimum compensation: $15.00 per hour (cash wage + tips)

The tipped minimum wage of $3.63 per hour has remained unchanged despite the increase in the state standard minimum wage. Employers may take a tip credit of up to $11.37 per hour, but must ensure that the combination of cash wages and tips equals or exceeds $15.00 per hour for all hours worked.

Who Qualifies as a Tipped Employee

Under Maryland law, a “tipped employee” is defined as an employee engaged in an occupation in which the employee customarily and regularly receives more than $30 per month in tips. Qualifying occupations typically include:

  • Restaurant servers and bartenders
  • Hotel service workers and bell staff
  • Parking attendants and valets
  • Delivery drivers who receive tips
  • Hairdressers and salon workers
  • Casino dealers and gaming attendants

Employer Obligations for Tipped Workers

Employers who claim a tip credit must:

  1. Inform employees in writing before the employee begins working in the tipped position that the employer intends to pay the tipped minimum wage
  2. Ensure total compensation (cash wage plus tips) equals or exceeds the full minimum wage of $15.00 for all hours worked
  3. Pay the difference if an employee’s tips fail to bring total compensation to the minimum wage for any workweek
  4. Allow employees to retain all tips received, subject to valid tip pooling arrangements
  5. Provide wage statements showing the effective hourly rate of pay including employer-paid cash wages plus tips for tip credit hours worked for each workweek of the pay period

Restaurant employers who utilize a tip credit are required to provide employees with a written or electronic wage statement for each pay period showing the employee’s effective hourly rate of pay.

Tip Pooling and Sharing

Maryland law permits voluntary tip pooling arrangements among employees who customarily and regularly receive tips. Under valid tip pooling arrangements, tipped employees may share their tips with other eligible employees, typically including servers, bartenders, bussers, and other front-of-house staff.

Prohibited practices:

  • Employers, managers, and supervisors cannot participate in tip pools or retain any portion of employee tips
  • Employers cannot require employees to share tips with back-of-house staff who do not customarily receive tips (though voluntary sharing is permitted)
  • Employers cannot deduct credit card processing fees from employee tips

Employees must retain all tips received unless participating in a valid tip pooling arrangement. Any mandatory tip pool must be distributed only among employees who customarily and regularly receive tips.

Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Maryland

In addition to the state minimum wage, three counties in Maryland have enacted their own minimum wage ordinances that exceed the state rate of $15.00. Employers must comply with the highest applicable rate—federal, state, or local—for the jurisdiction where work is performed.

Maryland County Minimum Wages (2026)
County Employer Size Rate (as of) Next Increase Official Source
Montgomery 51+ employees $17.65 (July 1, 2025) July 1, 2026 (CPI-adjusted) Montgomery County Code § 27-68
Montgomery 11–50 employees $16.00 (July 1, 2025) July 1, 2026 (CPI-adjusted) Montgomery County Code § 27-68
Montgomery ≤10 employees $15.50 (July 1, 2025) July 1, 2026 (CPI-adjusted) Montgomery County Code § 27-68
Howard 15+ employees $16.00 (Jan 1, 2025) $16.00 (July 1, 2026 for small employers) Howard County Council Bill 82-2021
Howard <15 employees $15.00 (Jan 1, 2025) $15.50 (Jan 1, 2026), $16.00 (July 1, 2026) Howard County Council Bill 82-2021
Prince George’s All employers $15.30 (Jan 1, 2026) Jan 1, 2027 (CPI-adjusted) MD DOL

Note: Rates and increase schedules based on official county ordinances and Maryland Department of Labor postings.

Montgomery County Minimum Wage

Montgomery County maintains the highest minimum wage rates in Maryland, with employer-size based tiers and annual inflation adjustments.

2026 Rates (effective July 1, 2025):

  • Large employers (51+ employees): $17.65 per hour
  • Mid-sized employers (11-50 employees): $16.00 per hour
  • Small employers (≤10 employees): $15.50 per hour

Under Montgomery County Code § 27-68, the minimum wage rate adjusts annually on July 1 based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area. Rates increase by the CPI-W percentage, rounded to the nearest five cents, with provisions ensuring a minimum increase of $0.50 for mid-sized and small employers until they reach parity with large employers.

Tipped employees: Montgomery County permits a tip credit. Employers must pay tipped employees at least $4.00 per hour in cash wages. This amount plus tips must equal or exceed the applicable Montgomery County minimum wage rate. Restaurant employers utilizing a tip credit must provide written or electronic wage statements showing the effective hourly rate and must submit quarterly wage reports to the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights.

Exemptions: The following employers are exempt from Montgomery County’s minimum wage:

  • Employers that have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Employers that provide “home health services” or “home or community-based services” and receive at least 75% of gross revenues through state and federal Medicaid programs

Howard County Minimum Wage

Howard County enacted minimum wage increases through Council Bill 82-2021, establishing a schedule to reach $16.00 per hour by 2026, with subsequent annual CPI-based adjustments.

2026 Rates:

  • Large employers (15+ employees): $16.00 per hour (since January 1, 2025)
  • Small employers (<15 employees):
    • $15.00 per hour (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025)
    • $15.50 per hour (January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026)
    • $16.00 per hour (effective July 1, 2026)

Beginning January 1, 2027, Howard County’s minimum wage will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Washington-Baltimore region. The Howard County Council reviews the local minimum wage every four years.

Tipped employees: Howard County permits the same tip credit as Maryland state law. Employers must pay tipped employees at least $3.63 per hour, and the combination of cash wages and tips must equal or exceed the Howard County minimum wage rate.

Exemptions: The following are exempt from Howard County minimum wage requirements:

  • Small employers (14 or fewer employees) as defined under Maryland state law during specified periods
  • Employers with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Employees under age 18
  • Agricultural workers who meet specific criteria
  • Employees at organized camps
  • Employees in work-study programs

Food service facilities of any size must comply with Howard County’s minimum wage requirements.

Prince George’s County Minimum Wage

Prince George’s County enacted minimum wage indexing through County Bill CB-088-2024, which ties the county minimum wage to annual inflation adjustments.

2026 Rate: $15.30 per hour (effective January 1, 2026) for all employers

Prince George’s County’s minimum wage applies uniformly to all employers regardless of size. The rate rose from $15.00 to $15.30 on January 1, 2026, reflecting the Consumer Price Index adjustment. Beginning in 2027, the county minimum wage will adjust annually based on inflation, provided that seasonally adjusted total employment reported by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics does not show negative growth.

Tipped employees: Prince George’s County follows Maryland state law for tipped employees. Employers may pay the tipped minimum wage of $3.63 per hour, provided total compensation including tips reaches the county minimum wage of $15.30 per hour.

How Local Minimum Wages Apply

Location of Work Controls: The applicable minimum wage is determined by where the employee physically performs work, not where the employer’s headquarters or main office is located. An employee working in Montgomery County must be paid Montgomery County’s minimum wage, even if the employer’s principal place of business is outside the county.

Employee Split Between Jurisdictions: When an employee works in multiple jurisdictions during a single workweek, employers must pay the minimum wage rate applicable for each location based on hours worked there. Employers should maintain records documenting where employees work to ensure proper rate application.

Remote Work Considerations: For employees working remotely from home, the minimum wage of the jurisdiction where the employee physically performs work generally applies. A remote worker located in Montgomery County working for a Baltimore-based employer must be paid at least Montgomery County’s minimum wage for hours worked from home.

Enforcement: Local minimum wage ordinances are enforced by:

Violations may result in back pay, liquidated damages, penalties, and other remedies under local and state law.

Additional Local Requirements

Montgomery County imposes additional compliance requirements for employers utilizing tip credits:

  • Quarterly wage reports: Employers must submit quarterly reports to the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights within 30 days after the end of each quarter documenting tipped employee wages
  • Wage statements: Restaurant employers must provide written or electronic wage statements each pay period showing the effective hourly rate including cash wages plus tips

Employers should consult the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights Minimum Wage webpage and review applicable county ordinances to ensure full compliance with all local workplace requirements.

Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt

Employees Covered by Maryland Minimum Wage

Maryland minimum wage law covers virtually all employees working in the state, regardless of employer size. Unless specifically exempted, covered employees include:

  • Private sector workers: Full-time and part-time employees of private businesses
  • Governmental employees: Employees of state and local government entities
  • Salaried non-exempt employees: Employees paid on a salary basis who do not qualify for executive, administrative, or professional exemptions
  • Hourly employees: Workers compensated on an hourly basis
  • Temporary and seasonal workers: Employees in temporary or seasonal positions
  • Minor employees: Workers under age 18 (at 85% of minimum wage)

The law applies to employers of all sizes. Unlike some states that exempt small businesses, Maryland requires all employers—including those with only one employee—to pay at least the minimum wage.

Common Exemptions from Minimum Wage

The following categories of employees may be exempt from Maryland minimum wage requirements:

Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employees

Employees performing bona fide executive, administrative, or professional duties may be exempt if they meet both salary and duties tests. Maryland generally follows federal FLSA standards for these exemptions. Exemptions require that employees be paid on a salary basis and perform specific job duties as defined in applicable regulations.

Outside Sales Employees

Employees whose primary duty is making sales away from the employer’s place of business and who are customarily and regularly engaged away from the employer’s business location are exempt from minimum wage requirements under Maryland Code § 3-403.

Agricultural Workers

Agricultural employees are subject to different minimum wage and overtime standards. Agricultural workers are exempt from standard minimum wage requirements unless they work more than 60 hours per week. When agricultural employees exceed 60 hours of work in a workweek, overtime provisions apply.

Employees of Organized Camps

Employees in non-administrative capacities at organized camps, including resident or day camps, are exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements.

Immediate Family Members

Children, parents, spouses, or other immediate family members of the employer are exempt from minimum wage requirements.

Volunteers

Individuals who provide services gratuitously for educational, charitable, religious, or nonprofit organizations without an employer-employee relationship are not covered by minimum wage law.

Commissioned Employees

Certain employees compensated primarily through commissions may be exempt from minimum wage requirements under specific circumstances defined in Maryland regulations.

Students in Special Education Programs

Employees enrolled as trainees as part of a public school special education program are exempt from minimum wage requirements.

Small Establishment Exemptions

Certain establishments selling food and drink for consumption on the premises with annual gross income of less than $400,000 are exempt from minimum wage requirements. Drive-in theaters are also exempt.

Seasonal Amusement and Recreational Establishments

Amusement and recreational establishments that operate no more than seven months per calendar year or have receipts in any six-month period that do not exceed one-third of receipts for the other six months may pay employees the greater of 85% of Maryland’s minimum wage or $7.25 per hour.

Independent Contractor Classification

Properly classified independent contractors are not employees and therefore not covered by minimum wage requirements. However, Maryland applies strict tests to determine independent contractor status, and misclassification may result in significant penalties, back wages, and other liabilities.

Maryland evaluates multiple factors to determine whether an individual is an employee or independent contractor, focusing on the degree of control exercised by the hiring party and the nature of the working relationship. Employers should consult the Maryland Department of Labor Worker Classification Unit for guidance on proper classification.

Employer Obligations and Enforcement

Employer Compliance Obligations

Employers subject to Maryland minimum wage law must:

  1. Pay the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked, whether state or local rate applies
  2. Maintain accurate payroll records documenting hours worked and wages paid for at least three years
  3. Display required labor law posters informing employees of minimum wage rates and rights
  4. Issue compliant wage statements showing gross wages, deductions, and net pay each pay period
  5. Provide written notice of wage rates to new hires as required under Maryland wage payment law
  6. Pay wages on time at least every two weeks or twice per month (certain exemptions apply to administrative, executive, and professional employees)

Recordkeeping Requirements: Under Maryland Code § 3-423, employers must keep payroll records for three years on or about the place of work, including:

  • Employee names, addresses, and occupations
  • Hours worked each workday and workweek
  • Wage rates and total wages paid each pay period
  • Deductions from wages and reasons for deductions
  • Date of payment and pay period covered

Enforcement of Minimum Wage Law

The Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Labor and Industry, Employment Standards Service enforces minimum wage requirements in Maryland. The agency:

  • Investigates wage complaints filed by employees
  • Conducts routine workplace compliance inspections
  • Issues citations and orders for wage violations
  • Collects unpaid wages and penalties on behalf of employees
  • Takes legal action including civil litigation when appropriate

Filing a Complaint: Employees who believe they have not been paid proper minimum wage may file a complaint with the Maryland Department of Labor Employment Standards Service through:

Maryland law prohibits retaliation against employees who file wage complaints, cooperate with investigations, or assert their rights under minimum wage law. Employees who experience retaliation may file additional complaints and seek remedies through the Department of Labor or civil court action.

Penalties for Minimum Wage Violations

Employers who violate Maryland minimum wage law may be subject to:

Back Wages: Employers must pay employees the difference between wages paid and the required minimum wage for all hours worked. The Maryland Department of Labor may recover unpaid wages going back up to three years from the date of complaint.

Liquidated Damages: Under Maryland Code § 3-427, employees may recover an additional amount equal to three times the unpaid wages as liquidated damages if the violation was willful or resulted from unreasonable neglect.

Civil Penalties: The Commissioner of Labor may assess civil penalties for violations. Employers who fail to pay wages as required may face administrative penalties in addition to back wage liability.

Criminal Penalties: Employers who knowingly and willfully fail to pay the minimum wage required by law may be subject to criminal prosecution. A person who violates Maryland wage and hour law is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to 60 days, or both, for each offense.

Interest and Court Costs: Unpaid wages may accrue interest. Employees who prevail in civil actions may recover court costs and reasonable attorney fees.

License Revocation: The Commissioner of Labor may recommend to appropriate licensing authorities that business licenses be revoked or suspended for serious or repeated violations of wage and hour law.

Maryland Minimum Wage vs Federal Law

The Federal Minimum Wage Floor

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009. This federal rate sets a floor for minimum wage requirements nationwide and applies to employers engaged in interstate commerce or with annual gross sales exceeding $500,000, as well as employees of certain enterprises and institutions regardless of dollar volume.

When State Law Applies

Because Maryland’s minimum wage of $15.00 exceeds the federal minimum, most employees working in Maryland are entitled to the higher state rate. Employers covered by both Maryland minimum wage law and the FLSA must pay the state minimum wage. The federal minimum serves as a fallback only for the limited category of employers covered by federal but not state law.

For employees working in Montgomery, Howard, or Prince George’s Counties, local minimum wage rates ranging from $15.30 to $17.65 exceed both the state and federal minimums. Employers in these jurisdictions must pay the applicable local rate.

Higher Applicable Rate Rule

The fundamental principle governing minimum wage compliance is that employers must pay whichever rate—federal, state, or local—provides employees the highest hourly wage. This rule ensures workers receive maximum protection under applicable law.

Practical Application:

  1. Identify all minimum wage rates that may apply (federal, state, local)
  2. Determine which rates cover the specific employer and employee
  3. Pay the highest applicable rate among those that apply

In Maryland, this typically means comparing the federal minimum of $7.25, the state minimum of $15.00, and any applicable local minimum wage to determine which rate governs. For the vast majority of Maryland employees, the state or local rate will apply.

Minimum Wage Posting Requirements

Maryland law requires employers to display an official minimum wage notice in a conspicuous location accessible to all employees. The poster must include current wage rates, employee rights, and contact information for the Maryland Department of Labor.

Where to obtain posters:

Posting locations: The notice must be posted in each workplace location where employees can readily see it, typically near time clocks, in break rooms, or at other prominent locations accessible to all employees.

Multi-county employers: Employers operating in multiple Maryland counties must post the appropriate county-specific poster at each workplace location. For example, an employer with locations in both Montgomery County and Baltimore County must post the Montgomery County poster at the Montgomery location and the standard Maryland poster at the Baltimore location.

Compliance: Failure to display required posters may result in citations and penalties from the Maryland Department of Labor. Employers must update posters when minimum wage rates change or when new posters are issued by the Department of Labor.

Frequently Asked Questions: Minimum Wage in Maryland 2026

What is the minimum wage in Maryland in 2026?

The minimum wage in Maryland is $15.00 per hour as of January 1, 2024, for all employers regardless of size. Three counties have higher rates: Montgomery County ($15.50-$17.65 depending on employer size), Howard County ($15.00-$16.00), and Prince George’s County ($15.30).

When is the next minimum wage increase in Maryland?

No minimum wage increases are currently scheduled at the state level in Maryland. The state rate will remain $15.00 per hour unless changed by future legislation. However, Montgomery County increases rates annually on July 1, Howard County increases to $15.50 on January 1, 2026 and $16.00 on July 1, 2026 for small employers, and Prince George’s County will increase on January 1, 2027 based on inflation.

Does Maryland allow tip credit?

Yes, Maryland permits employers to pay tipped employees a cash wage of $3.63 per hour, with up to $11.37 in tip credit, provided total compensation reaches $15.00 per hour. Employers must inform employees in writing before paying the tipped wage and must ensure tips plus cash wages equal or exceed the minimum wage for all hours worked.

Are there different minimum wages in different cities in Maryland?

Yes, three counties in Maryland have enacted minimum wages higher than the state rate. Montgomery County rates range from $15.50 to $17.65 depending on employer size, Howard County rates are $15.00 to $16.00, and Prince George’s County’s rate is $15.30. Employers must pay the highest applicable rate for the location where work is performed.

Who is exempt from minimum wage in Maryland?

Common exemptions from Maryland minimum wage include executive, administrative, and professional employees meeting salary and duties tests, outside sales employees, agricultural workers (unless working over 60 hours per week), immediate family members of the employer, employees of organized camps in non-administrative capacities, and certain small food and beverage establishments with gross income below $400,000. Independent contractors properly classified are not covered.

What happens if an employer pays below minimum wage in Maryland?

Employers who pay below minimum wage face back wage liability for unpaid amounts, liquidated damages up to three times the unpaid wages if violations were willful or from unreasonable neglect, civil penalties, potential criminal prosecution resulting in fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to 60 days per offense, and potential business license revocation. Employees can file complaints with the Maryland Department of Labor to recover unpaid wages.

Do small businesses have to pay minimum wage in Maryland?

Yes, all employers in Maryland must pay minimum wage regardless of size. Even businesses with one employee must comply with the $15.00 hourly rate. Maryland eliminated the distinction between large and small employers on January 1, 2024, requiring all employers to pay $15.00 per hour.

Is Maryland’s minimum wage higher than the federal minimum?

Yes, Maryland’s minimum wage of $15.00 is $7.75 higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Employers in Maryland must pay the higher state rate. Local rates in Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George’s Counties are even higher, ranging from $15.30 to $17.65 per hour.

How often does Maryland increase its minimum wage?

Maryland’s state minimum wage is set by legislation and does not automatically adjust. The rate reached $15.00 on January 1, 2024, and no further increases are scheduled. Changes require new laws enacted by the Maryland General Assembly. However, Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George’s Counties have enacted automatic annual adjustments based on inflation indices.

Can employers pay less than minimum wage during training?

No, Maryland does not authorize a training wage for adult employees. Employers must pay at least $15.00 per hour from the first hour of employment for employees age 18 and older. Employees under 18 may be paid 85% of the minimum wage ($12.75 per hour), but this is based on age, not training status.

How to file a minimum wage complaint in Maryland

Employees who believe they have not received proper minimum wage compensation may file a wage complaint with the Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Labor and Industry, Employment Standards Service. Filing methods include:

The Maryland Department of Labor will investigate the complaint and may recover unpaid wages on behalf of the employee. Maryland law prohibits employer retaliation against workers who file wage complaints or participate in investigations.

Do remote workers in Maryland get the Maryland minimum wage?

Generally, the minimum wage of the jurisdiction where the employee physically performs work applies. Remote workers located in Maryland are typically entitled to Maryland’s minimum wage of $15.00, even if their employer is based in another state. If the remote worker is located in Montgomery, Howard, or Prince George’s County, the applicable local minimum wage may be higher based on the county of the worker’s physical location.

Information Verification Log

All information on this page has been compiled from official government sources and verified for accuracy as of the dates below.

Information Verification Log
Source Last Verified Full URL
Maryland Code § 3-413 (Minimum Wage) February 4, 2026 https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/.../section=3-413
Maryland Code § 3-419 (Tipped Employees) February 4, 2026 https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/.../section=3-419
Maryland Department of Labor – Minimum Wage February 4, 2026 https://www.labor.maryland.gov/labor/wages/wagehrfacts.shtml
Montgomery County Minimum Wage Ordinance February 4, 2026 https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/humanrights/min-wage.html
Howard County Minimum Wage February 4, 2026 https://www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/minimum-wage
Prince George’s County Minimum Wage February 4, 2026 https://www.labor.maryland.gov/labor/wages/wagehrfacts.shtml
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) February 4, 2026 https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa

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Legal Disclaimer: Nature of This Compilation This document is a compilation of publicly available information from official government sources. It is NOT: Legal advice An interpretation of laws or regulations A substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney A comprehensive treatment of all applicable laws Guaranteed to be complete or current