Minimum Wage in Maryland
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Maryland's minimum wage is $15.00 per hour statewide, with scheduled increases through 2026.
How Maryland treats Minimum Wage
Maryland has set a state minimum wage of $15.00 per hour, with plans for further increases in future years as part of a phased implementation. The state does not permit a tip credit, meaning employers must pay all employees, including tipped workers, at least the full minimum wage before gratuities. Maryland's approach prioritizes a higher wage floor across all industries and regions within the state.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.