Maryland Minimum Wage 2026: $15.00/hr

Maryland workers must be paid at least $15.00 an hour, $7.75 above the federal $7.25 minimum.

Data updated September 26, 2026

Key facts for Maryland

Minimum wage: $15.00/hr
In effect since: January 1, 2024
Tipped cash wage: $3.63/hr
Compared with federal: +$7.75 vs the federal $7.25
Overtime: 1.5x after 40 hrs/week

Source

Rule: Maryland minimum wage law
Published by: labor.maryland.gov
Last updated: September 26, 2026

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The short answer

Maryland's minimum wage is $15.00/hr in 2026, $7.75 above the federal $7.25 minimum , ranked #15 of 51 US jurisdictions. The tipped cash wage is $3.63/hr.

How the Maryland minimum wage works

In Maryland, the minimum wage is $15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2024. Maryland sets its own minimum wage, and a tip credit is allowed: the tipped cash wage is $3.63 per hour, with tips expected to bring total pay to at least the full minimum wage. Overtime is paid at 1.5× the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek. This reflects a state overtime law.

Maryland reached $15.00 for all employers on January 1, 2024. Tipped minimum cash wage is $3.63/hr. Workers under 18 may be paid 85% of the state rate. Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties have their own minimum wage laws. Montgomery County rates from July 1, 2026: $18.00/hr (51+ employees), $16.50/hr (11 to 50), $15.95/hr (10 or fewer).

How Maryland compares

State rate: $15.00/hr
Federal minimum: $7.25/hr
Difference: +$7.75 (+106.9%)
National rank: #15 of 51

Ranked by 2026 effective minimum wage across all 51 U.S. states and jurisdictions. Federal comparison source: U.S. Department of Labor.

Maryland overtime rules

Weekly overtime threshold: 40 hours (1.5x)
Governing law: State overtime law

Maryland requires overtime at 1.5x for hours over 40 per week for most employees. Bowling alley and certain non-hospital residential care employees get overtime after 48 hours, and covered agricultural workers after 60 hours, though federal law may still require overtime after 40.

Sources for this page

Maryland minimum wage — state labor department labor.maryland.gov
U.S. Department of Labor dol.gov

Minimum Wage · 5 min read Minimum Wage 2026: Federal Rate, All 50 States, and Your RightsThe federal minimum wage remains $7.25, unchanged since 2009. Check your state's 2026 minimum wage rate and find out what to do if you're being underpaid.