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Minimum Wage in Maryland

Maryland's minimum wage is $15.00 per hour for employers of all sizes, and tipped employees must receive a cash wage of at least $3.63 per hour.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Maryland at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$15.00
Applies to all employers since January 1, 2024; employees under 18 may be paid 85 percent of the state rate.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$3.63
Applies to employees who regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips and keep all their tips.
Next scheduled increase
None scheduled
The statute sets no increase after the $15.00 rate that took effect January 1, 2024.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Maryland

What is the minimum wage in Maryland in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in Maryland: $15.00. Applies to all employers since January 1, 2024; employees under 18 may be paid 85 percent of the state rate.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in Maryland?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in Maryland: $3.63. Applies to employees who regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips and keep all their tips.

When is the next minimum wage increase in Maryland?

Next scheduled increase in Maryland: None scheduled. The statute sets no increase after the $15.00 rate that took effect January 1, 2024.

Where do the Maryland minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. 3-413 and Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. 3-419. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.