Maryland Minimum Wage in 2026: $15 an Hour
The minimum wage in Maryland is $15 an hour since January 1, 2024, $7.75 above the federal minimum. Full time that is $31,200 a year before tax.
Maryland minimum wage at a glance
| Minimum wage | $15 an hour |
|---|---|
| In effect since | January 1, 2024 |
| Next change | None announced |
| Tipped cash wage | $3.63 an hour |
| Overtime rate | $22.50 an hour |
| Federal minimum | $7.25 an hour |
Montgomery County ($18.00 for employers with 51 or more employees from July 1, 2026), Howard County ($16.00) and Prince George's County ($15.30) set higher local minimums.
What $15 an hour pays
| A week (40 hours) | $600 |
|---|---|
| A 50-hour week with overtime | $825 |
| A month | $2,600 |
| A year | $31,200 |
| Take-home a year (single) | $26,133 |
Maryland and its neighbors
| State | Minimum wage | Full time, a year |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $15 | $31,200 |
| District of Columbia | $18.40 | $38,272 |
| Delaware | $15 | $31,200 |
| Virginia | $12.77 | $26,562 |
| West Virginia | $8.75 | $18,200 |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25 | $15,080 |
For employers in Maryland
- Pay at least $15 an hour; a higher city or county rate applies where it exists.
- Overtime: time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
- Pay transparency: Each public or internal posting must include the wage range and a general description of benefits and any other compensation offered. Details →
- A full-time hire at $15 an hour costs more than $31,200 once payroll taxes and insurance are added. Employee cost calculator →
Source: labor.maryland.gov, checked October 12, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Minimum wage in other states
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
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Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
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Mississippi
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New Jersey
New Mexico
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Ohio
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Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
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Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Maryland in 2026?
$15 an hour, since January 1, 2024. Montgomery County ($18.00 for employers with 51 or more employees from July 1, 2026), Howard County ($16.00) and Prince George's County ($15.30) set higher local minimums.
How much is the Maryland minimum wage a year?
$31,200 a year for 40 hours a week, 52 weeks: $2,600 a month or $600 a week before tax. After federal and state taxes a single filer takes home about $26,133 a year.
Is the Maryland minimum wage going up?
No increase has been announced yet. Check back after the state publishes next year's rate.
What is overtime pay at minimum wage in Maryland?
$22.50 an hour (time and a half) for hours over 40 in a workweek. A 50-hour week at minimum wage pays $825.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Maryland?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $3.63 an hour if tips bring them up to $15; if not, the employer must pay the difference.
Which neighboring states pay more than Maryland?
District of Columbia ($18.40).
Do cities in Maryland have a higher minimum wage?
Not that we list. If your city or county sets its own minimum wage, the higher rate applies where the work is done.
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