Minimum Wage in Maryland (MD)
The minimum wage in Maryland is $15.00 per hour , effective January 1, 2024. This is $7.75 (106.9%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $3.63 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $3.63/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. Some cities in Maryland have higher local minimum wages, with Montgomery County at $17.15/hr. Maryland reached $15.00/hr in 2024. Tip credit of $11.37/hr.
Minimum Wage by City in Maryland
Some cities in Maryland have enacted local minimum wage ordinances above the state rate. The table below shows minimum wages for 6 cities, sorted by rate. Workers should check whether their city has a local rate, as the highest applicable rate always applies.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County Local Rate | $17.15/hr | $35,672 | +$2.15 | +$9.90 |
| Prince George's County Local Rate | $17.15/hr | $35,672 | +$2.15 | +$9.90 |
| Howard County Local Rate | $16.00/hr | $33,280 | +$1.00 | +$8.75 |
| Baltimore | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
| Annapolis | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
| Frederick | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
How Maryland Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Maryland with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Maryland stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland (MD) | $15.00/hr | $3.63/hr | $31,200 |
| Delaware (DE) | $15.00/hr | $2.23/hr | $31,200 |
| Illinois (IL) | $15.00/hr | $9.00/hr | $31,200 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $15.00/hr | $6.75/hr | $31,200 |
| Rhode Island (RI) | $15.00/hr | $3.89/hr | $31,200 |
| Colorado (CO) | $14.81/hr | $11.79/hr | $30,805 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in Maryland in 2026?
The minimum wage in Maryland is $15.00 per hour as of January 1, 2024. This is $7.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $31,200 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Maryland?
The tipped minimum wage in Maryland is $3.63 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $11.37/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $3.63/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $15.00/hr.
Do any cities in Maryland have a higher minimum wage?
Yes. 3 cities have local minimum wage above the state rate. The highest is Montgomery County at $17.15/hr. When a city has a higher rate, employers must pay whichever rate is highest.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in Maryland?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Maryland (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $31,200 per year before taxes. In Montgomery County, that figure rises to $35,672 per year. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in Maryland, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.